Cableway project on Crisafulli’s wish list
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli is backing the development of the proposed Gold Coast cableway.
Announcing the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 at Springbrook this week Mr Crisafulli said he hoped the project, long supported by Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and long opposed by conservationists, would proceed.
The statement immediately set off an outcry from groups opposed to the scheme.
Under Destination 2045, the Gold Coast is meant to benefit from a 20-year tourism plan and allow it to prepare for influx of tourists coming to the region for the 2032 Olympic Games.
Mr Crisafulli said Destination 2045 would set the stage for Queensland becoming a global leader in ecotourism, a hub for mega events, and a well-connected international destination.
Under the plan Springbrook National Park would receive major upgrades and the Gold Coast would host “mega events” in the lead up to 2032 and beyond.
Gold Coast projects outlined in the plan include:
Springbrook National Park: transforming Springbrook Plateau with upgrades to Purling Brook Falls precinct, lookouts, walking tracks, and a new visitor hub.
Attracting more mega events like the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 and building on the success of existing events such as the Gold Coast Marathon, the World Surfing Championships, and Blues on Broadbeach.
Boosting business events: growing the Queensland business events calendar to $2 billion.
Improved connectivity: new Connecting Queensland fund attracting new international flights to the Gold Coast, with better intrastate connections.
The aim of the State Government plan is to more than double the value of visitor expenditure to Queensland’s economy to $84 billion in two decades, while employing 25 per cent more Queenslanders.
Tourism’s now supports more than 270,000 jobs in Queensland and generates $115m a day in visitor expenditure.
Mr Crisafulli said the Gold Coast was already an iconic destination for tourism and the plan would accelerate industry development in ecotourism, events and attractions.
“The Gold Coast is the home of the holiday in Queensland, and we are backing it with a bold plan for the next 20 years,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“We are investing in what works, and will develop new tourism opportunities and create local jobs, all the while building on what locals love about this place so much.”
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Member for Mudgeeraba Ros Bates said the local investment was an incredible boost for the area.
“The Gold Coast is the jewel in the tourism crown and the home of tourism, but Springbrook and the hinterland is the green behind the gold,” said Minister Bates.
“We have been waiting for these announcements today for a very long time, so it’s great the Crisafulli LNP Government is delivering the upgrades that will further showcase the area to the world.”
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