Tourism Inquiry returns to North Queensland

PALIAMENT’s Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia will return to North Queensland on Monday 3 July, Tuesday 4 July, Wednesday 5 July, and Thursday 6 July 2017 to hold public hearings at Port Douglas, Cairns, Townsville, and Brisbane as part of its inquiry into Opportunities and Methods for Stimulating the Tourism Industry in Northern Australia.

While the Great Barrier Reef is the most well-known tourist drawcard on the Queensland coast, the region offers a wealth of other tourist experiences. The Committee will receive evidence from a range of tourism operators, covering ecotourism, adventure tourism, scenic railways, and cableways in the North and Far North Queensland regions.

The Committee Chair, Warren Entsch said: “Broadening tourist experiences increases the strength of the local tourist market by encouraging visitors to stay longer in the area, and also attracts a broader range of tourists not just those wishing to visit the Great Barrier Reef.”

The Committee will also receive evidence from groups supporting major highway developments and other tourism gateways, including airport and seaport operators.

“Improved access through the tourism gateways of major roads, airports, and seaports is important to boost tourist numbers and improve ease of movement between tourist attractions,” Mr Entsch said.

The proceedings will be broadcast live (audio only) at aph.gov.au/live.  

The hearing program and further information about the Committee’s inquiry, including submissions and the terms of reference, is available on the Committee’s website: www.aph.gov.au/jscna.

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. 

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