Page 44 - Tropic Magazine Issue 24

TROPIC • TOURISM

Open the border a visit to Cobbold Gorge, snorkelling
at Magnetic Island, diving the Great
Barrier Reef, a romantic getaway to
OPINION Mission Beach or Port Douglas, fishing
at Karumba, or breathing the crisp air at
LNP Senator for Queensland Yungaburra and Lake Tinaroo.
Susan McDonald backs the Last year I visited the Australian Age of
tourism industry’s call to open Dinosaurs museum near Winton where
it’s impossible to not be infected with the
up the state for travel. enthusiasm of its founder David Elliott
who can describe in great detail a time
Tourism Queensland estimates domestic when monsters roamed the Outback.
travellers are worth $68 million a day to While there, I found out the area is one
Queensland and help employ 217,000 of the few officially registered “Dark
people. So it is imperative that the Sky Sanctuaries” in the world where is no medical reason for this.
Queensland State Labor Government stargazers can gather to view the night It would be unrealistic to imagine we can
moves quickly to give clarity and sky free from light pollution. eradicate coronavirus without a vaccine
reinvigorate this crucial sector. I always marvel at the North’s tourism for widespread community immunity.
State and federal support of this industry offerings and I take great pride in Instead we have to look to a world where
has been welcomed but it cannot replace knowing that I live in a region that people we live with this virus at least for the
people getting out and enjoying the great are willing to pay good money to visit. foreseeable future.
experiences our state has to offer. The Queensland Palaszczuk Government That means downloading the tracing
According to the Tourism Industry recently outlined a roadmap to recovery, app and continuing to observe social
Council Queensland, the Sunshine State which included reopening of state distancing and good personal hygiene.
is the no.1 destination for Australians on borders by July 10. I’m calling on the Queensland State
business and leisure trips. But now the advice is that the border is Government to follow the advice of the
Under normal circumstances, it’s the unlikely to be opened before September, Federal Chief Medical Officer and give
perfect time for a Cape York adventure, despite federal health chiefs saying there everyone some certainty.

LOCAL BENEFITS

With many of our favourite businesses opening their
doors and trading again, now’s the time to sign up
for some great deals with the new Tropic Card.
It’s never been more important to support locally
owned small businesses, and now you can show
your support with your very own Tropic Card.
From cafes and restaurants to retail shops and
services, check out the awesome discounts we’ve
curated for you at a massive range of participating
businesses.
Let’s keep it local, support small business and be Sign up and check out the full list of participating businesses
ready to grab some amazing bargains. and discount offers at tropiccard.com.au

For Locals For businesses
Tropic Card is for locals to use when you buy something from Tropic Card is for businesses to offer their existing loyalty
a local business – from takeaway coffee to clothes, tours and card discounts or new, special offer. Businesses just need to
services. let us know they’re on board and what their offer is. It will be
Sign up online at tropiccard.com.au to grab your unique digital free to be listed and included, with paid upgrades available if
card and save it your phone’s home screen. It’s free to sign up the business wants to. Email us at [email protected]
and use. to jump on board with your special offer.

44 • Tropic • Issue 24