Whitsunday islands to receive $1 million each to boost accessibility

Three of Queensland’s spectacular Whitsunday Islands will receive up to $1 million each to deliver infrastructure to improve visitor access.

As part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Infrastructure Package, Hook Island, Long Island and Keswick Island will each be supported to develop infrastructure to connect visitors and residents exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

The islands are expected to deliver new and upgraded jetties and pontoons making them even more accessible.

Hook Island Eco Lodge CEO Glenn Piper said the Whitsundays was one of Australia’s most significant and alluring tourist destinations.

“Following Cyclone's Ita and Debbie much of the region is no longer easily accessible as it once was and Government support such as this is vital for re-establishing access to many of the region's most iconic tourism assets for both locals and tourists,” he said.

“We are very pleased to receive government support to assist in the restoration of Hook Island.”

Mr Piper said the package was invaluable and would ensure public access now and into the future.

Long Island Oscar’s Group CEO Damien Cameron said the infrastructure package was vital to creating unique experiences for visitors to the area and fostering quality growth in the Whitsundays Tourism market.

He said the construction of the Long Island Jetty was a pivotal component for access to Long Island National Park and the resort which “will be a key driver of visitation to Long Island.”

“Infrastructure support is essential in the tourism sector, especially for developing the resort master plan and enhancing amenities in national parks,” Mr Cameron said.

“Input from various stakeholders is key, and the Department of Tourism's support ensures a collaborative effort that benefits both visitors and locals of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.”

“Operating an island requires attention to numerous critical infrastructure elements, such as access, power, water, and waste management, which are fundamental to its functionality and the Department's support improves island accessibility, crucial for the effective design and implementation of the Long Island Masterplan.”

The $3 million package is part of the Tourism Activation Fund which aligns with Queensland’s visionary Towards Tourism 2032 strategy to build a $44 billion-a-year Queensland visitor economy by the Brisbane 2032 Games

The new funding is expected to support annual overnight visitor expenditure to the three islands of up to $3.8 million and an additional 18,000 visitors annually once the islands have completed upgrades and redevelopment to infrastructure.

The Marine Infrastructure Package supports the important role access and connectivity plays in developing tourism experiences and facilitating new investment in the state’s tourism industry.

The funding targets Great Barrier Reef Islands with a national park and existing or planned tourism development.

Aims of the Package include activating island-based tourism, facilitating investment into Great Barrier Reef islands and improving access for island residents and workers.

Overseas research suggests that the world ecotourism market is growing by almost 13 percent a year and is on track to hit $656 billion US dollar annually by 2032.

Photo: Courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland