Local tourist operators gathered at Coral Sea Marina last week to receive the news that, for the second year running, they would not have to pay an environmental charge to the Marine Park Authority.
This nominal fee is usually paid by each tourist who participates in a local tour and varies from business to business.
Jan Claxton from Ocean Rafting said that her company pays between $7 and $8 dollars per passenger.
“A lot of us are having to run discounts to keep staff and vessels running, so this will make a huge difference,” she said.
“We have eight boats and can take up to 230 people per day – when you add it all up over the last 20 years, it’s a couple of million!”
Minister for the Environment Susan Ley MP was joined by LNP candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays Rick Hamilton to make the announcement.
“I am delighted to say that the Treasurer has listened and is picking up the tab!” said Minister Ley.
“The Marine Park Authority will continue to receive the funds but you, the tourism operators, will not have to pay.”
Andrew Willcox said he was thrilled to see a 12-month extension on the funding.
“I have been lobbying for this and I am pleased to see that they have listened and that it’s come through,” he said.
“A lot of tourism operators have been absorbing the costs, so this is a huge help for that.”
Rick Hamilton said that the news is welcomed by the whole industry.
“It’s terrific news for the tourism industry – it’s been a tough few years for us,” he said.
“We are really looking forward to the next year when we will begin welcoming international tourists and cruise ships back to the Whitsundays.”
Minister Ley also announced that $15 million will be spent on improving the local marine environment through helping tourism operators to better monitor the area.
Minister for the Environment Susan Ley MP, LNP candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays Rick Hamilton with tourism operators at Coral Sea Marina last week
Minister Ley making the announcement with CEO of Tourism Whitsundays (left) and LNP Candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox (right)
Minister Ley talking to Jan Claxton from Ocean Rafting
