No need for lottery

Queries with voucher scheme

THE head of the Darling Downs’ leading tourism group has questioned the perceived benefits of the State Government’s planned $200 voucher scheme to boost visitors to North Queensland.

Southern Queensland Country Tourism CEO Peter Homan said the $3 million committed to the lottery, which would give 15,000 applicants a voucher to use in Cairns and on the Great Barrier Reef region, was unlikely to make up for the loss of international tourists in the north.

When asked if he’d support the unlikely scenario of the State Government introducing the scheme for the Darling Downs, Mr Homan said tourism infrastructure was a more pressing need.

“I think personally, the money should be spent on infrastructure,” he said.

“These programs work for very short periods of time, but the money that is needed is for infrastructure, like walkways, signage — that’s what brings tourists here.

“I’d spend it on the national parks, the assets we already have and make them better (if I was given the chance).

“Let’s make the product we’ve got here better, not a short-term window plan.”

Mr Homan said southern Queensland tourism operators had enjoyed their best first quarter result in several years, thanks to strong growth in the self-driving market.

“We’re seeing some great numbers and a long tail to it.

“The self-driving market will be around for a while, because even when international travel opens up, there will be an aversion to travel, and we will be the beneficiaries.”

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl said he would like to see the voucher program rolled out here, however unlikely that was to occur.

“I think it’s a great government initiative, supporting one of the biggest-hit industries in 2020,” he said.