Tourism Futures Forum

Gympie Cooloola Tourism – your industry voice

Forum Report

Compiled by Gympie Cooloola Tourism

Hosted by Gympie Cooloola Tourism

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INDEX

Introduction 2

Invitations/ Program 3

Daniel Gschwind 4

Professor Mike Hefferan 5

Rod Hillman 5

Debra Howe 5

Workshop 6

GCT Key Focus Areas 7

Government Investment and Feedback 8

Communication 9

Unity and Collaboration 10

Infrastructure 11

Marketing and Promotion 12

Industry Development 14

Partnerships and Networks 16

Research and Statistics 17

Product Development 18

Strategic Planning 19

Industry Issues 20

Access and Transport 21

Conclusion 22

Forum Outcomes – Appendix 1 23

In October 2013 Gympie Cooloola Tourism hosted the first Tourism Futures Forum for the Gympie Cooloola

Region bringing together high profile Queensland tourism industry identities, tourism businesses, associated

service industries, business investors, government, associations, professionals, leaders, tourism bodies,

universities and more.

The objective of the forum was two-fold. It was to provide clarity on current tourism structures, various

industry body roles, current tourism information, establish tourism networks and recognition of the tourism

industry in this region. Secondly, and importantly, it was to provide a forum to initiate conversations about

tourism matters and encourage a collective industry approach to tourism in Gympie Cooloola. It has

been identified for some time that the local tourism industry would benefit from working together

collectively for the future of the local tourism industry.

These objectives were achieved by bringing three highly esteemed and valuable speakers to the Gympie

Cooloola Region and providing an opportunity for tourism operators, associated businesses and

organisations to meet and workshop identified issues together.

Daniel Gschwind, CEO of Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), Rod Hillman, CEO of Eco Tourism

Australia and Professor Mike Hefferan from the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) addressed the forum

on various topics. Forum facilitator, Debra Howe, who has extensive background in Queensland Tourism

Industry, was the MC and facilitated the workshop sessions. Having such highly acclaimed tourism and

business leaders address the GCT Tourism Futures Forum was a significant benefit to this region’s tourism

industry.

Gympie Cooloola Tourism’s proactive and ongoing involvement with Queensland Tourism Industry

networks and participation in the recent DestinationQ forum allowed us to utilise these networks and bring

valuable industry representatives to the Gympie Cooloola region.

The theme that emerged from the forum was the importance of collaboration to the success of the

tourism industry at all levels; this theme was endorsed by all speakers and workshop feedback and one

that GCT continues to promote.

We trust that this is the first of many ‘conversations’ held by the tourism industry locally and are pleased to

have been a catalyst to highlighting the need for a collaborative approach and bringing industry

representatives together.

Jan Watt

Chairman, Gympie Cooloola Tourism

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SPEAKERS GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM FUTURES FORUM

Daniel Gschwind is the Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Tourism

Industry Council QTIC, which is Queensland’s peak tourism industry body

with members across all regions and tourism sectors. In his role as Chief

Executive Officer, Daniel is the face and voice of QTIC to represent the

Queensland tourism industry at all levels across the sector.

Daniel’s additional responsibilities and representation across the industry include:

Director - National Tourism Alliance

Director - Reef and Rainforest Research Centre

Member - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

Adjunct Professor, School of Tourism at the University of Queensland

Honorary Consul of Switzerland for Queensland, Australia

Vice Patron - Surf Life Saving Queensland

Ambassador - Queensland Museum Foundation

QTIC Representative - Tourism Research Advisory Board

QTIC Representative - Tourism Forecasting Committee

QTIC Representative - Queensland Government’s Skills & Training Taskforce

Daniel holds an honours degree in economics from the University of Queensland and has worked as a senior economist with Queensland Treasury

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is "The Voice of Tourism". QTIC speaks up for the industry's collective interests in all relevant policy areas. In close consultation with members and industry partners, QTIC prepares and presents submissions on behalf of the industry. These submissions cover a broad range of issues such as business regulation, skills development, award modernisation and environmental issues (including marine biodiversity, water management and climate change).

QTIC continues to generate attention for the Queensland tourism industry and ensures the sector continues to maintain a strong, unified voice. QTIC’s representation on relevant boards, councils and committees is vital to ensure a consistent and proactive industry perspective is presented at a strategic as well as operational level. QTIC played an integral role in the 2013 DestinationQ Forum which was held on the Gold Coast, 27 and 28 August 2013. Delegates reflected on the results of the 12 month key action plan and considered a long-term agenda for the industry. QTIC signed a renewed partnership agreement with the Queensland Government to affirm our commitment to Queensland's tourism industry. Prior the the 2012 Queensland state elections, QTIC released a major strategic document, "Game Changing Priorities for the Future of Tourism in Queensland: A path towards regaining Queensland's status as the leading tourism state". The priorities were identified and developed in close consultation with industry, Regional Tourism Organisations, sectoral associations and other stakeholders. The document forms the basis for QTIC's engagement with the new state government on its tourism policies and priorities.

Topic: Opportunities – DestinationQ and QTIC partnership - QTIC’s role and the opportunities for development and innovation resulting from the partnership agreement with the State Government. DestinationQ is a partnership agreement between the Queensland Government and the state's tourism industry (represented by Queensland Tourism Industry Council) which recognises tourism as one of the four pillars of the economy. The key elements of DestinationQ are:

Ambition – setting a growth target for the industry to double overnight visitor expenditure to $30 billion by 2020.

Leadership – focusing whole-of-government support for tourism and events as one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy.

Partnership – developing a strong partnership with industry, driving enhanced and collaborative marketing and development efforts, and a focus on events for Queensland.

Investment – attracting new investment in tourism product and new aviation routes to Queensland, and reducing the red-tape burden on tourism operators.

Accountability – assigning roles and responsibilities, tracking progress and reporting on outcomes at an annual forum of industry stakeholders.

Jann Tuxford-Patterson (GCT Director) with Daniel

Gschwind (QTIC)

(R) Rod Hillman and Professor Mike Hefferan

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SPEAKERS GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM FUTURES FORUM

Debra Howe was invited to be the Forum MC and to also facilitate the Industry Workshop. A Facilitator at DestinationQ in 2013 Debra was a valuable asset to the Gympie Cooloola Forum.

Debra Howe has worked in local government for over 16 years and in the private sector for 21 years, much of which was within economic, tourism and regional development. In 2011, Debra relocated from Queensland to Melbourne.

Professor Mike Hefferan is Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) and Professor of Property and Development of the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC). He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Queensland University of Technology.

Topic: Professor Hefferan’s address provided a realistic assessment of the economy at a wider and regional sector, and what we might reasonably expect over the next few years. Post GFC it might seem that everything is different – and a lot is, but some things stay the same.

Rod Hillman is CEO of Eco Tourism Australia and is a pioneer of the

adventure and ecotourism industry in this country. He has seen the

industry from all sides and played an important part in the development

of ecotourism, from its formative years through to the substantial

industry it is today.

Topic: Rod spoke about the relevance and significance of Eco Tourism

to the industry and this region, opportunities for growth and why

industry operators should become Eco-accredited through Eco Tourism

Australia programs.

Debra is currently Manager City Economy and Places, City of Moreland in Melbourne responsible for economic and tourism development, place management and major project and investment attraction. Debra is Vice-President of Mainstreet Australia, Board Member of Performing Arts Moreland and NORTH Link (regional economic development) and is an Alternate Board Member for Inner North Group Training and Apprentices Plus.

Debra has held senior management positions within Toowoomba Regional Council, Tourism Queensland and Brisbane City Council. Debra was a Board Member (for three years) and President (for two years) of Toowoomba, Golden West & South Burnett Regional Tourism Association and was instrumental in driving the merger of it with Southern Downs and Granite Belt Regional Tourism to establish the Southern Queensland Country Tourism.

In September 2010, Debra won the 2010 Queensland Telstra Business Women’s White Pages Community and Government Award and went on to compete in the 2010 Australian Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

GCT Directors Jessica Haring and

Julie Worth leading engagement

at the workshop session.

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WORKSHOP GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM FUTURES FORUM

The forum workshop addressed four main areas namely: Issues, Barriers, Opportunities and Ideas and participants were asked to provide input on what they felt

was impacting the tourism industry in the Gympie Cooloola Region.

The workshop offered an opportunity to identify issues and barriers and consider how they can be turned into opportunities or develop new ideas to resolve

them. Below is a summary matrix of generalised themed groupings and the areas under which they were raised. Some themes were seen in all four areas.

Providing this report and the data back to the industry and all associated stakeholders allows those in the industry to consider this local information and

potentially become involved in building and improving the industry for the benefit of their businesses and the region.

Some general themes arose and are addressed in more detail in this section. Matters such as a Transit Centre have been addressed with a full report as an

appendix. Attendees also provided written feedback under the four areas with the input also included in the final summary.

Gympie Cooloola Tourism has identified its role in relation to matters raised as Actioning, Advocating, Facilitating, Supporting and Achieving.

THEMES ISSUES BARRIERS OPORTUNITIES IDEAS

Marketing & Promotion

Unity & Collaboration

Industry Development

Product Development

Infrastructure Govt. Engagement Investment Support

Partnerships And Linkages

Accessibility

Strategic Planning

Sector Development

Civic Pride And Local Ownership

Research And Statistics

Industry Issues Industry Support

Communication

Economic Issues

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GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM’S KEY FOCUS AREAS

Gympie Cooloola Tourism focuses on four key areas as

identified in the diagram opposite.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

MARKETING & PROMOTION

PROJECTS & PARTNERS

The themes raised in the Forum Workshop have been

categorised under the relevant GCT key areas.

GCT’s role in regard to the issues raised under the

themes will be varied and range from advocacy and

facilitation through to development or implementation.

Several key projects are currently being undertaken or

already achieved.

Responses are provided on GCT’s actions in relation to

these themes as an industry update. This also addresses

the communication of information to industry and

other stakeholders.

INDUSTRY

DEVELOPMENT

BUSINESS

DEVELOPMENT

MARKETING &

PROMOTION

PROJECTS &

PARTNERS

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Theming feedback

GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT, INVESTMENT AND SUPPORT

It was agreed by attendees that the State Government had recognised tourism’s value with the

incorporation of the sector as one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy.

It was also agreed that it was a vital issue to the success of tourism in this region that those in

positions of leadership at a Local Government level regarding investment in the tourism

industry need to better understand and appreciate the value of tourism to the local economy.

Maturity of tourism investment by Local Government and increased support to the industry

was seen as imperative.

The workshop highlighted that support would be best determined through active and

equitable engagement with all levels of tourism industry organisations and operators in the

Gympie Cooloola Region. Promotional campaigns attracting more visitors and investment in

tourism product would all be supported by improved, well-considered and equitably placed

investment in the Gympie Cooloola Tourism Industry.

GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM RESPONSE

The new and more concentrated role of GCT as a membership-based industry organisation represents the interest of tourism and hospitality operators and associated businesses in the region.

GCT compliments the role of Council and welcomes the opportunity to work alongside Gympie Regional Council in regard to tourism in a supportive and collaborative role.

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COMMUNICATION

The lack of communication of tourism information, networking between operators and

awareness of research and statistics was seen as a barrier for the local tourism industry. A

lack of clarity as to who was delivering what in the tourism sector was also seen by some as a

frustration.

Communication to politicians and decision makers about the value of tourism was seen as

vitally important and an opportunity.

The negative messages and press about flooding in Gympie was highlighted as very damaging

to businesses.

Apathy amongst many operators in regard to participation, self-help and making an effort was

raised as a major impediment to the industry and generally blame was apportioned to lack of

communication. It was noted that operators needed to actively participate and respond to

communication.

GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM RESPONSE

GCT is committed to providing updates to its members on a regular basis

through eCommunication focusing on tourism information and

opportunities. GCT is focused on creating a hub for business and tourism

information to assist with business and industry development.

A focus will be on developing self-help tool kits and explanatory brochures on key areas which have been identified as issues such as industry and government contacts and the media.

GCT has released a FAQ brochure which provides understanding on the different roles of tourism organisations in the Gympie Cooloola Area.

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UNITY AND COLLABORATION

A strong theme throughout the workshop called for unity and collaboration between tourism

based organisations, council and operators. Collective approaches were called for to develop

and facilitate opportunities. There was a lack of understanding of ‘who was doing what’ in the

local tourism industry.

It was felt that there was a lack of genuine Gympie/Cooloola region representation at a RTO

level with concerns that the local businesses were not collectively represented at the RTO level

as in previous years.

Collaborative approaches between operators as well as working together with tourism

organisations and council was raised as an issue and an opportunity.

There were concerns that GCT should be included in the local and regional government

recognised tourism structures as it was the only member based tourism organisation in the

region.

GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM RESPONSE

GCT is a Member-based Tourism Industry body for the Gympie Cooloola Region.

GCT continues to offer support and work collaboratively with Gympie Regional Council (the current LTO) and has partnered with Council, Sunshine Coast Destination and Australia Tourism Data Warehouse to bring significant benefits to its members during the transition phase when Council became the LTO.

To date GCT has developed partnerships with USC, CTC Employment, Service Skills Australia, EC3 Global, Caravan RV Accommodation, Ecotourism Australia, AAA Tourism and is affiliated with QTIC. It provides significant

benefits to its membership through these partnerships.

GCT has released the Frequently Asked Questions brochure which provides understanding on the different roles of tourism organisations in the Gympie Cooloola Area.

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INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure concerns mainly concentrated on the Bruce Highway and main roads to the sub-

regions. It was recognised that the major highway upgrade will increase accessibility to this

region as a destination and would assist the tourism industry improved sourcing visitation

from SEQ.

The transit centre concept was seen as a strong opportunity to improve welcoming services to

visitors. There was a major concern about the lack of facilities and information for passengers

and visitors to the region arriving by public transport. This lack of services included phone, taxi

service, bus schedules, toilets, alternate bus schedules, shelter and general information.

Poor condition of National Parks was raised as a barrier to tourism with a call for better

maintenance and access and improved signage. The lack of national standard facilities to allow

sports tourism events was seen as a major deterrent.

GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM RESPONSE

GCT has compiled a full report on the Transit Centre including the outcomes of the Tourism Forum. In GCT’s advocacy role, this report has been submitted to Gympie Regional Council, State Government and bus businesses calling for a meeting to discuss the issues and possible solutions. A temporary solution that could be actioned immediately would be the correlation and display of information for tourists to be placed at transportation points. An unmanned static transit Centre would be the ideal solution. This would require information to be displayed, shelter and some services such as phones etc. National Parks conditions and facilities will be addressed in new State Government projects recently awarded to various NFP organisations. Conservation Volunteers Australia are partnering with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to work in several National Parks in this area which will start to address these concerns. GCT has close networks with CVA with the Queensland Friends of Parks Manager being a GCT Board Director.

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MARKETING AND PROMOTION

A strong theme voiced throughout the workshop was the need for a clear identity for the region

as a destination and subsequent brand promotion. Historically the Gympie Cooloola Region has

been recognised as the area ‘Touching Noosa – Touching Fraser’ which are two nationally and

internationally recognised brands. This was particularly used when the region was called

Cooloola, a relatively unknown name or destination. With the change of the regions name to

Gympie in 2008, many felt that this only highlighted the city of Gympie and not the surrounding

areas. The Cooloola Coast is a significant part of this region’s tourism product hence Gympie

Cooloola Tourism’s (business) name recognising both identities.

Bundling and packaging options for the region, eco-tourism development and embracing the

grey nomad market were strong themes that were repeated in the workshop. A mature digital

presence was seen as vital to successfully marketing the region and its businesses.

It was clear that participants were dissatisfied with regional marketing of the area and this was

linked to a clear brand or identity being promoted. Calls for collaboration were also strong in

the marketing theme.

GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM RESPONSE

Gympie Cooloola Tourism has built its marketing on what visitors to this

region recognise and love – that is the authenticity of the people, the

places and the experiences. Tourism marketing across Australia is being

directed towards telling stories. GCT has embraced this concept and

implemented it’s through digital marketing. Research shows that

travellers want an authentic or REAL experience. GCT has brought these

concepts together and currently promotes this this region as Gympie

Cooloola having REAL experiences - Real people - REAL stories in its

marketing approaches. Blogging, Social Media, Website, E-books and

hardcopy brochures make up the suite of GCT marketing and promotion.

GCT utilises research on segmentation and markets to the relative sectors

for this region.

GCT is gaining significant exposure for the Gympie Cooloola region and its

members through its digital marketing.

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INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

Funding for training and developing the sports and cultural tourism sector were seen as

positive opportunities for developing the tourism industry in the Gympie Cooloola region.

These were supported by a call to promote this region’s strong and unique Eco Tourism

credentials to attract national and international visitation. Support from Government (Local

and State) were seen as essential and lack of funding for all aspects of industry training was

seen as a major impediment to industry development.

Transport and access for travellers was a significant issue raised. The current lack of welcoming

information and services infrastructure in Gympie was considered as a major deterrent for

visitors and the long supported concept of a transit centre was again raised for attention by

multiple groups in the workshop. The development of a transit centre was also seen as an

opportunity for the region.

Distance to markets in SEQ was also seen as a barrier to building the local tourism industry, as

well as lack of technology, training, digital maturity.

Council red tape was seen as a barrier to industry investment, as well as and lack of ‘serious

support’ and investment in developing the industry. The national issue of operating hours and

penalty rates as crippling the tourism industry was also highlighted as a major issue locally.

GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM RESPONSE

GCT participates in various forms of Industry Development including

funding the Australia Nature Coast project for two years and developing

partnerships with Tourism Industry Bodies.

Eco Tourism is recognised by GCT as this regions strong point and has

developed its digital and social marketing strategies to highlight this

aspect.

Industry Development partnerships include;

- EC3 Global

- Caravan RV Australia

- AAA Tourism

- Service Skills Australia

- University of the Sunshine Coast

- Tin Can Bay Tourism

- Sunshine Coast Destination Limited

- Tourism Noosa

- Australian Tourism Data Warehouse

- Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

Advocacy on issues not within GCT’s role will continue to assist the

development of the regions tourism industry.

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Clive Sanderson, Roundabout Tours, Sally Garrahy, Creative Harmony Design for Living and Mark Phillips discussing tourism development at the Forum.

Access Advisory Committee members with Sean O'Hanlon, Cobb & Co Mile Camping and Roxanne McGregor.

Qld Parks and Wildlife, University SSC and Conservation Volunteers Australia representatives.

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PARTNERSHIPS AND NETWORKS

Multiple opportunities were highlighted for partnerships with the Universities and TAFE

colleges noted as important partners in tourism development. Possible partnership based

projects between Government and tourism organisations or clusters were also seen as positive

opportunities that should be explored.

Unity and collaboration between all of industry, government and local organisations was seen

as linkages imperative to the success of the local tourism industry in the future.

It was also suggested that the RTO/LTO structures would benefit from the inclusion of GCT as a

member-based tourism organisation.

GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM RESPONSE

GCT has continued its strong relationship with Sunshine Coast Destination

(SCDL) and has delivered significant benefits to its members through

partnership projects – particularly through the transition phase of tourism

in Gympie Region. Other partnership outcomes have been with ATDW and

Gympie Regional Council to deliver benefits to operators.

Partnerships with Skills Service Australia and the University of the

Sunshine Coast continue to provide industry development opportunities

to GCT members. In addition, strategic partnerships have also included

Ec3 Global, EcoTourism Australia, Caravan RV Australia and AAA Tourism

which are recognised as TQUAL Accreditations.

GCT is partnering with local tourism groups including

- Mary Valley Country

- Tin Can Bay Chamber of Commerce

- Tin Can Bay Tourism

- Rainbow Beach Tourism

- Goomeri Chamber of Commerce

- Gympie Chamber of Commerce

- Fraser Coast Tourism

- Tourism Noosa

GCT remains an active member based tourism organisation to act on

behalf of its members. It is the only region-wide member based

organisation delivering this role.

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RESEARCH AND STATISTICS

The Gympie Cooloola region has always struggled to gain meaningful tourism data that relates

to this specific region. This stems from being a part of the Sunshine Coast Tourism Region

(RTO) and a lack of funding input to the RTO. For the past several years there has not been any

local tourism research undertaken for this region which constrains all levels of the industry,

from business planning to regional marketing strategy and planning. This lack of information

also plays a major part in impeding new tourism investment and planning and was also seen as

an industry development issue.

The lack of knowledge of local product was seen as a major barrier to promoting this region. A

tourism product audit was called for as well as meaningful visitor research.

Opportunities in this sector include the involvement of the University of Sunshine Coast and

Gympie Cooloola Tourism.

GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM RESPONSE

GCT as the LTO historically has facilitated tourism data collation through the RTO (Sunshine Coast) with funding from Council. This has not occurred for several years due to tourism structures changing at a State, Regional and Local level.

GCT is unaware of any current activity in this area and is therefore working with USC to develop a collaborative project that will see significant and dedicated research into tourism statistics which will assist not only strategic planning for tourism but also business planning.

GCT welcomes a collaborate approach that could include Gympie Regional Council to achieve these outcomes for the region’s tourism industry.

GCT promotes local product (through its membership) via a strong digital

presence and therefore assists with distribution of product knowledge.

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PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

The population spread from SEQ to this region was seen as an opportunity to build new

tourism product and it was also recognised that council red tape could be reduced to assist

in potential new investment.

It was recognised that there was no new interesting or diverse tourism product on offer in

the region and this was a barrier to regional marketing.

Many ideas were put forward, some of which may already be in place or commencing. The

Mary Valley Heritage Railway was seen as a major tourism icon and an opportunity for the

broader region if successfully operated. The historical aspect of Gympie was seen as a strong

marketing option and support for heritage events such as the Gold Rush Festival were

important.

GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM RESPONSE

GCT’s main role in product development is advocacy and support. By

continuing to work with members, engage with business and regional

leaders, participate at a Local, Regional and State level, GCT can advocate

for and provide support to product development drives whilst bringing

information to the Gympie Cooloola region.

A list of ideas suggested at the workshop is included below for

information sharing purposes. GCT acknowledges that some of these are

already in operation.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Mary Valley Heritage Rattler

Gold Rush - Heritage - Historical strength of region - Historical tourism

Population spreading from SEQ to this region - possibility for new tourism business

Guided bus tours to Fraser Island from Gympie

Home of the Lung Fish – marketing opportunity

Street scapes for communities – coastal and country

Muster Site closer to Highway in Mary Valley

Open up Go Cart Track

Aero club at kybong to run joy flights, glider

Gympie kart club to open up to the public

Water park with a difference, slides and activities, built around gold mine theme

Water destination, rainbow beach, dragon boats, more aqua activities

Festivals - Kids and families, young people, carnivals, markets, music

Large motel beside train station

Marathon: inskip to double island and return (only beach marathon in the world)

Hunt for the Mary river crocodile

Cultural festivals (arts and performances/music etc)

Underground mine tours

Photographic safaris

General facelift in local businesses

Organized trail running - link with TRAQ

Outdoor mountain bike trails

Slow food - cullinary tours

Farm stays - city to country

Develop escape tours (bus/self drive) (app) from maleny, Mapleton, eumundi, coroy

Airport Kybong – Joy Flights

Cultural Festival - driven by indigenous population but inclusive of all cultures

Biosphere & National Parks – capitalise on both

Stop through traffic – develop reason to stop on way through

Drive itineraries - opportunities for packaging and bundling

Mary Valley – develop a slow food festival building on existing projects (Mary Valley Country Flavours)

Paul Gibbs, business entrepreneur from

Sydney, Mary Valley Chamber of Commerce,

Janelle Parker, MVHR representative, Jim

Walker, Gympie Chamber, Glen Alfredson

and Business entrepreneur Mark Phillips

discussing Product Development

opportunities.

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STRATEGIC PLANNING

The workshop strongly supported the concept of an inclusive and innovative Regional Tourism

Strategy that saw all tourism organisations involved as well as strong consultation with

businesses operators.

Tourism Destination Planning that includes the Gympie Cooloola region was undertaken in the

previous tourism structure pre Council amalgamation – and it is believed that since 2008 no

destination planning in this RTO area has been undertaken that includes the Gympie Cooloola

region. The participants felt that this was again another example of not being seriously

considered as part of the RTO region and may possibly stem from lack of financial investment

by the local Council.

The lack of research data on this region was also raised under this theme as a major barrier to

undertaking serious strategic or destination planning.

The workshops noted that an inclusive approach to tourism structures currently excluded

Gympie Cooloola Tourism and was also proving detrimental for strategic planning. It was noted

that GCT’s inclusion in the regional tourism structures would benefit the whole region and

called for that to happen

.

GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM RESPONSE

GCT continues to offer to work collaboratively with Gympie Regional Council’s tourism arm Destination Gympie Region. GCT’s role does not clash with the roles and responsibilities of the LTO (Council) and believes its work compliments Council’s activities.

GCT participates at every opportunity with State and Regional strategic planning for tourism by providing feedback and input into planning workshops, surveys, conferences and the like.

GCT will continue to advocate for tourism destination planning for this region and the inclusion of operator input into this planning.

GCT is also working with USC to develop a collaborative project that will see significant and dedicated research into tourism statistics which will assist not only strategic planning for tourism in general but also business planning.

GCT works with any partners that will assist in achieving goals for this region.

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INDUSTRY ISSUES

Several issues were noted as affecting the tourism industry in general including the GFC,

lower discretionary spend of visitors, a changing demographic, unemployment and general

business uncertainty. Some noted the new tourism structures as barriers and questioned

whether they were currently functioning for the local area. Access to State Government

tourism support and funding was questioned under the new tourism arrangements with a

call for more industry information to be provided.

GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM RESPONSE

GCT is proactive in relation to working with State Government and QTIC whenever possible. GCT was represented at DestinationQ with the Chairman nominated for inclusion as one of the guest presenters on strategies for consideration at the conference. GCT also provides industry feedback and participation at Government forums and workshops on tourism matters.

GCT provides a significant amount of industry information to its members and has developed marketing strategies based on market segmentation that addresses the demographic change and discretionary spend.

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ACCESS & TRANSPORT

The Main item raised at the forum in

relation to transport was the need for a

suitable transit centre for the region. This

topic was raised under three sectors,

Issues, Ideas and Opportunities and was

therefore a standout issue for attention.

Accessibility to businesses and facilities

was also an important issue raised for

improvement and advocacy by tourism

organisations.

GCT to raise this matter with Gympie Regional Council and David Gibson MP - DONE

GCT to seek to arrange a meeting of all stakeholders to: DONE

Bring to the collective stakeholder’s attention the issues as identified at the Forum and their impacts on this region

To identify how to resolve the issues identified

GCT to assist where possible in facilitating the implementation of these actions - DONE

GCT to continue to advocate for this issue to be resolved ONGOING

GCT to provide feedback to the industry on outcomes of this Forum topic ONGOING

Actions

GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM RESPONSE

GCT has acted on the outcomes of the Tourism Forum in relation to the Transit Centre. Gympie Regional Council and David Gibson MP have been contacted and provided with the report (appendix 1) which has identified stakeholders.

As facilitator GCT called for a meeting of all stakeholders.

Refer Attachment 1

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Conclusion

Gympie Cooloola Tourism is committed to building tourism through its role in matters raised by Actioning, Advocating, Facilitating, Supporting and Achieving.

GCT's goal is to promote and support the growth and development of our members through access to industry knowledge and opportunities that will support this

progressive region in working towards vibrancy, while empowering businesses to maximise the quality of the visitor experience.

GCT is committed to a collective industry approach, working collaboratively with industry stakeholders and government. Partnering with key industry

accreditation bodies and training institutions to provide business development opportunities to the region

Gympie Cooloola Tourism focuses on four key areas;

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

MARKETING & PROMOTION

PROJECTS & PARTNERS

The themes raised in the Forum Workshop have been

categorised under the relevant GCT key areas as identified in

the diagram opposite. GCT has varying roles in relation to these

themes and will be implementing the relevant actions in line

with our strategic direction.

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FORUM OUTCOMES - ACTIONS ATTACHMENT 1 GYMPIE COOLOOLA TOURISM FUTURES FORUM

Issues Currently people are catching commercial buses/coaches at Matilda then either head to Rainbow

Beach/Tin Can Bay OR other destinations further north or south.

No opportunity for these travellers to go to Gympie and then either stay or do day trips using Gympie

as a base.

No Transit Centre in Gympie for busses to drop travellers or to welcome visitors

No phone facilities at current stopping point - visitors seeking assistance from nearby businesses to

phone for taxis

No information about public toilets – visitors also asking businesses to use their toilet facilities

No display information to show disembarking visitors where important locations/services are in Gympie

or when or where the next bus is arriving.

No information at all available.

No shelter for disembarking visitors

Ideas Local information could be places in bus shelters to service visitors currently disembarking in Gympie

and surrounds - ie connecting services, taxis, hospitals, public toilets

Develop a list of priorities so Gympie can better service its visitors

Transit Centres do not have to be manned – they can provide information as static displays

Need a covered area for visitors to wait for busses or to be collected

Get Local and State Government involved

Install a pay phone at the bus stop

Build a larger covered shelter for visitors

APPENDIX 1 - TRANSIT CENTRE

The Transit Centre was raised in three sectors, Issues, Ideas and Opportunities and was therefore a standout issue for attention.

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Opportunities

Stakeholders

To improve transit facilities and general information for visitors to the Gympie Region

To provide safe transit facilities for travelers within the region

To promote connecting services throughout the region

To allow transport users in the region to travel further and experience more of Gympie Cooloola

To increase business opportunities by improved transport services and welcoming and safe transit

sites

To promote transport as a safe, enjoyable and satisfying travel mode to the Gympie Cooloola Region

Adding another facet to help promote visitation to the Gympie Cooloola Region

Gympie Cooloola Tourism

Gympie Regional Council

Queensland Transport – Translink

Polleys Coaches as the Translink operators in Gympie and Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay

Karrabee Bus & Coach operators in Mary Valley

The operators from Kilkivan

Destination Gympie Region

Queensland Rail

Greyhound Coaches

David Gibson MP

GCT Role Advocacy

Facilitator

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Contact Julie Worth

Actions GCT to raise this matter with Gympie Regional Council and David Gibson MP

GCT to seek to arrange a meeting of all stakeholders to:

Bring to the collective stakeholder’s attention the issues as identified at

the Forum and their impacts on this region

To identify how to resolve the issues identified

GCT to assist where possible in facilitating the implementation of these actions

GCT to continue to advocate for this issue to be resolved

GCT to provide feedback to the industry on outcomes of this Forum topic

DONE

DONE

DONE

ONGOING

ONGOING

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