Reef Student Initiative Expands to Whitsundays

I welcome the Queensland Government’s decision to include the Whitsundays in the Great Barrier Reef Education Experience Program.  

Many Australians do not understand the Great Barrier Reef, including its size and several departure points. This is a domestic consumer challenge for our tour operators.

The Government’s decision to expand this student education program from Cairns to include the Whitsundays, is a welcome announcement for local tourism operators.

I congratulate Tourism Whitsundays and the Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association for their advocacy. The Whitsundays represents 40% of the Great Barrier Reef marine tourism industry and is vital to our local economy.

I look forward to the Whitsundays benefiting from this program and welcoming school students to the region from Term 3 this year.