A HOST of new initiatives to stimulate growth in the McKinlay Shire Council have been recognised at the Outback Queensland Tourism Awards.
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McKinlay Shire Council was rewarded for its contribution to Outback tourism, taking out the Local Government Award for Tourism at the awards night in Charleville.
In the 2013-14 assessment period McKinlay Shire Council created numerous initiatives and completed major capital works projects to build and strengthen industries in the region.
They included the RV Friendly Camp Host Program and Cruiser Bikes, the Julia Creek Caravan Park Bush Dinners, employment of a McKinlay township based tourism officer, local business tourism collaboration, refurbishment and re-opening of the Duncan McIntyre Museum, and sealing of the road connecting Kynuna and Julia Creek in conjunction with DTMR.
McKinlay Mayor Belinda Murphy and tourism co-ordinator Georgia Fleming accepted the award.
Cr Murphy said it was a wonderful achievement by the councillors and staff.
“Councillors have been very proactive and supportive of new initiatives in tourism not just to spread the message of how great a holiday in the Outback is, but importantly the recognised economic benefits that are brought to local businesses in Julia Creek, Kynuna and McKinlay during tougher than normal times,” she said.
“Tourism plays a huge part in driving the economy of the North West region and although we don’t have what would be traditionally called ‘tourism operators’ in our shire we have around 22 shop front businesses, great events and a community that understands we are all actually in tourism.”
The council is also an active member of the North West Outback Queensland Tourism Authority (Overlanders Way), who took out the award for Tourism Marketing.
