Magnetic Island Tourism Masterplan

About the Project

Following an island wide community survey undertaken in 2020, it was widely acknowledged that Magnetic Island needed a strategic masterplan to support and manage tourism growth. It was also clear that the Magnetic Island community aspired to become a world leader in offering a sustainable island visitor experience, and that residents of Magnetic Island are supportive of tourism development, provided it is undertaken in the right way.

Current and forecast tourism growth needs to be managed in a sustainable and environmentally considered way on Magnetic Island. There has been significant investment in recent years into walking trails and roads on Magnetic Island. This 2030 Tourism Masterplan is set to take the next step for the regions tourism and be the blueprint for future proofing Magnetic Island’s visitor experience. This is a project about leveraging the full visitor potential of Magnetic Island whilst still retaining the natural, cultural and environmental values which are so important to the fabric of the community. 

The Magnetic Island 2030 Tourism Masterplan has been funded by the Queensland Government and will be managed by Townsville Enterprise with the oversight of an established steering committee. Throughout the development of the Masterplan, Townsville City Council will use this process to also help inform, direct, and provide input into planning scheme updates, which will be occurring concurrently with this planning process.

An online portal with a series of targeted questions we are seeking further input on is available here or comments and submissions can be emailed directly to: mitourismplan@trctourism.com. Submissions are due 5 August 2022.

The Steering Committee

The Magnetic Island Tourism Masterplan Steering Committee currently includes representatives of the following organisations:

• Townsville Enterprise
• Queensland Government – Department of Tourism
• Townsville City Council
• Tourism Magnetic Island
• Magnetic Island Community Development Association
• Magnetic Island Residents & Ratepayers Association
• Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS)
• Magnetic Island Nature Care Association
• Wulgurukaba Traditional Owner Representation

Progress Update

Between 27-30 May, the second round of community consultations were held for the Magnetic Island Tourism Master Plan. Download the Presentation
 
Project consultants from TRC Tourism met with the Magnetic Island Tourism Master Plan Steering Committee, and also held four workshops with the community – three on Magnetic Island, and one online session delivered from the Townsville Enterprise office. The workshops centred on reflecting back on what the community told us during the first round of consultations conducted in March and also provided a summary of the proposed strategic direction for the Magnetic Island Tourism Master Plan. The workshops provided insights for the community into:
 

• The strategic context for tourism on Magnetic Island, including an overview of changing visitor expectations and key trends, and an analysis of tourism supply and demand within the destination
• An overview of the feedback received during the first round of community consultations from the perspective of local residents and businesses, key stakeholders, investors and Traditional Owners
• A summary of the critical considerations related to tourism products and experiences, destination brand and positioning, infrastructure and amenity, resourcing and collaboration
• The draft ambition statement for tourism on Magnetic Island
• The five thematic pillars which outline the strategic direction to deliver on the ambition and suggested priority projects under each pillar
• The potential ‘game changers’ for the future of tourism on Magnetic Island

 
The workshops were attended by more than 80 people representing diverse community interests.  We welcome and encourage your feedback on the strategic directions and any further ideas and aspirations you have for the future of tourism on Magnetic Island.