Attracting Ecotourism Investment in Queensland

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1 Attracting Ecotourism Investment in Queensland Neal Muller General Manager 2015 Global Eco Asia Pacific Conference 19 November 2015 Rottnest Island, Western Australia

2 What makes ecotourism special in QLD? Queensland has world-class natural assets 5 of Australia's 19 World Heritage areas 9M ha of terrestrial protected areas 72,000 km 2 national parks, marine reserves and diversity of appealing landscapes QG s fresh approach delivering world class experience and balancing conservation needs Stretch target increased OVE to $30 billion, by 2020 Therefore, opportunities to utilise our natural assets for ecotourism investment

3 Why invest in QLD? Ongoing investment in airport and transport infrastructure State-wide Queen s Wharf integrated resort development in Brisbane, Echo Entertainment - $2 billion Increased large scale event tourism: G20 summit (2014) 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Ongoing island resort development (New GBR Resorts Strategy) 13 Regional Tourism Organisations, each with Destination Tourism Plans

4 Investment attraction models FREEHOLD TENURE 1. Investment support services through TIAU, DTESB Investor Readiness Investment Attraction Tourism Investment Register: 12 Showcase; 51 Facilitation; and 15 Conceptual PROTECTED AREA / CROWN LAND 2. Investment facilitation on protected areas Policy settings Government led projects Investor led projects

5 Investment Facilitation on Freehold Tenure A Daintree Eco-lodge and Spa Project: Purchase and refurbishment of 15 rainforest houses Investment: $5 million (Morris Group) Showcasing: Investment-readiness assistance and development of investment collateral with proponent. Investment promoted globally with Austrade and TIQ Outbound Mission & Inbound Missions: showcased as part of outbound missions to China and target investors taken to the resort

6 B O Reilly s Rainforest Retreat Project: Existing Asset: Refurbishment and expansion, Lamington NP Investment required: $12.5 million (Joint Venture) Showcasing: Working with Austrade and TIQ to showcase opportunity Outbound Mission & Inbound Missions: O Reilly s Rainforest Retreat showcased as part of outbound missions to China and investors taken to the site by TIAU

7 C Nightfall Camp Project: Glamping Tents (3), adjacent to Christmas Creek and Lamington NP Investment required: $2M Support: Funded $20k in 2010 for feasibility study Proponent leveraged to attract $100k T-QUAL grants Assisted with business plan

8 Investment Facilitation on Protected Areas 2015 Qld Government Policy Settings DRAFT QLD ECOTOURISM PLAN (Closes 20/11/2015) IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK Ecotourism Facilities on National Parks Best Practice Ecotourism Dev Guidelines TEQ DSD DNRM Collaboration in Delivery DEHP DNPSR DTESB Regional Councils Traditional Owners Conservation Groups Industry Groups (QTIC, RTOs)

9 New QLD Ecotourism Plan (QEP) Consultation closes Five strategic directions Driving innovation Showcasing GBR Expanding Indigenous ecotourism Promoting world-class experiences Stimulating investment in new and refurbished ecotourism opportunities New Investor Toolkit Investment into island tourism infrastructure Portfolio of quality ecotourism investment projects

10 Ecotourism Investment Framework Robust/transparent model Outlines assessment, approval and leasing Clarifies what is/isn t allowed on NPs Provides guiding principles: Compatibility of the proposal with natural and cultural values Commitment to best practice Public interest Protection of proponent's IP Lease terms depend on quantum of investment and risk profile

11 1 Government-led projects Green Mountains Lamington NP, Gold Coast Hinterland Getting Site Investor Ready

12 Green Mountains EOI and Assessment Process Context EOI complete Investment opportunity An existing campground on national park, a 3 bedroom house, barracks facility Assessment stages Step 1: Assessment of tenders after an EOI closed in November 2013 Step 2: Proponent invited to submit RFDP - in progress Step 3: Assessment of RFDP led by DNPSR

13 2 Walkabout Creek, adjacent to D Aguilar NP Getting Site Investor Ready Case Study

14 Context Case Study Walkabout Creek EOI and Assessment Process DNPSR developed a Master Plan to upgrade the Gate Visitor Centre Investment opportunity Redevelopment of Gateway Visitor Centre offer adventure experience such as a Zipline/ rope course Assessment stages Step 1: Assessment of tenders after an EOI closed in December 2014 Step 2: Proponent invited to submit RFDP in progress Step 3: Assessment of RFDP led by DNPSR

15 Investor-led projects Context State-wide EOI on national parks was completed in August 2013 Investment opportunities QG sought innovative ideas, concepts from potential investors Outcome 47 proposals received 32 projects identified as potential to progress: o 10 proposals under active consideration with 3 initially invited to submit RFDP o 11 proposals referred to other agencies (proposals on multiple tenures) o 7 deemed feasible under a permit o 4 withdrew from the tender process Progress update Two priority proposals in progress Next step: Assessment of RFDPs led by NPSR

16 Ecotourism Investor Toolkit Purpose Practical assistance for investors to navigate through government planning and regulatory approvals process Key Features Outlines requirements under different tenures (e.g. protected areas, reef islands, etc.) Outlines planning and approval processes DA road map to approval Includes text and supportive diagrams showing key requirements Guidance on handling Native Title matters Case studies (e.g. approvals process for island resorts)

17 Conclusions Queensland is open to new investment into ecotourism ventures Strong collaborative framework sponsored by DNPSR & DTESB Refined policy settings are in place, special experiences in special places Investment facilitation support: off-park and on-park Developing an Investor Toolkit to guide investors / proponents navigate planning and regulatory environment