Tourism Hub Hits Milestone As Regional Operators Seek Relief From Red Tape

Whitsunday tourism operators have welcomed the Government’s Tourism Support Hub initiative. Photo source: Shutterstock

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Just months after its launch, the Government’s Tourism Support Hub has surpassed 100 enquiries, marking an early milestone in its broader plan to reshape the state’s tourism future.

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Developed under Queensland’s Destination 2045 initiative, the Tourism Support Hub has already drawn strong interest from Regional Tourism Organisations across the state, fielding enquiries spanning business development, agritourism, cultural tourism, national park permits and disaster recovery.

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Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays, Mr Tim Booth, has welcomed the initiative, saying the Tourism Support Hub will make a meaningful difference to how small and regional businesses operate.

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“It can be quite difficult for small businesses to navigate government processes whilst they are busy running their business that they are passionate about and the whole reason they are working in the tourism space,” he said.

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“Any tools and ways that the government can assist small businesses navigate permits or applying for grants to grow their businesses is only going to help and we encourage our businesses to take use of this service to minimise time wastage and maximise their time in their business.”

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Once submitted, each Tourism Support Hub enquiry is paired with a dedicated tourism support officer who offers step-by-step guidance and tailored solutions for more complex issues.  

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Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said support from the State Government to assist tourism operators is always appreciated.

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“The Tourism Hub is a dedicated portal, making it a simple process to contact Government about many issues as well as grant opportunities,” she said.

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Mr Booth said he has seen firsthand that many small businesses across the Whitsunday Shire are seeking greater support navigating permits and grants, typically managed at a State Government level, with approvals for National Parks and Marine Parks consistently posing a major challenge for operators.

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“We know the State Government is continuing to work on this [Permits across National Parks and Marine Parks] and this service is one of the ways they are helping businesses navigate this process,” he said.

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“Having assistance available to maximise businesses across Queensland to be able to apply is beneficial to all regions.”

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Chief Executive Officer of Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Julia Evans, said there’s a strong, ongoing need for support agencies like the Tourism Support Hub in regional areas.

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“Regional businesses often operate with fewer resources while navigating complex regulations, workforce challenges, and higher operating costs,” she said.

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“Support that helps cut through red tape, streamline compliance, and provide access to trusted, high-quality business advice is not just valued — it’s essential. It enables businesses to focus on growth, adapt to changing conditions, and continue contributing to strong, resilient regional economies.”

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Dr Evans said it is clear local businesses are contending with a mix of immediate pressures and long-standing structural challenges, now increasingly amplified. At a practical level, rising fuel costs and reduced aviation access are impacting visitor numbers, freight and the overall cost of doing business.  

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Beyond these immediate pressures, she noted the challenges closely reflect the broader priorities outlined in the Chamber’s Ten Point Plan.

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“Businesses continue to navigate red tape and regulatory complexity, which can slow recovery and limit the ability to adapt quickly in changing conditions and delivering service excellence and maintaining a strong visitor experience is becoming more challenging as cost pressures rise, while collaboration across the business community is more important than ever to share knowledge, build capability, and support the next generation of operators,” she said.

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“In short, the Whitsundays business community is not facing a single issue — they are managing a complex environment where cost pressures, access, workforce, infrastructure, and confidence all intersect. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action across all levels of government, with a clear focus on regional conditions and opportunities.”

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Tourism operators can find more information on the Tourism Support Hub at www.qld.gov.au/tourismsupporthub, or contact the team directly on 07 3101 2002 or via email at tourismsupporthub@detsi.qld.gov.au.

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