Tourism Opportunity Plan - Tourism Queensland

5 Catalyst Projects
Burleigh Heads National Park
5 Catalyst Projects
A number of catalyst projects have been identified in preparing the
Gold Coast and Hinterland TOP update. These catalyst projects are
considered the ‘marquee’ product investment initiatives which will
drive future tourism growth on the Gold Coast. Further detail on
these Catalyst Projects can be found in Table 2 in the appendix.
The Catalyst Projects identified in the Gold Coast TOP Update
include (listed in no particular order):
The Purlingbrook Falls Skywalk
An Ecocableway
Green-Link Masterplan
Commonwealth Games Legacy Leveraging
A Gold Coast Sustainability Centre
A series of Surfing Tourism Cluster Projects
A significant dive wreck site
The Broadwater Masterplan
Cruise Terminal
Gold Coast Cultural Precinct
Events and Meeting Infrastructure
The Purling Brook Falls Skywalk project provides a new tourism
focal point for the Gold Coast Hinterland. This project would entail a
feasibility design study of a potential canter-levered skywalk and could
be paired with the concept of the Ecocableway project to offer two
linked and complementary attractions. Together these projects would
raise the tourism profile of the hinterland while significantly increasing
much needed access without stressing existing infrastructure.
The Green-Link Master Plan identifies key nature tourism precincts
in the Gold Coast Hinterland to identify sustainable visitor volumes
for precincts and parks stretching from Lamington to Tamborine.
This Master Plan would seek to identify the unique character and
capacity to better manage the future opportunities (including the
skywalk and ecocableway) in the Hinterland, taking into account
Council’s Park Management Plans (including the Springbrook
Visioning Plan).
The 2008 Gold Coast and Hinterland TOP was developed before
the Commonwealth Games had been secured. The Commonwealth
Games Legacy Project will focus on leveraging the impact of the
Games, from large stadiums to local signage. The Commonwealth
Games provides the single greatest opportunity for the Gold Coast
to develop and celebrate its very own destination character in the
next ten years. This character could then be reflected through the
external design and visual cues created for the Games. The legacy
of this character and infrastructure would remain long after the
Games have concluded and will be invaluable for tourism.
Other Catalyst Projects focus on tourism precincts as catalysts.
The development of a Sustainability Centre in an accessible,
desirable location could be used as a ‘hub’ to link nature-based and
ecotourism opportunities with hinterland activities. This catalyst
could include the development of a UNESCO World Heritage
Rainforest Interpretation Centre.
The development of a Surfing Tourism Cluster would enhance
the region’s already strong reputation as a surfing destination.
In developing a series of cluster projects, the Gold Coast has the
potential to be recognised as a global centre for surfing excellence
in terms of surfing tourism and the world surf sports capital.
Establishing the Gold Coast as a dive destination involves developing
a world-class unique artificial dive attraction. A number of sites have
been identified and these need to be progressed to implementation.
The Broadwater Master Plan will have a significant impact on the
tourism industry, on business stakeholders and throughout the Gold
Coast community. The issues that will need to be addressed include
the concept of a Gold Coast cruise terminal, a super yacht facility and
a marina. The transport potential of the Broadwater offers unique
opportunities. In addition the plan will have to consider the future of
Wave Break Island, South Stradbroke Island and the numerous parks
and open spaces and facilities that occupy the foreshore.
The development of a cruise terminal would entail sourcing
commercial interest in possible cruise terminal developments
and facilitating communication with interested parties during any
ongoing discussion and investigation.
The Gold Coast Cultural Precinct redevelopment will act as a
catalyst for art, culture and Indigenous activities on the Gold
Coast. Developing a Master Plan for the cultural and entertainment
precinct would also create opportunities for greater Indigenous
participation in the tourism and cultural sectors.
The development of more tourism friendly guidelines for the use of
Events and Meetings Infrastructure is an opportunity to position the
Gold Coast as a world leading beach destination. This includes the
proactive identification of sites suitable for larger events, making
the application process more efficient with targeted infrastructure to
support events.
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