Media Releases

New tourism support officer to be appointed to Mackay Whitsunday region

24 May 2011

On the floor of Mackay Regional Parliament today, Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Jan Jarratt announced a Principal Tourism Development Officer would be appointed to the region to help tourism operators through their business recovery phases.

Ms Jarratt said the new position would sit within the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation and work closely with Tourism Queensland, local Regional Tourism Organisations, councils and operators to drive the development of the industry.

"It is critical that we continue to provide as much assistance as possible tour local operators. The Bligh Government stood should-to-shoulder with industry during our summer of sorrow, now we're right behind operators providing support through the phases of recovery," Ms Jarratt said.

"This new position will complement the work already being done by Senior Regional Development Officer David De Pinto-Smith in the Whitsundays.

"David has built strong relationships with industry stakeholders and he is helping to drive tourism in the Whitsundays."

Ms Jarratt said a good number of tourism operators in the region attended a Tourism Recovery Forum in Airlie Beach this morning and a Tourism Capacity Program yesterday morning.

"We have rolled out millions of dollars worth of marketing and advertising initiatives, but it's just as important that we invest in up-skilling workshops to help tourism operators help themselves," Ms Jarratt said.

"Our workshops, programs and training seminars are grassroots initiatives to help operators navigate the stages of recovery, with respect to their individual requirements.

"I will join with about 40 Whitsunday operators in Airlie Beach on Friday to learn how the use of innovative, green technologies can help businesses save money.

"The forum is a practical way of putting the Cleantech strategy into action, by connecting businesses with research and technology experts, and exploring ideas that will help to keep your operations profitable and environmentally responsible."

The forum 'Cleantech in Tourism: Manage your Waste to save $$$' will be held at the Coral Seas Resort, Airlie Beach, 27 May, 8:30am -1:30pm.