MINUTE WITH THE MAYOR Ramon Jayo

The Queensland State Government, through the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation has announced its intention to develop a new 20-year Tourism Strategy for Queensland that reflects the voices of our vibrant industry and diverse communities.
The Strategy proposes to identify and leverage growth opportunities for the next two decades, such as unlocking the potential of ecotourism responsibly and sustainably. A draft discussion paper is open for comment by the community so if you are interested, more information can be found at: https://www.desi.qld.gov.au/tourism/tourism-development/tourism-strategy/consultation. 
We know that here in Hinchinbrook, we have an abundance of natural beauty and attractions equal to anywhere else and if properly developed and resourced, would provide not only our district, but Queensland with an abundance of product as sought.
Unfortunately, developing such product has not been easy in the past. Restraints include significant red tape and overzealous Government approval processes that would guarantee any proponent would be fully occupied for at least five years full time in progressing an application.  I am talking about State restraints such as no commercial activity within National Parks being permitted; lack of legal access for the public to attractions; and inability to secure tenure for security on certain State-owned lands to name a few.
We are well aware that a significant portion of our attractions are within National Parks or similar restrictive tenure, and we are well aware of our duty of care to develop responsibly and sustainably.  But unfortunately, we have not in the past been afforded the opportunity to sit down with all relevant parties, including government and traditional owners, to actually discuss what sustainable and responsible development would look like as a first step towards facilitating an attraction.
The other issue that has been problematic is finding people and businesses to develop and deliver the products once identified. This is of course due to resourcing and in particular, appetite for risk to invest in new ventures, particularly tourist-based ventures. I feel that some form of repayable start up assistance could be made available to make progressing the venture easier.
Council will be making a submission to the Department along these lines and hopefully we will be given the opportunity to present our case on the matters to facilitate such eco tourism opportunities.
Matters Council has on the books to progress when circumstances allow include:
1. Historical tours of old Gairloch Bridge and old brick workmanship once re-established;
2. Cemetery tours;
3. Mt Fox crater looping around Paluma Dam referencing “Island to Outback drive journeys”;
4. Fresh Water bommie viewing and fishing in the Herbert River.
5. Wallaman Falls opportunities;
6.   Development of Great Walk trails for mountain biking and walks;
7. Agri tourism/farm stays;
8. Virtual walks of Mill and Port activities (suitable for cruise ships);
9. Tyto Wetlands international bird watching (suitable for cruise ships); and
10. Re opening of Pelorus Island as a camping ground.
There will be many other ideas held by the community and I invite you to send your thoughts to Council at your earliest opportunity.
Developing tourism product to enhance our economic activity is a priority of Council and I intend re establishing the Local Tourism Committee to guide Council operations in that area. Expressions of interest to sit on the public committee will be called early in the new year and I am hoping to secure interest from a wide range of industry and potential service providers to drive this initiative into the future. If you wish to know more, please ring me at your convenience.
Until next week.