TOURISM is tipped to become an emerging industry in the Redlands as sand mining ends on North Stradbroke Island.
Redland City Council mayor Karen Williams has told a tourism summit that the looming end of mining would see tourism play a larger role in the economy.
“The future of tourism has never been more important in supporting our local economy,” she told about 100 tourism operators.
“Tourism has long been touted as the industry to sustain Straddie and the wider Redlands economy and council is committed to working with the tourism industry to ensure the foundations are in place for a strong and sustainable industry,’’ she said.
Cr Williams told tourism operators at the event at Sirromet Winery, Mt Cotton, that they played a vital role in attracting investment to the city.
“As an industry we have all known for some time that the Redlands has plenty to offer visitors and now that message is helping to attract even more people to our city who bring important economic opportunity,” she said.
“Industry events like this are a great way to reinforce our commitment to collaboratively showcase the Redlands as a tourism hotspot, while at the same time ensuring tourism operators have the support they need.”
Cr Williams said that since the Redland City Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2015–2020 was adopted last June considerable progress had been made.
“This includes growing the city’s reputation as an events hot spot and location of choice for filming Hollywood blockbusters with us playing host to big names like Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie,’’ she said.
“In January this year, council increased by $400,000 the incentives available through its Cleveland CBD and tourism accommodation incentive packages.
“With the original stimulus all but expended 18 months ahead of schedule, it shows incentives such as development application fee concessions are working in generating investment opportunities and jobs for Redlanders.
“We have also kicked goals in making the Redlands a location of choice for domestic visitors by launching local (recreational vehicle) dump points.
“These achievements are a combined effort and thanks to the collaboration we are seeing within the industry, which is vital to the growth of the local tourism sector.”
The summit also heard from leaders in tourism and business including Mark Olsen of EarthCheck Consulting, Daniel Gschwind chief executive of Queensland Tourism Industry Council and Samantha Kennedy, the Redlands Economic Development Advisory Board chairman.
Cr Williams said Terry Morris of Chair of Sirromet Winery would be appointed to the Redlands Economic Development Advisory Board.
“Mr Morris has more than 50 years’ experience in Australian commercial life and heads up a company that has created jobs for more than 800 people,” she said.
“He brings a wealth of knowledge to this board across a variety of industries including tourism, biotechnologies and of course hospitality.’’
