Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, is calling on locals, tourism operators, and community groups to have their say in shaping the future of Eungella and the Pioneer Valley. The newly formed Destination 2045 Strategic Advisory Committee aims to harness the region’s tourism potential and develop a long-term vision that benefits both residents and visitors.
Mr Kelly said the Christmas season is the perfect time for residents and visitors alike to reflect on the opportunities that could elevate Eungella and the Pioneer Valley into a world-class tourism destination.
“Right now, families from across Queensland are visiting Eungella, Finch Hatton Gorge and the upper Pioneer Valley. As people explore these incredible natural landscapes over Christmas, I’m asking them to imagine what’s possible,” Mr Kelly said.
“Better trails, improved visitor facilities, new accommodation options, guided experiences, heritage storytelling, nature-based adventure tourism, the potential is endless. This is our opportunity to bring these ideas together and create a clear plan for the future.”
The Strategic Advisory Committee will bring together local tourism operators, environmental groups, business owners, community leaders, and residents to develop a long-term vision and identify priority projects to support growth under the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 strategy.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) process has now opened for community members wanting to participate.
“The best ideas always come from locals, the people who live, work, and build businesses in this region,” Mr Kelly said.
Mr Kelly said the success of any long-term tourism vision will depend on local operators and businesses.
“Tourism operators and small businesses are the people who will drive a lasting legacy in Eungella and the Pioneer Valley. Government can support and enable initiatives, but it’s the boots on the ground, the guides, the café owners, the accommodation providers, the adventure tour operators, who bring a destination to life. We need them at the table.”
The committee’s first meeting will be held in Eungella in early 2026, where participants will begin mapping out investment opportunities, infrastructure needs, and policies to enhance the visitor experience.
“This region is one of Queensland’s most spectacular natural assets. With the right planning, it can become a leading ecotourism destination,” he said.
“Let’s use the Christmas season to spark those conversations, while people are up on the Range spotting platypus, hiking our rainforest trails, or enjoying time with family in the Pioneer Valley.”
Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP is calling on locals to help shape the future of tourism in Eungella and the Pioneer Valley through the new Destination 2045 committee. Photos supplied
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