Plan to Bring Red Bull Air Race to Gold Coast

THE Queensland Government and Red Bull Air Race supremos are in talks to lure the lucrative event to the Gold Coast, The Gold Coast Bulletin reports. 
 
The event, which features displays of high-speed aeronautical acrobatics, has long been coveted by the city's events and tourism officials because it attracts an international television audience of millions of people.

The Broadwater has been discussed as the site for a potential race due to its picturesque nature and the Surfers Paradise skyline in the background.

Government officials travelled to Sydney in March for talks with air race organisers, The Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

A senior council source confirmed the Gold Coast had been involved in bidding for the event.


But he said  Premier Campbell Newman's tight rein on the budget had put the process on hold.

"It would be a good event to snare. It's been watched by millions of people around the world," he said.

There is tough competition to host the Australian leg of the event, with Perth, Sydney and Melbourne all believed to have rival bids in place.

It had previously been held in Perth from 2006 to 2010, but there was no event in 2011 or this year as the series is being revamped.

According to figures from the WA Government, more than 300,000 people attended the inaugural Perth air race in 2006, which pumped $14 million into the local economy.

A spokeswoman for Queensland's Tourism and Major Events Minister Jann Stuckey said Events Queensland was not involved in a bid for the 2014 air race, but could not rule out other years.

"The Newman Government is committed to major events on the Gold Coast as part of our plan to make Queensland Tourism number one again," she said.

"The budget outlining our funding commitment to events will be handed down next month."

Pilots in the event fly through a track of inflatable air gates and reach speeds of up to 370km/h.

It is watched by millions of people in more than 100 countries.

In 2010, former Events Queensland boss John O'Sullivan confirmed luring the famed race to the Sunshine State was on the agenda.

"We are looking at a number of events, not just for the Gold Coast but also for Queensland and certainly the Red Bull Air Race is one of those we are looking at," he said.

Newman Doubles Tourism Funding To Regions

State funding for tourism organisations in regional Queensland will be doubled to help prop up the ailing industry.

Premier Campbell Newman told the DestinationQ conference in Cairns today the funding would increase from $3.11 million to $7 million through a redirection of resources as the industry struggles to attract tourists.

But he says the government can't afford to just "throw buckets of money" at the industry to help it compete with the high Australian dollar and neighbouring countries.

"Simply preserving what we have will not meet the challenges of the future," he told the 300-plus crowd.

"We can't afford to sit with the status quo and it won't get us to where we want to go."
Mr Newman had campaigned about tourism being one of the major pillars of Queensland's economy during the lead up to the state election.

He told tourism operators the conference was about coming up with a new way forward for the state's tourism as he promised to do in his first 100 days in government.

Some of the conference's major focuses will include reducing red tape, attracting and retaining skilled workers in the industry, marketing strategies and how national parks were operated.
The forum, which several ministers including deputy premier Jeff Seeney are attending, was welcomed by tourism bodies.

Accommodation Association of Australia CEO Richard Munro said it was important for frontline operators to be able to air their grievances directly to government.

"It's important for governments at all levels to put in place policies which promote investment in both existing and new tourism accommodation products which do not adversely impact on operators", Mr Munro said in a statement.

Here's Cheers to the First Queensland Beer Week

If the flashing red neon XXXX sign atop Castlemaine Brewery isn’t proof enough that Queenslanders love their beer, the state is now bracing for its own beer bash with the inaugural Queensland Beer Week from July 16- 22.

The collective ‘clink’ of beer bottles will be heard across Queensland as breweries, bottle shops and iconic pubs team up to showcase the very best of beer culture, while beer-lovers also attempt a world record for the most people brewing at one time.

And the timing couldn’t be more perfect with Queensland’s favourite brew, XXXX Gold recently taking the crown for the nation's most popular beer and flattening the bubbles out of long-time title holder, Victoria Bitter.

Raise your glass and celebrate with the 10 best beer experiences in Queensland.

1. Take a tour with a tipple

Get inside the head, the heart and the history of Queensland’s amber elixir with a tour through the XXXX Ale House in Brisbane’s inner-west. Tours of the 130-year-old icon run daily and visitors can see how the beer is made and taste the final product. www.xxxxbrewerytour.com.au

2. Bavarian beer in the bush

If the clink of a beer stein and the image of an honest Aussie farmer in a good pair of lederhosen appeals, then head west for the world’s most remoteOutback Oktoberfest in Jundah. You won’t go hungry or thirsty with Beer Wenches catering to your every whim, whether it be a big juicy bratwurst or stein of authentic Erdinger beer specially imported from Germany. www.outbackoktoberfest.com.au

3. Get crafty on the coast

You can’t rush a good thing, according to the Gold Coast’s only craft brewery, Burleigh Brewing Company. It takes around a month to perfect a Burleigh brew; the onsite team does absolutely everything by hand, from carefully selecting the malted barley, yeast and hops to bottling the finished product, boxing it up and lovingly placing it in the cold room. Clearly they’re doing something right - their HEF beer was recently judged the Best German Wheat Beer at the World Beer Cup 2012. Wunderbar! www.burleighbrewing.com.au

4. A match made in heaven

It’s an unlikely pairing, but beer and cheese go together like Queen Elizabeth and her corgies. Explore the hinterland town of Mount Tamborine and match the cheese at Witches Chase Cheese with award-winning beer samples from Mount Tamborine Brewery next door. www.mtbeer.com

5. Beers and bull riding

Crack a coldie at the iconic Great Western Hotel in Rockhampton, the home of great steak, beer and rodeos. This 116-year-old pub plays host to major national rodeos and features a huge undercover rodeo arena for 1,000 people that attracts champion riders from near and far.www.greatwesternhotel.com.au

6. BYO (Brew Your Own) beer

Be your own brew master for a day at Brew 4 U in Brisbane - Queensland’s first brew-on-premises microbrewery. Visit the brewery and choose a beer from their list of over 200 different styles. Measure out the ingredients, mix them together and transfer it to the fermenter where your brew will bubble for 2-4 weeks. At the end of the process, take home 50 litres of your very own freshly brewed and bottled beer. www.bru4u.com

7. Archive of ales

Beer-aficionados won’t go thirsty at Archive Beer Boutique in Brisbane’s West End, with more than 400 different bottled beers and 14 draught beers to choose from. Currently on tap is Burleigh HEF, White Rabbit White Ale and Two Birds Sunset Red Ale. But if the reserve selection is more to your taste, for $175 you can try a bottle of Brewdog’s Tactical Nuclear Penguin. With 32 per cent alcohol it’s the world’s strongest beer and should be enjoyed like a fine whisky. www.archivebeerboutique.com.au

8. Sky’s the limit

The tropical climate of North Queensland has always been associated with cold, thirst-quenching beer. Enter Blue Sky Brewery. Situated in the heart of Cairns, the brewery produces 10 preservative-free, full-flavoured beers including lagers, ales and ciders. Enjoy guided tours from Monday to Thursday where you can sample their stable of beers including FNQ Lager, FNQ Gold, Cairns Gold and Blue Sky Pilsner. Blue Sky is also serious about being green with 95 per cent of its spent grain and yeast used for cattle feed. www.blueskybrewery.com.au

9. Something’s a-brewing

One of Australia’s premier boutique breweries, the Townsville Brewing Company has been brewing six regular beers plus various seasonal releases since opening in 2001. Steeped in history, the brewery is housed within the town’s original post office building, flanked by an impressive clock tower. Brewery tours aren’t available but they do offer tutored tastings. www.townsvillebrewery.com.au

10. No bitter aftertaste

Cleverly named beer bistro Bitter Suite is one of New Farm’s trendy new kids on the block and becoming a fast favourite for weekend afternoon drinks. The friendly owners living out their dream offer patrons hearty fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But it’s their grazing menu begging to be washed down with a choice of seven local craft beers on tap, plus 55 (mostly) Australian bottles that’s winning over locals. www.bittersuite.com.au

Here's Cheers to the First Queensland Beer Week

Top 10 Queensland Experiences to Celebrate Queensland Week

With the Maroons and Blues locked in State of Origin fever, Queensland is preparing for Queensland Week, a celebration of the state’s separation from New South Wales.

On 6 June 1859, Queen Victoria signed the Letters Patent authorising Queensland’s independence. This day is now known as Queensland Day. And the day we said goodbye to the Blues.

So while the Queen celebrates her 75^th jubilee, Queensland will turn the ripe old age of 153 (she’s looking pretty fine for an old girl) and will celebrate with a week of activities from 2-11 June.

Here at Tourism Queensland we’ve compiled the ultimate Top 10 Queensland experiences that every Aussie should experience before they kick the bucket.

1. Discover the largest natural wonder of the world

The World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef should be experienced by everyone at least once. Dive with turtles and manta rays off Lady Elliot Island, snorkel the spectacular Low Isles coral cay off Port Douglas, take a romantic scenic flight over the iconic Heart Reef, or try a helmet dive at Green Island.

2. Have an ‘Outback Eventure’

Queensland’s outback explodes into a dirt-busting riot of colour, cowboys, horse races and oddly enough, operas, every year in celebration of spring with a calendar full of quirky events. Meet the friendliest of folk from the quaintest towns in the country at the Australian Dunny Derby in Winton, the famous Birdsville Races, or Mt Isa Rodeo - the largest in the southern hemisphere.

3. Go back to surfing’s roots

Pull on your boardies, grab your board and get out with the pros at some of the most famous surf breaks on the planet. Home to the Quiksilver Pro and a few of the world’s best surfers including Joel ‘Parko’ Parkinson and Michael ‘MP’ Peterson, the beaches from Dicky Beach on the Sunshine Coast to the famous break at Snapper Rocks are where Australian surf history all began.

4. Dive with minke whales

For six weeks of the year Queensland offers one of the most life-changing experiences in the country.  During June and July, minke whales come to play in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef and live-aboard vessels head out for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dive and snorkel with these curious and amazing sea creatures.

5. Take the plunge 

A family trip to visit the Gold Coast theme parks is a rite of passage for every teenager in this country. A mad few days swapping between the sickening rides at Dreamworld, getting to your saturation limit at Wet’n’Wild, or hanging with the polar bears at Sea World combined with too much fairy floss and too many Dagwood Dogs makes for a perfect weekend! Or if you really want to get the heart started, head to Cairns to the only bungy site in Australia and trial their world-first jump menu.

6. Immerse yourself in Australian history

Discover the historical gems of Outback Queensland – learn about bushrangers, shearers, stockmen and drovers at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame; or the history of QANTAS at the Qantas Founders Museum. Retrace the steps of Cobb & Co. by travelling on the original mail route between Longreach and Windorah on a fully-ladenstagecoach with Kinnon & Co; or visit the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs.

7. Taste-test true blue Queensland drops

The Bundy bear and the flashing XXXX sign winking out over Brisbane are two of Queensland’s proudest icons. The two labels personify Queensland’s laid-back attitude and larrikin nature and a visit inside the hallowed walls of the distillery and brewery should be included on every imbiber’s list.

8. Go camping on Fraser Island

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, boasting ancient forests, one of the world’s most beautifully blue freshwater lakes, Lake Mackenzie, and of course, kilometres of undulating sand dunes. Whether you fly down them on a sand board, careen up them in a 4WD, or camp at the base of them, this World Heritage-listed island is a must-visit for all Australians.

9. Climb to record-breaking heights

Brisbane’s Story Bridge not only features in hundreds of images of the beautiful city but it also boasts the achievement of being the only bridge in the world to offer both a climb and an abseil experience. And just down the road you can get even higher with Australia’s tallest external building climb at SkyPoint on the Gold Coast.

10. Sail the 74 islands of the Whitsundays

The destination of choice for weddings, luxury holidays or sailing adventures for people all over the world, the 74 islands that make up the crystal blue Whitsundays are a mecca for sailors. Whether you want to be spoilt on a luxury yacht, hire a bareboat with your mates or sail off into the sunset with your lover there could be no better way to spend a holiday.

And one more for good luck…

11. Be a part of the seventh-straight win* with the third State of Origin match at Suncorp Stadium on July 4.

*Queenslander’s are nothing if not optimistic.

(Source: Travmedia.com)

Queensland Secures Influential Cruise Event for 2013

Tourism Queensland will have exclusive access to sell Queensland to influential cruise industry VIPs at the world’s largest cruise shipping trade show in Miami next year. After years of bidding to host the Cruise Planners Luncheon at the Cruise Shipping Miami Exhibition, Tourism Queensland will have the honour in 2013. 

Cruise Shipping Miami is the world’s leading cruise industry exhibition, for the past few decades it has been the meeting place for cruise industry leaders looking for new products, services and destinations to visit. 

A highlight of the exhibition is the invitation-only Cruise Planners Luncheon, annually attended by 45 VIP cruise itinerary planners and cruise line owners. Queensland welcomed 328, 863 cruise passengers and crew to its ports during last year’s season.

(Source: Tourism on Q)

June Events in Queensland

 

There's something about "Maryborough" and listings for other events across Queensland such as Jumpers and Jazz Festival, the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival and many more for June.

Please note, this listing is based on events supported by Events Queensland and is not an exhaustive list of events for this period.)

For more events during this period please refer to www.queenslandholidays.com.au/events 

MAJOR EVENT: Cairns Airport Adventure Festival
27 May - 4 June 2012
Where: Cairns
Phone: 07 3868 2444
Web: www.cairnsadventurefestival.com.au

Set in one of the world's most iconic tropical locations, the 2012 Cairns Airport Adventure Festival features 10 jam-packed days of events for people of all ages and abilities including: Urban Hotel Group Ironman 70.3; Coral Coast Triathlon, RRR Mountain Bike Challenge, Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge, Quicksilver Reef Swim - Green Island, The Cairns Post Run for Cairns and Challenge Junior - a triathlon designed especially for kids! Plus there's plenty of entertainment with a free community concert.

The pinnacle event of the festival is 'Cairns Airport Ironman Cains' a gruelling iron-distance triathlon that features a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike leg that travels one of the most scenic coastal roads in Australia towards Port Douglas and a 42.2km run that includes the Cairns Esplanade before finishing in the heart of Cairns.

Classic Country Music Stampede
8 - 10 June 2012
Where: Maryborough
Web: www.classiccountrymusicstampede.com.au

The Classic Country Music Stampede is a great weekend of classic country music with some of Australia's finest artists performing live. Artists who have confirmed their attendance for the 2012 festival include: Craig Giles, Kinta, Ian B Macleod, Reg Poole, Laura Downing, Peter Pratt and Lindsay Waddington, Sandy Atkinson Pedal Steel Guitar, Phil and Chris Coad, The Band Just Jack. Camping is available at the showgrounds.

SEASON OF SAILING: Etchells Australian Winter Championship
7 - 10 June 2012
Where: Mooloolaba
Web: www.mooetchells.yachting.org.au

Enjoy world-class sailing held close to the shores of Mooloolaba Beach with Olympic, World Champion and America's Cup sailors competing in the three-day international competition.

Jandowae Timbertown Festival
8-11 June 2012
Where: Jandowae
Web: www.jandowaetimbertown.org.au/

The Jandowae Timbertown Festival is a biannual community festival which has been held since 2001 and celebrates the contribution that the timber industry and workers have made to the heritage and economy of Jandowae. The festival is also a celebration of the thriving local agricultural and manufacturing industries that sustain Jandowae, and of the many talented and proactive community groups that make it such a great place to live, work and play.

Boyne Tannum Hookup
8 - 10 June 2012
Where: Tannum Sands
Web: www.boynetannumhookup.com.au/

Separated by the Boyne River the towns of Boyne and Tannum have united to host one of Australia's best fishing competitions. It features not only a great contest, with boats and camping trailers up for grabs, but entertainment from Dave Hodge (the barefoot fisherman) and top musicians as well as the tag fish tank and excellent fishing and boating displays. The Hookup is also a charity event with all proceeds from the competition and merchandise going to the Bushfire Brigade.

Cooktown Discovery Festival
8 - 11 June 2012
Where: Cooktown
Web: www.cooktowndiscoveryfestival.com.au

The Cooktown Discovery Festival is an annual event held in Cooktown, Far North Queensland, to celebrate the landing of Lt. James Cook at the Endeavour River in 1770 and his meeting with the local Guugu Yimithirr and Kuku Yalanji people. For 50 years, the people of Cooktown have come together every June to celebrate this historic event by staging a fully costumed re-enactment of Cooks landing and his time spent in this tropical paradise with the local Bama (aboriginal people).

Tour of Toowoomba 201214-17 June 2012
Where: Toowoomba
Web: www.touroftoowoomba.com/

If you're into cycling, then Toowoomba is the place to be for the FKG Tour of Toowoomba. You'll have the opportunity to be part of an action packed weekend of cycling. The choice is yours - either enter the Endeavour Challenge, a sport open to all recreational cyclists, or be there to see the top teams in Australia compete in the grueling three day FK Gardner and Sons Construction Tour of Toowoomba. Other highlights include a Sports Dinner. This National Road Series three day event is an initiative of the Toowoomba Cycling Club and supported by both Cycling Queensland and Cycling Australia.

Porcupine Gorge National Park Challenge
16 June 2012
Where: Hughenden
Web: www.porcupinegorgechallenge.com.au

Some call it Queensland's Grand Canyon but it's better known as Porcupine Gorge. This event is not only to challenge serious competitors but to give the opportunity for locals and adjoining communities to enjoy the wonderful natural attraction of the gorge whilst walking with friends. Competitors travel from vast distances to compete in the 8 kilometer event; some who camp at the Gorge for the weekend enjoy more than just the challenge. Categories include Open Men's, Ladies and Under 16 and Under 12 section for boys and girls, with the overall winner taking pride of place on the perpetual trophy. A special perpetual trophy is also awarded to the first local Flinders Shire resident past the post.

Surfers Paradise Festival
20 June - 14 July 2012
Where: Surfers Paradise
Web: http://www.surfersparadisefestival.com

Surfers Paradise Festival is an annual community celebration of music, food, fashion, film and art and a key driver of the Gold Coast's long-term cultural development. Across the four weekends of the festival, the Surfers Paradise precinct becomes a dynamic, inclusive and interactive event space and a hub of Gold Coast creativity. The free event platforms local and international talent within the streets and venues of Surfers Paradise, across an accessible mix of family events, exhibitions, live music, street markets and short film screenings.

Mackay Tinnie & Tackle Show
23 -24 June 2012
Where: Mackay
Web: http://www.mackaymarinefestival.com.au/

Fishing, big and small boats, engines, jet ski's, ski boats and getting on the water... what more could a family want? At Mackay's ultimate marine event - The Mackay Marine Festival - you will find all this and more. The Mackay Tinnie and Tackle Show is a fantastic showcase of everything the region's marine industry has to offer. There are also plenty of activities for the kids from Marine and Fishing Workshops through to face painting and rock climbing walls. Part of the Mackay Marine Festival, it's all happening at the Mackay Marina.

Sail Mooloolaba
23 -30 June 2012
Where: Mooloolaba
Web: www.sailmooloolaba.yachting.org.au

Sail Mooloolaba is an annual sailing event that brings together junior, youth and senior sailors from the east coast of Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand, across large and small dinghies, and monohull and multihull keel boats, to race in a two-day regatta on the beautiful waters off Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast.

Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride
24 - 30 June 2012
Where: Cairns
Web: www.ridefnq.com

Get outback! The Coast to Coast Bike Ride began through the Cairns School of Distance Education P&C Association in 1996/97 to initially address the need to build a multi-purpose activity centre for the school site in Cairns. The event is now a seven day Cairns to Karumba bike ride that will see bicyle riders travel through the outback towns of the iconic Savannah way. Riders can join the back along the way or travel the entire 780km ride.

Mary Poppins Festival
27 June - 1 July 2012
Where: Maryborough
Web: www.marypoppinsfestival.com.au

Mary Poppins mania hits Maryborough, the birthplace of author P.L. Travers, this June and July. Closet nannies emerge, vintage prams hit the streets, there is chalk art, music, a parade and fireworks. Here are a few little-known connections between Maryborough and the Mary Poppins novels (of which there were eight). Did you know that...

Travers' father was the bank manager in Maryborough just like her character Mr Banks The building where Travers lived is just a short stroll from Maryborough's majestic Queens Park, which bears strong resemblance to the park of the novels near the Banks' home, frequented by Mary Poppins and her young wards Travers' first Mary Poppins novel included a party at the zoo among the animals. 

Queens Park once housed a zoo and an aviary In the novel and film Admiral Boom is a former naval officer who lived next door to the Banks family and fired his cannon to mark the hours. In Maryborough, during Travers' parents' time a cannon was fired every day at 1pm to let the workers in the cane fields know to come in for lunch

History aside - this is fabulous fun! Head to Maryborough in June and July and enjoy this wonderful family festival.

Queensland Gets Exposed to 40,000 Cruise Passengers

Video clips of Queensland will be beamed to approximately 40,000 passengers on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) thanks to a filming familiarisation in the state this week.

The famil, organised by Tourism Queensland and Abercombie and Kent, is taking an RCCL representative on a tour of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Tropical North Queensland.

“This visit is a huge coup given the international exposure for Queensland and global reputation of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines,” Hayes said.

“Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is a world-recognised cruise company with a fleet of 20 ships and a fleet capacity of 51,468. Its ships visit destinations such as Alaska, Asia, New Zealand, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii and South America. This famil is allowing the cruise line to film and eventually showcase to its passengers some of the fantastic experiences Queensland has to offer and hopefully entice them to book a cruise to the Sunshine State.

“I understand four of the company’s cruise ships will visit Australia next year which will allow approximately 40,000 passengers to collectively make 20 port visits in Queensland.”

Hayes said that while in Brisbane, the RCCL rep would cruise the Brisbane River and visit a local wildlife sanctuary.

“They will also taste some Brisbane cuisine when they visit the new restaurant precinct at South Bank and do some wine tasting in the Greater Brisbane region,” he said.

“They will visit a zoo on the Sunshine Coast, take in the art and craft delights of the Gold Coast hinterland and stop into Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. They will then head to Tropical North Queensland where they will experience the iconic Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed Daintree rainforest and local Indigenous culture.

“All this will be captured on film which will then be displayed onboard all Royal Caribbean Cruise vessels visiting Australia next year.”

Tourism Queensland has increased its focus on the cruise industry in response to the continuous growth the cruise market has experienced in recent years.

Between 2010 and 2011 cruise shipping generated an estimated AUD368 million in Queensland. During the same year, 328,863 passengers visited Queensland ports, an increase of 2.8% compared to 319,761 passengers the previous year.

Hayes said following the familiarisation Tourism Queensland would hold a number of ‘Cruise Market’ industry workshops in mid-May and throughout June.

“These workshops will provide local operators with the fundamentals about the cruise market and explain the benefits of the market,” he said.

A list of locations and dates for the workshops are detailed below:

Cairns – 9:30am-1:00pm, Friday 11 May at Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
Brisbane – 10:00am-1.30pm, Monday 4 June at Moda Events Portside
Gold Coast – 9:00am-12:30pm, Tuesday 5 June at Southport Yacht Club
Whitsundays – 8:45am-12:30pm, Wednesday 13 June at Peppers Coral Coast Resort, Airlie Beach

(Source: eglobaltravelmedia.com.au)

Queensland Braces for Flooding

DOZENS of people have been evacuated from their homes, hundreds of streets closed and Australia Day celebrations cancelled as drenching rain continues to fall across the Queensland.

Conditions are expected to worsen with creeks already breaking their banks, sending floodwaters into homes and businesses, the Courier-Mail reported.

Major theme parks Movie World and Wet'n'Wild have now been shut because of minor flooding.

The decision was made to close the parks as flood waters were close to or covering the car park and main gate areas, but managers anticipate they will reopen tomorrow.

As the 36-hour deluge continues to drown the southeast, the Bureau of Meteorology issued another warning to residents on the Gold Coast, Redland City, North Stradbroke Island and the Scenic Rim Council areas to brace for further flash flooding.

It said severe storm cells would produce very heavy rainfall and flash flooding over the next several hours.

Locations to be affected include Coolangatta, Comboyuro Point and Cape Moreton.

A severe weather warning remains current for the region, with the heaviest rain over southern Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast at 9am.

Falls of between 40mm and 50mm have been recorded over the last hour alone.

The highest rainfall totals for the past 24 hours to 9am include Lower Springbrook 313mm, Sugarbag Rd 287mm, Meridan Way 270mm, Bracken Ridge 265mm, Deception Bay 257mm and Redcliffe 234mm.

Water was released from Wivenhoe Dam this morning at 10am to counter rising water, with more expected if heavy falls continue.

The minor releases are aimed at reducing the dam back to full supply level within the next seven days according to Seqwater.

They will impact nearby Twin Bridges, Savages Crossing and Colleges Crossing the company said.

Urban flooding isn't expected as a result of this controlled release and residents should contact about road and crossing closures and other possible impacts.

Somerset Dam has also made releases, after being at ``103.5% of its capacity,'' according to Seqwater.

North Pine Dam similarly made minor releases and Leslie Harrison Dam saw roughly the same level of releases at 2.00 pm yesterday.

Meanwhile ten other un-gated dams are spilling over across the southeast as rain continues to come.

Emergency services have performed 16 swift water rescues across the southeast of the state overnight while SES volunteers have responded to 290 calls for help.

Two women were reported missing after a car was found flooded in the Glass House Mountains with no-one inside, but police said they were found early this morning.

Last night, emergency rescue officers were called to Bellmere, north of Caboolture, after reports of people trapped in their cars by floodwaters.

Conditions are expected to worsen with creeks already breaking their banks, sending floodwaters into homes and businesses.

As at 5.45am Wednesday there are flood warnings for the Mary, Noosa, Maroochy and Mooloolah rivers, north of Brisbane and for the Albert and Logan rivers south of Brisbane.

Last night, emergency rescue officers were called to Bellmere, north of Caboolture, after reports of people trapped in their cars by floodwaters. On arrival, police found the occupants had managed to free themselves.

And a car was found flooded in the Glass House Mountains with no one inside. Ambulance and fire crews were called to Old Gympie Road for a water rescue about 8.30pm but the car was found empty.

Police were searching to determine whether anyone is missing.

Three people were forced to swim from their car at Kenmore Hills, in Brisbane's west, after being caught in waters yesterday afternoon, while an ABC childcare centre was evacuated on Zillmere Rd at Boondall, in the city's north.

Three people in Narangba were rescued after their house was flooded.

Rescue crews were called to a house on Moore Road in Kurwongbah in Brisbane's north at 8pm but were unable to find anyone in danger.

After a further street patrol, however, three people were found stuck in their house.

Earlier in the day, five children were reported trapped in chest-deep stormwater at Morayfield, north of Brisbane, prompting calls for closer parental supervision in waterways.

Evacuation centres were set up in Deception Bay and Narangba, also to Brisbane's north, last night.

Read Source

Queensland's 2012 Bucket List

According to the Mayan Calendar the end of the world is nigh. Hmmm... Sounds like a great reason to set a travel bucket list for 2012.

Achieve personal goals, give back to the environment, splurge on a rock-star experience and have no regrets when that dreaded December date comes around.

1. Eat a Curry Camel Pie from the Birdsville Bakery

It's a long way to the shop if you want a sausage roll, but it's worth the trip! If you haven't been outback before, don't miss all the action of the 130th anniversary of the iconic Birdsville Races this August. Of course, no trip to Birdsville would be complete without tucking into a Curry Camel Pie from the Birdsville Bakery.

www.birdsvillebakery.com

2. Compete in the Gold Coast Marathon

Forget freezing in New York, or jostling for space in Paris - Achieve a huge goal closer to home and run the picturesque coastline course of the Gold Coast Marathon.

www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au

3. Go wine tasting like a rock star

There's simply no better way to get acquainted with Queensland's burgeoning wine scene than with a wine tasting tour with Pterodactyl Helicopters. Enjoy picturesque views of the Fassifern Valley as you chopper between some of South East Queensland's best boutique wineries for tastings and lunch.

www.pterodactylhelicopters.com.au

4. Become a whale researcher in Hervey Bay

Wally and Trish Franklin from The Oceania Project know whales. They've been conducting their research trips in the protected waters of Hevey Bay for the past 23 years and anyone can join them. This year, live and work on their research vessel Moon Dancer for a six-day stint during the whale season to be involved in vital whale research.

www.oceania.org.au

5. Catch a wave at Seventeen Seventy

Still a relatively 'secret spot', even amongst Queenslanders, this gorgeous beachside haven happens to be home to eastern Australia's most-northern surf break. It also boasts one of the best beachfront camping spots on offer.

www.queenslandholidays.com.au

6. Dive the Yongala

If you haven't got your dive licence yet, make this year the cut-off and experience one of the world's top dive sites just off the coast of Townsville. The S.S. Yongala sank in 1911 with the loss of all aboard creating one of Australia's most intriguing maritime mysteries as she lay undiscovered for more than half a century.

www.yongaladive.com.au

7. Help a just-hatched turtle make its way to sea at Mon Repos

You don't have to be a rum drinker to enjoy a trip to Bundaberg with the annual attraction of the turtle nesting and hatching at Mon Repos an affordable and must-see event for every age.

www.queensland.com/turtles

8. Go glamping on Orpheus Island

Leave the tent pitching and bush toilets behind you, and discover the world of glamping on Orpheus Island. Recently re-opened following an extensive refurbishment, this exclusive island just off the coast of Townsville provides a refreshing new option for island hoppers. New eco tents are due to open in March 2012.

www.orpheus.com.au

9. Give back to our planet with Eco-Barge in the Whitsundays

Since kicking off in 2009, Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. has hauled more than 59,000 kilos of marine debris from the Whitsundays. Founder Libby Edge and some dedicated volunteers have been working tirelessly as guardians of our oceans to remove the threat of marine debris from turtles and other marine animals.

www.ecobargeservices.com

10. Become a Master Chef

Sign up for one of Vanilla Zulu's six-week cooking courses to brush up on your skills in the kitchen, or lack thereof. Brisbane's newest cooking school also offers Gluten-Free Cooking Classes and 'Men Behaving Badly' men's classes. You can even bring your own wine to enjoy with your gourmet creation when you finish.

www.vanillazulu.com.au

(Source: Travmedia.com)

Gold Coast to Host in 2018

The Gold Coast’s successful bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games will provide a much-needed tonic for the tourism and accommodation industry said Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy.

Mr McEvoy said Queensland has endured its fair share of “setbacks and shocks” and the news will provide a much needed boost to the state’s tourism industry.

“This is great news for Australian tourism,” Mr McEvoy said.

"Australia has great events expertise and not only stages them well but is also very good at ensuring the best possible economic impact and capitalising on the global exposure those things generate.”

Mr McEvoy added the recent opening of the new Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel, Peppers Broadbeach and the Sea Temple Surfers Paradise Resort adds to the tourism revitalization and infrastructure of the state.

“No doubt, this just the start of the Gold Coast’s renaissance.”

The Accommodation Association of Australia chief executive officer Richard Munro, said that hosting of the 2018 Commonwealth Games will provide a much-needed boost for the accommodation industry, as well as the wider business community.

“Having the 2018 Commonwealth Games will be a real fillip for local business, notably one of the most important sectors on the Gold Coast – the accommodation industry,” Mr Munro said.

“Preparing for and hosting this major event will inject confidence into the economy in south-east Queensland and will trigger further investment in tourism accommodation infrastructure in the region.”

Mr Munro added that accommodation and tourism operators embrace the chance to host international and domestic visitors and be given the opportunity to ensure there visit is truly unforgettable.

(Source: etravelblackboard.com)

Queensland stars in whale documentary to be beamed to 2 million Malaysian viewers

A new whale documentary being filmed in Queensland could reach 2 million Malaysian viewers when it airs later this year. This week one of the largest television networks in Malaysia, TV3 begins filming on the Fraser Coast and other locations.

The humpbacks call Queensland home between July and November when they frolic in our calm, safe waters off the Fraser Coast.

The Fraser Coast has front row seats to some of the best whale action where you can experience humpbacks up close as they breach up out of the water or curiously swim alongside whale-watching boats.

The Malaysia TV3 network is focusing their documentary on the humpbacks which stay and play in Hervey Bay. As part of their filming schedule, the crew will also visit a Sunshine Coast zoo, theme park and markets as well as walk through a national park and taste the delightful local cuisine of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The crew will be filming interviews with local whale experts, whale watching tour operators and tourism industry representatives, join several whale watching tours and take in the Hervey Bay landscape.

See www.queensland.com/whales or for more on Queensland holiday options go to www.queensland.com.

Chinese vote Queensland Number One Green Tourism Destination

Queensland has been voted the ‘Green Tourism Destination of the Year’ by more than 4.2 million readers of China’s Travel Weekly tourism trade publication, said Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Jan Jarratt today.

The announcement was made at the 2011 China Travel & Meetings Industry Awards in Beijing overnight. Ms Jarratt said the award was a massive coup for Queensland.

“It’s wonderful to hear Queensland has been chosen as the top green tourism destination in the world by millions of Chinese travel industry members,” Ms Jarratt said.

“This achievement comes less than two months after the Premier’s trade mission to China where she unveiled ‘Project China’; a plan to attract more high-spending Chinese visitors, develop new airline and travel trade partnerships and help Queensland tourism operators cater for Chinese travellers.

“This result shows the hard work of Tourism Queensland is delivering results for Queensland and boosting the state’s profile as an eco-friendly holiday destination.

“Queensland was chosen as one of the top three green tourism destinations in the world by the selection panel and we went head-to-head with Norway and New Zealand before being voted into the number one spot by Travel Weekly China readers in an online poll.

Ms Jarratt said the award win could not have taken place within a more significant international market and was cause for optimistic forecasting.

“China is Queensland’s fourth largest and fastest growing international market with 197,000 Chinese visiting our state in the year ending March 2011, 29 percent more than the year prior,” Ms Jarratt said.

“The Chinese are also big spenders, outlaying $388 million on their trips to Queensland during the same period, a significant $62 million more than during the previous year.

“But with Chinese visitor numbers forecast to continue growing by double digits over the next few years this is no time to rest on our laurels.

“It’s vital that our tourism industry has the skills, products and experiences to make sure our Chinese friends have the best possible Queensland experience, and when they go home they tell their friends and family that Queensland truly is where Australia shines.

“Winning this ‘Green Tourism Destination of the Year’ award will not only put Queensland front-of-mind with our current and potential Chinese trade partners, but hopefully also capture the attention of millions of Chinese holidaymakers.”

Ms Jarratt said the award win was a sweet reward for Queensland’s tourism operators, particularly those who have participated in ‘China Ready’ training and Tourism Queensland’s Sustainable Regions Project.

“The Sustainable Regions Project is Australia’s first state-wide sustainable tourism project which aims to reduce the environmental impact of tourism by working with regional operators to help transform Queensland into a domestically and internationally-recognised sustainable tourism destination,” she said.

“The project has been a resounding success after being piloted in seven Queensland regions including Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island, North Stradbroke Island, Mackay Hinterland, Winton, and after running in Agnes Water/The Town of 1770 and the Capricorn Coast post pilot stage.

“An Eco-Efficiency Sustainable Regions Project is also wrapping up on the Gold Coast in partnership with the Gold Coast City Council and 10 Sunshine Coast event-focused tourism businesses are completing a Sustainable Regions program, funded through the $12 million State and Federal Governments’ tourism recovery package.

“Through the pilot stage of the project nearly 66 businesses across the state committed to reducing their combined carbon footprint by 1,237.76 tonnes of CO2 annually – that’s the equivalent of taking 289 cars of the road for a year!

“Queensland has some of the world’s most amazing natural environments and experiences on the planet, so it’s in the best interest of all to ensure we protect and sustain the natural beauty of our state.”

(Source: tq.com.au)

Peak Tourism Body Wary of Carbon Tax

Queensland’s peak body for tourism has grave concerns for the future of the tourism industry following the Gillard government’s Carbon Tax announcement yesterday.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) said there has been little or no recognition of the likely impact the tax will have on the tourism industry.

QTIC chief executive Daniel Gschwind said while it was impossible to gauge the exact bottom-line impact on the industry at this stage, it would certainly not be positive.

“The Gillard Government’s Carbon Tax proposal will increase the cost of doing business for many industries, including tourism, through the direct and indirect impact on energy costs,” Mr Gschwind said.

“The international competiveness of Australian tourism and hospitality services will be negatively affected, a further blow to businesses already feeling the strong Australian dollar which is seeing domestic travellers choosing cheaper overseas holidays instead of holidaying locally.

“While domestic airfares will be driven up by the tax, international fares will not. And consumers with higher incomes, and thus a greater propensity to travel, will feel more of an impact on their hip pockets thanks to the price on carbon,” he said.

Mr Gschwind said while the tourism industry was fully committed to a sustainable economy, the positive impact of the carbon tax on the environment, and tourist destinations like the Barrier Reef, was questionable.

“The tourism sector in Queensland has long recognised that a clean environment is a core asset to our industry. We have been making a significant investment, at a cost to businesses, to develop and implement sustainable practices for several years now.

“For the tourism industry in Queensland a further concern for operators is how the new carbon pricing will affect consumer confidence, with any uncertainty translating into less spending on discretionary items like holiday.

“The proposed carbon tax will create a very challenging and costly business environment that our industry now needs to navigate, with the benefits being only a minimal reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions.

“Unlike other export-oriented industries including coal and other resource industries, tourism will not receive any compensation in the proposed package, which means the forgotten sectors like tourism will suffer as we shoulder a greater burden.”

Mr Gschwind also said the Carbon Tax announcement would only compound the suffering of an industry still recovering from the floods and cyclones that ravaged the state earlier this year.

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is the State’s peak body for tourism. QTIC is a not-for-profit membership organisation representing members' interests - both large and small. QTIC has in excess of 3,000 regional members, operating in all sectors of the tourism industry.

For further information please contact:

DANIEL GSCHWIND – qtic – 0419 219 795

Frances kinman/ ASHLEIGH STALLARD – BBS – (07) 3221 6711 or 0434 519 812

Tourism Floodgates open - Tourism Queensland

Two hundred Queensland tourism operators will set off from Brisbane by bus today on the Queensland on Tour road show through New South Wales and Victoria as part of the joint Federal and State Governments' $12 million tourism recovery funding package.
Federal Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson and Queensland Minister for Tourism Jan Jarratt said the five day interstate road show would enable Queensland tourism businesses to personally deliver the message that Nothing Beats Queensland for a holiday.

The roadshow has been coordinated by Tourism Queensland and Tourism Australia with the support of Qantas, Stonestreet’s Coaches, Accor Hotels and Queensland Rail Travel.

"The Queensland on Tour road show will roll into towns from Ballina to Bendigo and Wagga Wagga through to Wollongong personally promoting a range of Queensland holiday deals and giveaways," Minister Ferguson said.

"The 200 tourism operators represent the 14 regions of Queensland and include business owners and marketing or sales managers from some of Queensland's largest hotels, through to smaller B&Bs and family-run tour companies.

"Surf schools from the Gold Coast, wineries from Toowoomba, whale watching companies from the Fraser Coast, sailing businesses in the Whitsundays, island resorts from the Tropical North and iconic Outback attractions are just some of the tourism businesses on the road show," Minister Ferguson said.

"It's a great opportunity for those who live and work in Queensland's tourism industry to tell visitors that Nothing Beats Queensland," said Senator Jan McLucas, who represented the Australian Government at the Brisbane launch today.

"Images of flood and cyclone affected Queensland communities were beamed across Australia just a few months ago, so it is critical we continue to show that we're open for business and are welcoming visitors," Senator McLucas said.

"Queensland is one of Australia's favourite holiday spots and as temperatures in the southern states continue to drop, the road show will arrive in regional centres in New South Wales and Victoria and encourage people to head north to take advantage of Queensland's warmer winters."

Senator McLucas said the road show is a recovery initiative that was open to businesses from all sectors of the industry and will help connect participants with a network of interstate trade contacts, media and potential visitors.
The group converged on Brisbane today to interact with travel agents and potential visitors.

"Queensland on Tour is an important component of the overall Nothing Beats Queensland recovery strategy, designed to personally deliver the message to book a Queensland holiday now to support the 115,000 tourism-related businesses in Queensland," Ms Jarratt said.

"Four separate groups will depart Brisbane, criss-crossing New South Wales and Victoria to reinforce the message that Nothing Beats Queensland and encouraging people along the way to book a Queensland holiday," Ms Jarratt said.
"This Queensland on Tour road show will take Queenslanders to our potential holidaymakers and tell them in person that Queensland's tourism destinations have recovered from the floods and cyclones and we're ready to welcome them with open arms," Ms Jarratt said.

"The domestic visitor market for Queensland is the state's bread and butter with Queensland annually welcoming 16.6 million domestic visitors who spend around $11.5 billion during their visits.

"In recent months Tourism Australia and Tourism Queensland have been working hard to spread the message far and wide that Queensland is open for business and those efforts seem to be working, with operators on the Gold Coast, Townsville and Magnetic Island reporting strong Easter trading," Minister Ferguson said.

Dubbo
6 May 2011

Fifty Queensland tourism representatives rolled into Dubbo today to personally deliver the message that Nothing Beats Queensland as Australia’s favourite holiday destination.

Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes said the group formed part of the Queensland on Tour roadshow, the single largest domestic tourism roadshow in decades, comprising 200 Queensland tourism participants who are spending five days touring NSW and Victoria.

“The participating tourism businesses represent Gold Coast surf schools, South Burnett wineries, whale watching companies from the Fraser Coast, sailing businesses in the Whitsundays, island resorts from the Tropical North and iconic Outback attractions just to name a few,” Mr Hayes said.

Tourism floodgates open

06 May, 2011 04:00 AM

Fifty Queensland tourism representatives rolled into Dubbo last night to personally deliver the message that “Nothing Beats Queensland” as Australia’s favourite holiday destination.

The group was formed to demonstrate the state was bouncing back after disastrous flooding and cyclone damage.

“We are open and ready to welcome visitors," Tourism Queensland representative Emma Croft said.
After arriving on a brightly banded bus the group met with local travel agents before preparing to “meet and greet” Dubbo locals at the Church Street rotunda between eight and nine o’clock this morning.

“The roadshow crew pulled into Dubbo late yesterday on brightly branded Queensland coaches before meeting with local travel agents and spent this morning inviting local residents to Queensland.

“They were also in town to promote a range of Queensland holiday deals and giveaways for Dubbo residents the old fashioned way – by taking the message to them in person.

“The roadshow is a recovery initiative that lets those who live and work in Queensland’s tourism industry tell visitors that Nothing Beats Queensland - as Australia’s favourite holiday spot and nothing beats Queenslanders’ resilience and confidence in the future.”

Mr Hayes said four separate groups departed Brisbane on Tuesday tasked with encouraging Queensland’s southern neighbours to book a Queensland holiday along the way.

“The group has travelled through Brisbane, Ballina and Tamworth before arriving in Dubbo spreading the message along the way that Queensland is ready to welcome visitors and will pull attend the Caravan and Camping Show in Sydney tomorrow,” he said.

“These days we are used to researching our next holiday on the internet or at a travel agent where we don’t actually get to meet the locals until we get to our holiday destination.

“This is our way of taking a bit of Queensland ‘shine’ to our visitors before they arrive.”

Mr Hayes said Queensland had a rough start to the year, but the state was bouncing back with Easter proving to be a return in confidence for the state’s tourism industry.

“Our focus is now on continuing the momentum we’ve been building through the Nothing Beats Queensland recovery campaign to help Queensland’s tourism industry through the traditionally slower post-Easter period,” he said.

Mr Hayes said the Queensland on Tour roadshow was another initiative that formed part of the joint State and Federal Government’s $12 million tourism recovery funding package.

“The roadshow complements a range of other recovery initiatives rolled out in recent months including the global media tour we held in March with 200 journalists from around the world and the aggressive Nothing Beats Queensland marketing campaign currently rolling out around Australia,” he said.

“The roadshow has been coordinated by Tourism Queensland and Tourism Australia with the support of Qantas, Stonestreet’s Coaches, Accor Hotels and Queensland Rail Travel,” he said.

“Queensland annually welcomes approximately 16 million domestic visitors who spend around $11.4 billion on their visits, so it’s imperative that we continue to encourage Aussies to enjoy a holiday in Queensland, Where Australia Shines.”

Two hundred Queensland tourism operators will set out on a Queensland on Tour Roadshow through New South Wales and Victoria next month.

The roadshow is part of the joint State and Federal Governments AUD12 million tourism recovery funding package.

In a joint statement, Federal Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson, Queensland Senator Jan McLucas and Queensland Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business, Jan Jarratt, said the five day road-show would help stimulate travel to Queensland from the domestic market.

“Interest in international visitors often overshadows the fact that domestic travel actually makes up 75% of the total tourism market, which is why the Queensland on Tour- Roadshow initiative has the potential to be so effective,” Ferguson said.

“The Australian Tourism Exchange [which ended in Sydney last week] is about bringing international buyers to meet international sellers – the roadshow will complement this activity by taking domestic sellers to domestic buyers including travel agents and interstate consumers.”

The 200 tourism operators represent wineries, attractions, tour and event companies and accommodation providers throughout the 14 regions of Queensland. They will be bussed down the East Coast courtesy of Stonestreet’s Coaches from Toowoomba on their journey as part of a AUD4.5 million interstate marketing campaign to spread the message that Queensland is open for business.

“The Australian and Queensland Governments have worked closely to help Queensland’s $9.2 billion tourism industry recover from the summer floods and cyclone and reinforce that Nothing Beats Queensland for a holiday,” Ferguson said.

“The message has been spread far and wide including through print and online advertising, a radio blitz in China, a state tour with 200 international journalists and the Foreign Minister’s support this week with a visit to the State by Canberra’s diplomatic corps.”

The roadshow participants will arrive in Brisbane on Tuesday 3 May and divide into four groups, two of which will travel south east and west visiting a range of regional centres on course for Sydney.

The other two groups will fly with tour partner Qantas directly to Melbourne and drive north before all four meet at the Caravan and Camping Show in Sydney on Saturday 7 May. Accommodation along the journey has been generously provided by Accor Hotels.

Ms Jarratt said some 115,000 tourism-related businesses operated in Queensland and it was essential to help them get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
“The recovery effort is in full swing and I think it’s fair to say that the world now knows nothing beats the resilience of Queensland’s tourism industry or Queensland as a destination,” she said.

“This roadshow is an important component of our recovery strategy, designed to personally deliver the message that to Aussies to book a Queensland holiday now to support the state’s $9.2 billion tourism industry