The Gold Coast's nature-based tourism sector continues to flourish with 10 large-scale innovative projects approved for City funding.
The successful applicants for the City of Gold Coast's Opportunity Response Program (ORP) grants of $100,000 or over for nature-based tourism projects were unanimously endorsed by Councillors yesterday.
The City received 34 applications and selected 10 projects ranging in size across various categories.
"Our latest Nature Based Tourism funding program supports a diverse range of local businesses and tourism and cultural experiences at varying stages," said Economy, Tourism and Events Chairperson Cr Bob La Castra.
"We are confident that the 10 businesses awarded funding towards their projects will increase visitation and encourage sustainable tourism resulting in strong economic outcomes for our city.
"The Opportunity Response Program is the City's second round of funding through our Nature Based Tourism program since launching earlier this year.
"This funding is provided to larger, more complex innovative projects that will deliver unforgettable experiences showcasing the green behind the gold."
There are four projects nearing the delivery stage with City funding enabling the implementation of these products and experiences once ready to be launched.
A further six projects are being provided with seed funding to support pre-investment feasibility activities such as business cases, design development and environmental assessments.
The 10 businesses leverage project budgets of $19.7 million and are forecasted to generate an estimated $58 million in economic impact for the city.
Delivery support
- Numinbah Escape – Set on 300-acres this property will feature Australia's longest zipline and immersive adventure hub with abseiling, buggies, mountain bike riding and a holiday park with cabins and glamping which City funding will help deliver.
- The Bower Estate Woodlands Precinct – Located between Springbrook and Lamington National Parks, this property will feature eco-cabins and villas, wellness focused day spa and a curated tourism program including nature experiences and indigenous culture which City funding will help deliver.
- Sea World Foundation Wildlife Hospital – Assisting with the delivery of interactive displays and education programs within the marine wildlife hospital. The Sea World Foundation Wildlife Hospital is proudly funded by the Queensland Government.
- Pandana, Moreton Bay Marine Park – City funding will assist with the delivery of essential access infrastructure at Horizon Shores Marina, enabling marina and barge facilities that are critical to the establishment of a sustainable, regenerative eco-tourism precinct planned for South Stradbroke Island.
Seed funding for pre-investment activities:
- Lloyd Farms Numinbah Walkers Camp – Geo domes and rolling huts with a walkers' clubhouse along the Gold Coast Great Walk where guests can enjoy farm-gate tourism and a curated mutli-day trekking experience.
- JW Marriott's Living Waters, Living Country Centre – An interactive learning and educational centre which explores indigenous culture on the resort premises for guests and visitors.
- Historic Rivermill Riverside Cabin Accommodation – 8 purpose-built eco cabins next to the Coomera River including walking paths, onsite infrastructure and landscaping.
- Nerang River Eco Tours – The development of multiple cruises on the Nerang River and southern Southport Broadwater including fully solar battery powered vessels.
- Valley Stays at Hand Bent Banana – Arts, Nature and Creative Retreats including four off-grid glamping tents and 4 small-scale cabins in Tallebudgera Valley.
- Levinge Events: Currigee Dreaming, Spirit Whispers - A new land and water based cultural experiences and tours planned for South Stradbroke Island.
The larger grants follow the announcement of the City's first round of Nature-Based Tourism grant recipients for funding under $100k in September this year.
For more details on the Nature Based Tourism program and funded projects visit Nature-Based Tourism Program | City of Gold Coast
