Fraser Island to get a new Eco-Tourism Site
The Queensland Premier announced a new eco-tourism plan today that could see new eco-tourism accommodation being built in seven different locations around the state.
One of the sites identified in the plan is Eurong over on Fraser Island and expressions of interest are being called from private investors to establish semi-permanent accommodation in either tents or huts for tourists who might want to stay in any of the seven locations. Whoever builds the accommodation will lease the land from the State and run the accommodation themselves.
According to government figures tourists who visit the state’s national parks provide around $4.43 billion every year and that accounts for around 28 percent of total tourist spending in Queensland.
November 25th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
History both past and present would suggest Fraser Island is under pressure. Rubbish, lakes polluted, dunes erroded, Dingos dying.
But why worry? This heritage listed island can still turn a dollar, that’s what it’s all about isn’t? The almighty dollar, all hail the dollar.
I know, why doesn’t Anna sell it, not only would it reduce the states debt, but we wouldn’t have any ongoing maintenance costs.
Jonangel
November 28th, 2009 at 9:15 am
I agree with Jon. I visited Fraser in August 2006 and then again exactly 2 years later, (I’m from the UK for anyone reading who is wondering why the gap). I noticed first hand how much the island has changed. The new development t Kingfisher is all very nice but at what cost to the natural heritage? The current Eurong developments have been there a while but the litter around them had certainly got out of control. Lake McKenzie was looking stunning in the sunlight – but the litter in the car park and walkways down to the lakeside was terrible.
Some things are worth more than the dollar and one of them is Australia’s stunning natural heritage of which I think Fraser is right up there with the best in the country indeed the world.
Another development is going to put undue pressure on an already pressured island. There will undoubtably be more pollution and wildlife deaths. Lets not forget as well that the Dingos there are the purest on the continent and truly wild but year after year the excesses of tourism are causing problems from deaths to over familiarity with human kind – this in itself will endanger the dingo as well we all know.
Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying stop the tourism – that would be hypocritical of me. No, what i am saying is lets have some regulation.
I don’t know if Anna reads this site but she ought to. Yes, I may be from another country Anna but I know who you are and you have the power to control this – so are you bold and principled enough to do what is right?
Heed this Anna – this could be your “Mary River Dam”. That ended Beattie’s reign if I am not mistaken, this could end yours!