Masterplan to steer visitor economy on Magnetic Island (Yunbenun)
After more than 12 months consultation with the Traditional Owners, community, industry, residents, and visitors, the Tourism Masterplan for Magnetic Island (Yunbenun), off Townsville, has been released.
The Masterplan is a blueprint to ensure visitor growth is managed effectively to protect the natural environment and deliver a world-class, best-in-Australia experience that aligns to the values and vision of the community and industry, as well as increase the return from the Island’s visitor economy.
The Masterplan outlines 26 initiatives to support the Island’s vision and sustainable visitor growth, especially important with around three-quarters of the island being national or conservation parks.
Modelling indicates that investment in new products and experiences as outlined in the Masterplan will likely generate almost 100,000 visitors and 295,000 visitor nights over the 10 years from 2022.
The Masterplan has been funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and is managed by Townsville Enterprise Limited (TEL). It is designed to be a living document monitored and delivered through the Magnetic Island Tourism Masterplan Steering Committee.
TEL Director Visitor Economy and Marketing Lisa Woolfe said the steering committee conducted extensive community consultations including online forums, face to face workshops, meetings, newsletters and online submissions.
“We heard many different perspectives about the challenges and opportunities for the Island,” she said.
“There was also overwhelming support to do more to protect the Island’s natural and cultural values.”
Tourism Magnetic Island Chair Deb Barber said the Masterplan has enabled locals, businesses, tourism operators and government to work together.
“We are all passionate about Magnetic Island and this plan will help us to share our island with visitors in the best way possible,” she said.
“Collaborative representation is vitally important in decision making, information sharing and engaging with stakeholders to obtain the best outcome for tourism on Magnetic Island.”
The Masterplan also aligns with the Queensland Government's Towards Tourism 2032 strategy by growing supply of new tourism products, accommodation, and nature-based experiences.