Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2003-2008 - Tourism Queensland

Key Objective Four: Community Development
Strategy 6 – Local community development
This strategy encouraged local community involvement and representation in decision-making
and advisory forums, as well as minimisation of ecotourism impact through consultation and
sensitive design of tourism infrastructure and services. The strategy also required publication of
materials that would assist the community, including ATSI groups, in developing ecotourism
operations and maximising the benefits (economic and social) of tourism.
A considerable amount of effort has been focused on educating industry, government and
community about ecotourism through workshops, publications and self-help materials. More
work is required to encourage local involvement in ecotourism planning, to achieve greater
flow-on benefits to communities from ecotourism and to involve ATSI communities in
ecotourism.
Strategy 7 – General community development
This strategy identified a need for environmental and cultural educational programs at a broad
community level, to minimise environmental impact and raise environmental awareness. It
identified a need for governments to work with industry to develop codes of practice for
visitors, operators, industry associations and governments to build understanding of impacts
and improve environmental performance. Materials should be developed in a wide range of
languages.
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It is considered that the majority of the actions in this strategy are completed or are of an
ongoing nature. However more work is required in the development of codes of practice and
multi-lingual educational materials.