WITH North Stradbroke Island attracting the likes of Hollywood celebrity Matt Damon, Opposition tourism spokesman David Crisafulli says there is little doubt the island has a lot to offer.
Visiting Straddie with Oodgeroo MP Mark Robinson on Monday, Mr Crisafulli bumped into the actor on Cylinder Beach.
Mr Crisafulli said there was value for Redlands in Mr Damon enjoying a family holiday in south-east Queensland.
“Don’t underestimate what that’s worth to tourism in Queensland,” he said.
“He was genuine in his adoration for Queensland. He spoke about how much they had enjoyed it as a family holiday.
“It was great to talk with him about what Queensland Tourism has to offer and how the local and international film industry is critical to our economy,” Mr Crisafulli said.
Mr Robinson said he asked the actor whether there was another Bourne movie in the making and suggested Queensland as a location.
“He had a big smile, a laugh but like every good actor he didn’t close the door on it,” Mr Robinson said.
Mr Crisafulli said there were environmental and Indigenous tourism opportunities on the island, particularly as sand mining came to an end.
“I am always focused on how we can make the best of any situation and passionate about finding new opportunities for us in tourism.
“I think environmental and Indigenous tourism are massive opportunities for Queensland and I don’t think we’ve done them well enough yet.
“I think Redlands has got something great to offer in both of those areas.”
The politicians met artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins and business owners at Dunwich, Amity and Point Lookout.
Mr Crisafulli said Ms Cockatoo-Collins was inspiring and had a great story to tell.
“On the back of the platform the Commonwealth Games has given her, I think she can take her offering to the next level.
“Her success can become infectious and it can become the island’s success.”
Mr Robinson said Ms Cockatoo-Collins was a local champion who had achieved on a world stage.
“It just shows what a dream and a vision can do.”
Mr Robinson said the island’s strengths needed to be built-on post-mining and small businesses needed support during the process.
He said being Small Business Week they had used the opportunity to hear first-hand from businesses about their aspirations for the future of Straddie.
“Tourism needs to grow to plug the economic and jobs gap left by the state government shutting down mining early,” Mr Robinson said.
“Almost every person I speak to on the island believes this is a critical time for their local economy.”
Mr Robinson said he supported the installation of an artificial reef off Point Lookout by the end of the year.