The Queensland Government’s 2017-18 Budget is a significant step towards supercharging the state’s visitor economy and future-proofing its transport network, with critical investment across the tourism and transport sectors.

Tourism & Transport Chief Executive Margy Osmond congratulated Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Treasurer Curtis Pitt on the Government’s commitment to fully fund Brisbane’s Cross River Rail.

“TTF has long argued that the Cross River Rail is the number one public transport project for Queensland and we are delighted to see the Government’s commitment to go it alone on this project to ensure this critical piece of infrastructure can be built,” Ms Osmond said.

“The Cross River Rail project will create jobs, improve transport connectivity and help to make Brisbane and South-East Queensland better places not only to live, but to visit.”

Ms Osmond said the Palaszczuk Government had delivered funding to further develop tourism as a key long-term driver of economic and jobs growth across the State.

“Tourism is crucial to the growth of the Queensland economy, generating $27.7 billion in consumption and employing more than 135,000 people across the State,” Ms Osmond said.

“The Queensland Government has recognised that the tourism sector has the potential to become the most effective and sustainable way to diversify beyond the resources economy, and we welcome the additional $10.2 million over the next two years for Tourism and Events Queensland to secure major events for the Sunshine State.

“The $9 million allocated to help the tourism industry and small businesses recover and rebuild from the impact of Cyclone Debbie will go a long way to getting the region back on its feet.

“Prior to the Budget, TTF called on the Queensland Government to enhance its world-famous nature-based tourism experiences, and we welcome the additional $40 million over two years to revitalise the State’s national parks and enhance nature-based recreational opportunities.

“The Attracting Aviation Investment Fund has bolstered the Queensland visitor economy by supporting the introduction of additional air services, and the commitment to deliver ongoing funding will enable the State to continue this successful strategy, particularly in the rapidly growing Asian tourism market.

“Through this Budget the Queensland Government has embraced the potential of the tourism and transport sectors to create jobs, grow the visitor economy and deliver critical infrastructure.”