On World Tourism Day (Friday 27 September) and in the lead up to the State Election, Townsville Enterprise is urging all sides of politics to commit to investing in groundbreaking tourism developments that will elevate the region’s profile through innovative eco, cultural, and reef experiences. These strategic investments are outlined in Townsville Enterprise’s State Election Advocacy document, Unlock the North, which identifies five key projects that have the potential to reshape the region’s tourism landscape:
- North Australia Arts and Entertainment Arena – A $360 million investment to create a cutting-edge, multi-purpose facility that expands the Stadium precinct. This venue that will provide a world-class indoor space for sports, cultural and entertainment events.
- Magnetic Island Koala Hospital – A $4.5 million proposal to establish a dedicated, visitor-facing koala hospital on Magnetic Island. This facility will support sick and injured wildlife while offering locals and visitors a regenerative eco-tourism experience.
- Palm Island Tourism Masterplan – A $7 million initiative to unlock Palm Island's tourism potential by developing a unique Indigenous-led Great Barrier Reef island experience. Infrastructure will include walking trails, glamping sites, and marine facilities.
- Museum of Tropical Queensland Upgrades – A $41.5 million plan to enhance the Museum of Tropical Queensland, with expanded exhibits focused on First Nations stories and collections, transforming it into a premier cultural and educational experience.
- Paluma to Wallaman Trail – A $46.9 million (over multi-years) initiative to create one of Australia's first Indigenous-led, multi-day hiking trail. This 127-kilometre trail will connect the Paluma Rainforest and Wallaman Falls, featuring eco-accommodation and camping opportunities.
Tourism is already one of the region’s economic pillars, ranked as the 5th largest employer, supporting almost 9,000 local jobs and contributing over $1.2 billion annually to the local economy. Recent data released on Wednesday underscores this growth, revealing a surge in visitation and overnight visitor spending. Notably, Townsville North Queensland has defied state-wide trends by recording a record number of interstate visitors - a 38% increase in visitation from the previous year.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith stated that the region’s tourism industry is performing well but emphasised that further investment in eco-tourism and cultural experiences will be pivotal for future growth.
“As the largest city in Northern Australia, nestled between two major tourism destinations, our visitor economy is often overshadowed. However, it remains a critical employer and enhances the liveability and attractiveness of Townsville North Queensland as a place to live and invest,” said Ms. Brumme-Smith.
“We have already witnessed the transformative power of new developments like the Museum of Underwater Art, which has positioned us as a global dive destination, and our stadium, which has drawn international events and multi-million-dollar economic injections. Investments in venues like The Ville Resort-Casino and Ardo have raised our profile, attracting luxury tourism and new audiences to the region.”
“Looking ahead, authentic eco-tourism and cultural projects like the Paluma to Wallaman Trail, a visitor-facing Koala Hospital on Magnetic Island, and a state-of-the-art indoor Arts and Entertainment Arena will drive our next phase of tourism growth.”
Ecotourism certified Local Tourism Operator Darren Spearman, General Manager of SeaLink North Queensland, emphasized the importance of aligning with global trends towards sustainable and experience-based tourism.
“Tourism is evolving, and visitors are increasingly seeking out immersive and eco-friendly experiences. Projects like walking trails and glamping on Palm Island and the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital will not only attract new visitors but also place Townsville North Queensland at the forefront of sustainable tourism in Australia,” said Mr. Spearman.
“Investments in these initiatives are investments in the long-term sustainability of our local economy, creating new opportunities for businesses, jobs, and future generations.”
Townsville Enterprise is calling on all sides of politics to make commitments in these critical tourism projects in the lead up to the State Election on 26 October.
