March 5, 2018
The South Burnett Regional Council is planning a third in its series of “South Burnett Unpacked” tourism pep talks, this time in the Glendon Street forecourt outside Kingaroy Town Hall.
The first was held at Yallakool Tourist Park last November; and the second at the Bunya Mountains on February 20.
A Council spokesperson said South Burnett Unpacked 3 would be held on Thursday, April 19, and would be an opportunity to “launch tourism in the 2018 calendar year and celebrate tourism operations across the South Burnett region”.
All South Burnett tourism operators have been invited to the next gathering.
Mayor Keith Campbell thanked the tourism operators who attended South Burnett Unpacked 2.
“I am optimistic by the interest shown in making new connections and would like to encourage more operators and businesses involved in our tourism industry to attend South Burnett Unpacked 3,” he said.
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A Council spokesperson said more than 70 people had attended South Burnett Unpacked 2.
“The destination discussion was kicked off by a number of speakers including Eleanor Kratzmann, Sue Unwin and Alan Govan, who highlighted the suite of products on offer at the Bunya Mountains, gave an overview of tourism in this special part of the world, and how original expectations have been exceeded with the growth and development of the area,” the spokesperson said.
“There was also an opportunity for several tourism operators to speak with an open mike session included in the morning’s proceedings.
“Kingsley Grove, Mulanah Gardens, Out There Cycling and Shackleton’s Whisky Bar all took this opportunity to highlight and present their aims and goals for their businesses and tourism.
“Following a short break, Kelvin Quinn from Queensland Parks & Wildlife Services gave a presentation on the National Park facilities, the iconic Bunya Trees and Bunya nuts and asked that visitors be encouraged not remove items from the National Park.
“Murri Rangers Wayne Fossey and Michael Smith provided a wonderful insight to the indigenous history and cultural significance of the Bunya Mountains.
“It was enlightening to hear of the pathways used by Aboriginal people to access the Bunya Mountains and the work that they are doing on the mountain, in not only retaining cultural connection with the land but also applying traditional land management activity through their work.
“After lunch, with the weather improving, everyone got the opportunity to stretch their legs, network and take in what attractions the Bunya Mountains have to offer.
“With astro-tourism a growing travel trend, James Barclay from the Kingaroy Observatory gave a brief overview of the different activities within astro-tourism.
“He is currently working on an application to identify the Bunya Mountains as an international Dark Sky Park.
“Council’s Senior Economic Development Officer Craig Tunley concluded the day’s proceedings with a consultative session about Destination Marketing, seeking input, ideas and comments about South Burnett destination marketing activity.
“This open discussion generated numerous ideas which will be collated and presented to Council for consideration in order to make informed decisions about destination marketing activity in the current financial year.”
- Related article: Forum Cooks Up Tourism Ideas
