TTNQ board’s new roles

THE value of tourism in Tropical North Queensland is firmly cemented in the minds of the nation’s most influential politicians after intensive lobbying as part of the Cairns Convoy to Canberra earlier this month.

Led by Advance Cairns, its chairwoman Wendy Morris and I were part of a dynamic group of 51 of the region’s business people.

We made sure we were noticed with our bright orange scarfs and ties.

By day two people were calling out “hello Cairns” when they passed us.

So noticeable was the team that Prime Minister Scott Morrison acknowledged the delegation on the floor of the House.

It was an invaluable opportunity to increase the awareness of the north and emphasise the importance of tourism to our economy.

Our entire group met the Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

I led the tourism delegation while Wendy led the Reef delther egation and was a member of the representation team. Between us we met: ■ Opposition infrastructure, transport, cities and regional development and tourism spokesman Anthony Albanese;

■ Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham;

■ Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Mark Coulton;

■ Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Sussan Ley;

■ Minister for the Environment Melissa Price;

■ Minister for Finance and the Public Service Mathias Cormann; ■ Treasurer Josh Frydenberg; ■ Opposition climate change and energy spokesman Mark Butler;

■ Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek;

■ Trade, investment, resources and Northern Australia spokesman Jason Clare;

■ Minister for Industry, science and Technology Karen Andrews; ■ Senator Pauline Hanson; ■ Environment and water spokesman Tony Burke; and

■ Rural and Regional Australia Joel Fitzgibbon.

We talked about Great Barrier Reef messaging, Tourism Australia funding and the need for sustainable aviation to fur-

Picture: BRENDAN RADKE REEF FOCUS: Cairns’ Convoy to Canberra discussed with politicians the need for funding to ensure people are aware the Reef remains one of the world’s best tourism experiences.

PULLMAN Reef Hotel Casino general manager Wayne Reynolds (right) has been elected to the Tourism Tropical North Queensland board as a general director.Deputy chairman Ross Steele will leave the role after 10 years to be replaced by Cairns Airport CEO Norris Carter. Russell Boswell has also stepped down as a director. Craig Pocock will chair the finance and risk committee.