Funds puts indigenous tourism on new track
A report in the Courier Mail says that a turtle conservation project in Mapoon and the redevelopment of the Pajinka Wilderness Lodge site, north of Bamaga, are key parts of a Queensland state government plan to boost indigenous tourism.
The draft plan for Cape York and Torres Strait tourism, issued yesterday, will see communities, government agencies and the private sector work together to identify new bush, camping and ecotourism opportunities, including in national parks.
Conservationists lauded the move by Premier Peter Beattie to appoint up to 100 indigenous rangers to national parks as part of the plan. Wilderness Society spokesman Lyndon Schneiders said in 2005 there were just 19 national park rangers on all of Cape York. They had the impossible task of trying to manage 1.1 million hectares of land, with spending of just $1.30 a hectare.
“At one million hectares, that’s just such a struggle,” Mr Schneiders said. “This move by Mr Beattie will improve land management across all tenures. It’s a significant boost and includes traditional owners.”
Mr Beattie said the draft plan, which includes a recommendation of two tourism development officers in the region, would help see indigenous tourism thrive.
Tourism Australia managing director Geoff Buckley said indigenous experiences were one of Australia’s main attractions. “In most cases we are further away and more expensive than other destinations,” he told the National Tourism Alliance dinner in Canberra. “So we have to promote an experience which is more valuable.”
The draft recommends the region be developed to include small, low-key projects based on natural and cultural values.
Among the target markets are campers and people wanting to fish, birdwatch or dive, and cruise-ship passengers.
Developing indigenous tourism is part of the State Government’s $48 million, 10-year Queensland Tourism Strategy.
The draft plan will be open for comment for eight weeks.
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
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