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Good morning ladies and gentlemen and thank you for the opportunity to be with you today.
The Australian Government is very pleased to have provided $490,000 to this project - a project which links and promotes the attractions of your region.
I have long argued that tourism operators need to look beyond their own business, to the appeal of their region.
I am very supportive of this project because it has a regional focus and will benefit the entire industry here through increased marketing and recognition.
It will encourage potential tourists to plan a trip, stay for longer and explore the area.
In the current economic climate increasing visitor numbers goes a long way to sustaining local tourism and, most importantly, protecting jobs.
The global recession is testing the resilience of our regional economies.
Communities with a diverse industry and skills base will fare better than those with a heavy reliance on traditional industries.
Tourism is an industry which can help diversify regional economies, encourage local investment, and provide meaningful careers.
Tourism is an industry which employs half a million Australians.
In the global downturn, tourism is more important than ever.
The Government has responded to the global recession by delivering a $42 billion economic stimulus package and a Nation Building Budget.
Tourism will continue to benefit from these strategic investments.
The Government's stimulus payments are increasing discretionary spending and supporting jobs.
The Government is also delivering key road and rail infrastructure projects in the Rockhampton region as part of its $26.7 billion Nation Building Program.
This includes $260 million of major safety, widening and maintenance works on the Bruce Highway.
In fact, $1.5 billion of the Government's road and rail Budget is being spent within Queensland, meaning it will now be easier and safer for your visitors to get around this wonderful State.
The Government is also preparing to roll out strategic investments in the tourism industry through the new TQUAL Grants scheme.
TQUAL Grants is designed to encourage cooperation between tourism operators and authorities to develop initiatives which benefit tourism region-wide.
The type of regional thinking we celebrate today.
I congratulate the Capricorn Tourism Development Organisation for getting this project off the ground.
It is an indicator of the willingness of the tourism industry here to create opportunities in an increasingly tight market.
Operators need to understand that they are not only competing with the business next door, but competing with other industry sectors for people's time and money.
Regional tourism in Australia will need to work harder than ever to promote their attractions, and provide their value for money to an increasingly discerning consumer.
The Government will continue to support the Australian tourism industry, develop infrastructure and provide targeted funding.
And we look forward to seeing tourism operators capitalise on these opportunities.