Shaping the future of sustainable, eco-tourism on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke island) will be focus of the inaugural Quandamooka Tourism Forum, to be held on the island on Monday 27 October.
Titled Gudjundabu Marumba Gubiyiyanya (Tourism Toward a Glad Tomorrow) the forum is hosted by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) at its newly-opened QUAMPI arts and culture centre at Gumpi (Dunwich). The forum will spotlight the unique cultural heritage, environmental and economic opportunities that Minjerribah offers as a world-class tourist destination.
The landmark event brings together Queensland's key industry, business and government leaders including tourism operators Sealink and Redlands Coast Museum, Straddie Chamber of Commerce, representatives from Arts Queensland, DETSI and NIAA, researchers from the University of Queensland University (UQ) and Redland City Council.
QYAC Chair Cameron Costello said engaging with industry and government would help reshape the tourism landscape on Quandamooka Country in the lead-up to the Cultural Olympiad and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and also progress a Submission for Quandamooka Country's inclusion as World Heritage listing.
"QYAC delivers major tourism outcomes for the region in its management of national parks and creation of recreational trails, the Quandamooka Festival and its successful operation of Minjerribah and Mulgumpin camp grounds. QYAC is excited to have our key stakeholders come to Minjerribah for this first-ever forum, working together on the many opportunities and also the challenges raised by our community and Elders that we face in developing a blueprint for tourism on the island, now and toward 2032 and beyond. Eco-tourism is undoubtedly a key driver of economic development across Quandamooka, as it continues to transition from the cessation of sand-mining, but only if it is managed with care for Country," he said.
"That's why this forum will give us the platform to develop a more-thoughtful, sustainable style of immersive tourism. This includes investing in rangers caring for land and sea Country, progressing a World Heritage Listing for the existing protected areas of the Quandamooka estate, and identifying infrastructure and mechanisms for managing overtourism.
"It is also an opportunity to progress key tourism projects endorsed in our strategic plan like a 'Quandamooka Great Walk' with a possible multi-day trek across the islands and the 'Quandamooka Promise', a pledge that visitors would make when they arrive on Minjerribah to respect culture, the environment and the local community. These are great examples of how we can that connect visitors with the environment, wildlife and our rich Quandamooka culture.
"As one of a number of host First Nations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, QYAC looks forward to working with our businesses and government leaders to create sustainable and regenerative tourism opportunities, better connect Minjerribah to the region and support research and capacity studies to better understand and manage visitor numbers – I am positive that if we work collaboratively we will strike the right balance between residents, lifestyle and growing tourism."
SeaLink South East Queensland, General Manager Ben Renwick, added: "The forum is an opportunity for industry, community and government to come together to discuss how we can collectively shape a sustainable future for tourism on Minjerribah.
"SeaLink is proud to contribute to conversations that help ensure the island remains a special place for residents and visitors alike."
