Residents, tourism operators, business owners and potential investors are being invited to have their say and be part of the future of tourism on Magnetic Island as consultation begins for the 2030 Magnetic Island Tourism Masterplan.
The State Government funded Master Plan is being managed by Townsville Enterprise who have appointed award winning sustainable tourism experts TRC Tourism and Magnetic Island-based Saari Consulting to undertake community engagement and support delivery of the project.
The project is being overseen by a dedicated steering committee inclusive of representatives from all key community groups on the island and consultation is currently being planned and undertaken across key stakeholders, community, traditional owners, tourism operators and potential investors.
The 2030 Tourism Masterplan for Magnetic Island will not only establish a vision for the island’s visitor economy, but it will also identify the regulatory and infrastructure constraints for sustainable development on the island and determine the right type of investment that aligns with all stakeholders’ expectations and the Islands growth capacity.
Townsville Enterprise Director of Visitor Economy and Marketing, Lisa Woolfe said that the unprecedented interest and rise in demand for holidays on Magnetic Island has led to a consensus from all levels of Government, the Magnetic Island community, and the tourism industry, that this Tourism Master Plan is necessary.
“Magnetic Island is the jewel in the North Queensland’s tourism crown, generating over $300 million for the local economy each year, and supporting more than 25% of our region’s tourism jobs,” Ms Woolfe said.
“The development of this Tourism Master Plan will ensure that our Island paradise can leverage the full potential of the visitor economy, while retaining the natural, cultural and environmental values which are so important to the fabric of the community and the island’s appeal
“Everyone in the region knows how special Magnetic Island is, and we need to make sure that future investment and tourism development can be done in an environmentally considered way that meets the needs and vision of the community.”
TRC Tourism Senior Associate Penny Spoelder said that they were looking forward to bringing their global expertise in sustainable tourism planning and matching it to the strong local capability in Saari Consulting.
“This is a project which is going to be community led and we’re looking forward to delivering a rigorous community engagement process,” Ms Spoelder said.
“We are going to involve all key stakeholders, Traditional Owners, tourism operators and the local community, so they have the opportunity to provide their say and help guide the direction of tourism and experience development on Magnetic Island.”
Community engagement commences from the 26 March to 1 April 2022. To register interest, find out more about the project or sign up for project updates, visit www.magneticislandtourismplan.com.au