Tourism development brings forth Queensland infrastructure
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2015
Infrastructure is beginning to play a large role in the development of Queensland’s tourism sector, not only complimenting the state's existing array of theme parks and tourist attractions, but also in redefining the state as a world-class destination for relaxation and entertainment.
This includes the development of the recently approved Queen’s Wharf Brisbane entertainment complex on the banks of Brisbane CBD; an infrastructure precinct which aims to deliver premier tourism, leisure and gaming facilities for the state.
The number of international visitors to Brisbane have increased more than 9.8 per cent from the previous year, serving the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane as a prime location for the state’s newest gaming and casino complex.
The Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, developed by the Destination Brisbane Consortium, will also include the city’s very first six-star hotel and is expected to feature more than 50 new bars and restaurants, as well as a public precinct which can be expected to host up to 190,000 people.
To help support these strong economic initiatives that contribute towards state tourism development, the Queensland government has committed $10 billion towards the development of state infrastructure through the building of road, rail and public infrastructure upgrades.
This comes in addition of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth GamesTM, a major opportunity to drive infrastructure for the state. An estimated 1.5 million spectators are expected to attend the event. The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth GamesTM will be the largest, multi-sport event ever held within the Gold Coast and will be spread across 17 competition venues.
Tourism contributes approximately $23 billion towards the Queensland local economy each year, growing more than 10 per cent over the past five years. Covering only 2% of Queensland’s total land area, the Gold Coast contributes approximately 9% of total Gross State Product.
The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth GamesTM will include the construction of the Games Village, as well as the most recent expansion to the state’s transport infrastructure network with stage two of the Gold Coast Light Rail, which aims to connect Surfers Paradise to Brisbane by the time of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth GamesTM.
In discussion of these trends and tourism developments, the Queensland Infrastructure Projects Conference 2015 will be taking place in December to review major projects taking place across the state.
There is also a strong push towards the construction of a resort near the revered Sea World complex as part of the Gold Coast Integrated Resort Development, which aims to create a world-class entertainment, gaming, retail and hotel precinct for the millions of international visitors who come to Queensland each year.
Other major developments currently taking place within Queensland include the Abbot Point Growth Gateway project, the Sunshine Coast Public University Hospital, as well as a variety of significant projects ranging from oil to public sector developments.
The conference is an opportunity for industry leaders and government officials to share ideas on common challenges and acquire the latest information on major infrastructure projects shaping the development of Queensland.
The Queensland Infrastructure Projects Conference 2015 is being held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on the 1st & 2nd of December.
