While the recently released state budget is clearly jobs-focused, there are a number of allocations that will have a positive impact on the outdoors for both Queenslanders and visitors alike.

Increased spending on National Parks, transport infrastructure and upskilling will see development in regional areas with increased jobs and tourism growth. Although National Parks are clearly strong drawcards for tourism they are also wonderful assets for the people of Queensland as well.

Budget areas of focus with positive impacts on the outdoor sector include:

Revitalising National Parks
$35M over two years to enhance critical infrastructure including nature-based tourism opportunities and management of the State’s national parks.

Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers
$8.1M commited over four years to expand the Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers Program from 75 to 100 positions, supporting ecotourism.

Queensland Reef Water Quality Program
$88.5M committed to the Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Program totalling $175 million over five years from 2017-18.

Ban on Plastic Bags
$2.5M allocated to implement the container refund scheme and plastic bag ban from 1 July 2018.

Regional Skill Adjustment Strategy
$10M over two years to support unemployed individuals to develop employability skills for jobs in demand, job pathway planning and to provide access to training at TAFE Queensland.

Back to Work South East Queensland
$27.5M to expand Back to Work Programs into South East Queensland for employers who take on long-term unemployed or young unemployed jobseekers.

Back to Work Regional Queensland
$50M in 2017-18 to support continuation of regional Back to Work programs.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work
$60M as part of the four year $240M Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.

Daisy Hill Koala Bushland Precinct
$2.3M to improve and upgrade visitor facilities in the Daisy Hill Koala Bushland Precinct in preparation for GC2018. to enhance management of the State’s premier sporting facilities.

Dive Tourism
$8M over three years to prepare and scuttle the ex-HMAS Tobruk in Queensland waters to create a world class dive-site.