Magnetic Island Masterplan looking for local insights as consultation gets underway.

Residents, tourism operators, business owners and potential investors are being invited to register their interest in participating in the development of the Magnetic Island Tourism Masterplan.

The State Government funded Master Plan is being managed by Townsville Enterprise who have appointed TRC Tourism and Magnetic Island-based Saari Consulting to undertake community engagement and support delivery of the project.

Townsville Enterprise Director of Visitor Economy and Marketing, Lisa Woolfe said that the unprecedented interest and rise in demand for access to Magnetic Island has led to a consensus from all levels of Government, the Magnetic Island community, and the tourism industry, that a Tourism Master Plan is necessary. 

“Magnetic Island is the jewel in the North Queensland’s tourism crown, generating over $300 million for the local economy each year, and supporting more than 25% of our region’s tourism jobs,” Ms Woolfe said.  

“The development of the Master Plan will ensure that the Island can leverage the full potential of the visitor economy, while retaining the natural, cultural and environmental values which are so important to the fabric of the community on the island.”

“Everyone in the region knows how special Maggie is, and we need to make sure that future investment and experience development can happen in conjunction with the needs of the Island community.”

TRC Tourism Senior Associate Penny Spoelder said that they were looking forward to bringing their global expertise in sustainable tourism planning and matching it to the strong local capability in Saari Consulting.

“This is a project which is going to be community led and we’re looking forward to delivering a rigorous community engagement process,” Ms Spoelder said.

“We are going to involve all key stakeholders, Traditional Owners, tourism operators and the local community, so they have the opportunity to provide their say and help guide the direction of tourism and experience development on Magnetic Island.”

To register interest, find out more about the project or sign up for project updates, visit magneticislandtourismplan.com.au