Strengthening Protected Areas for a Sustainable Tourism Future

Summary

Queensland’s protected areas, including national parks, are central to the state’s tourism strategy. These landscapes attract millions of visitors annually, generate billions in economic activity, and support thousands of jobs, particularly in regional communities. Expanding and effectively managing these areas will strengthen Queensland’s tourism appeal, support small businesses, and capitalize on opportunities presented by thenBrisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Role of Protected Areas in Tourism

Queensland’s natural assets are the foundation of its tourism industry. In the year ending June 2024, national parks recorded over 6.2 million visits. They contribute about $2.6 billion directly to the economy and support 17,000 jobs. Nature-based tourism is a key driver of Queensland’s $34.7 billion visitor economy, with more than 1.31 million international and 5.22 million domestic tourists engaging in activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring unique ecosystems.

Queensland has a significant opportunity to celebrate the enduring connection of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country while fostering economic growth.
Expanding First Nations-led tourism initiatives can create new business and employment
opportunities by offering visitors deeper insights into the stories, customs, and traditions
woven into the landscape. This not only enriches the visitor experience but also
strengthens Queensland’s identity as home to the world’s oldest living cultures, aligning
with the growing demand for authentic cultural tourism.

Protected areas are also critical to the sustainability of Queensland’s tourism sector,
fostering regional development, supporting small businesses, and enhancing the state’s
reputation as a premier eco-tourism destination.

There is a growing interest in regenerative tourism experiences that allow visitors to
actively contribute to the health of the landscapes and wildlife they come to see. By
fostering collaboration between tourism operators, landholders, ecologists, and land care
organisations, Queensland can create immersive experiences that go beyond conventional
tours. This is especially relevant for landholders with Nature Refuges looking to expand
into the tourism sector through the promise of a truly unique experience.

Expanding Protected Areas: A Strategic Imperative

Queensland is the most biodiverse state in Australia, but at 8.6 percent, its percentage of
total protected land is among the lowest in the country. Doubling the protected area
estate before the 2032 Brisbane Olympics would enhance Queensland’s international
ecotourism reputation, drawing parallels with the conservation, tourism, and recreation
balance achieved in the Great Barrier Reef. National parks and World Heritage areas
provide direct economic benefits to adjacent tourism businesses that leverage their
environmental and cultural value.

A well-resourced ranger network is key to this initiative. Increased investment in ranger
positions will ensure essential land and biosecurity management, infrastructure upkeep,
and visitor education services, reinforcing Queensland’s global standing in sustainable
tourism.

Ensuring Tenure Clarity, Regulatory Certainty, and Recreation Opportunities

Effective conservation requires close collaboration with local communities and Traditional
Owners. National Park tenure is generally the most effective mechanism for protecting
natural and cultural values while ensuring public access. Conservation Parks can offer
greater flexibility for recreation and tourism opportunities.

State forests present an untapped opportunity where conservation and recreation could
drive economic growth. Upgrading state forests to conservation parks and establishing
purpose-built walking paths, horse riding trails, and mountain bike tracks in appropriate
areas could transform these public lands into outdoor recreation hubs, increasing
visitation and benefiting nearby tourism businesses.

For the tourism industry, regulatory certainty—including clear commitments to
conservation targets, adequate ranger support, and access to high-value natural, cultural,
and recreational attractions will help drive private investment in sustainable tourism.
Operators who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and ecotourism and visitor
education should be rewarded with long-term permits and more enabling conditions to
support forward business planning and growth.

Recommendations

To achieve conservation benchmarks and maximize tourism benefits, the following actions
are recommended:

Expand Protected Areas:

Maintain an annual acquisition fund of $100 million to grow the protected area
estate and create more well-managed national and conservation parks.

Enhance Management and Accessibility

Allocate a further $32 million annually for 200 additional ranger positions to ensure
proper land management and visitor engagement.
Increase Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service operational funding by $100 million
annually to maintain infrastructure and support natural and cultural heritage
conservation.
Invest an additional $10 million annually in co-management initiatives with
Traditional Owners.

Promote Indigenous Leadership

Commit $20 million annually to expand the Cape York Tenure Resolution Program,
enabling Traditional Owners to co-manage protected areas and support cultural
tourism initiatives.
Implement the Gurra Gurra Framework to ensure inclusive decision-making and
management.

Leverage the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Legacy

Integrate protected area expansion into Olympic promotion to strengthen
Queensland’s legitimacy as a global leader in sustainable travel.
Develop infrastructure and experiences that showcase Queensland’s natural
beauty and cultural heritage to an international audience.

Strengthen Outdoor Recreation Opportunities

Establish an Outdoor Recreation program to expand nature-based activities such as
hiking, biking, canoeing and eco-tourism ventures.
Provide incentives for landholders to develop recreational infrastructure aligned
with tourism and conservation goals.

Alignment with Broader Tourism Goals

Expanding and enhancing protected areas supports Queensland’s broader tourism
objectives by:
Strengthening regional economies and supporting nature-based small businesses.
Attracting a diverse range of domestic and international visitors.
Meeting increasing consumer demand for sustainable and ethical travel
experiences.

Conclusion

Tourism and conservation go hand in hand in Queensland – both are essential to safeguard
the state’s natural icons, support regional communities, and enhance our reputation as a
premier eco-tourism destination. By investing in protected area expansion and
management, the government can secure a sustainable future for tourism while preserving
Queensland’s unique natural and cultural heritage and the mental and physical health of
its people.