- Crisafulli Government delivers on commitment to introduce legislation to streamline permits for tourism operators before Christmas.
- Streamlining of permits will slash red tape for tourism operators reducing costs and paperwork, as Destination 2045 charts course for Queensland to be Australia's ecotourism powerhouse.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for tourism operators after Labor's decade of decline.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland's tourism industry by introducing a single integrated permit for tourism activities on parks and forests to help reduce red tape.
This reform builds momentum from Destination 2045 to make Queensland an ecotourism powerhouse – establishing a stronger, more sustainable tourism industry by giving operators the certainty and confidence they need to invest and grow.
The new "one-stop-shop" will simplify the way ecotourism businesses operate in Queensland's protected areas, state forests, recreation areas and state marine parks by:
- Removing duplicated permit fees for each zone;
- Aligning permits to one common expiry date; and
- Ensuring consistent processes without reducing environmental protections.
The centralised permit cleans up a decade of Labor's mess, which saw fit to lock up Queensland's natural assets and throw away the key – approving just three ecotourism projects in 10 years as a result.
Once passed, the legislation will deliver on a major commitment of Destination 2045, the Crisafulli Government's visionary 20-year tourism plan.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said Destination 2045 was written by tourism operators struggling to navigate mountains of red tape in every corner of the state.
"Queensland's natural beauty is our greatest tourism asset, and Destination 2045 is about unlocking it responsibly," Minister Powell said.
"For too long, operators have been forced to apply for multiple permits, often providing the same information over and over, just to operate in the same area.
"We promised to have this legislation in Parliament by Christmas to change this, and we've delivered – paving the way for Queensland to become a world leader in ecotourism."
Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Natassia Wheeler confirmed the reform directly responds to feedback from operators across the state.
"Tourism businesses have been clear – the current permitting system is overly complex, time-consuming and a barrier to growth," Ms Wheeler said.
"Nature-based and ecotourism experiences are among Queensland's greatest strengths.
"This legislation will help operators spend more time creating world-class experiences and less time navigating paperwork, while still ensuring strong environmental protections are in place."
Cairns Adventure Group Director Roderic Rees welcomed the news as a great step forward for the industry.
"It recognises the significant investment operators have made into Queensland's thriving tourism economy," Mr Rees said.
"We applaud this government and Minister Andrew Powell for doing what they said they would do—delivering on their commitment to support and safeguard tourism businesses.
"This legislation provides greater certainty for operators, ensuring Queensland remains a leading destination for visitors while fostering sustainable growth and innovation within the sector."
