George Christensen (Dawson, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Whitsunday region's two major industries, tourism and agriculture, have each taken big hits over the last 14 months. International border closures stripped tourism businesses of their customer base and farmers have struggled against mass labour shortages as a result of the lack of international backpackers entering Australia. Both of these issues were exacerbated by the unpredictable nature of state border closures, which left the Whitsundays feeling the full brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic despite only recording a handful of cases from returned travellers.

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 16:22 to 16:38

Again, some of those worst affected by the pandemic were marine tourism operators, who lost not only their high-end international tourists but also the working holiday backpackers who would work on local farms throughout the week and enjoy some of the Whitsundays' best experiences on days off. I'm pleased that last week the Morrison Liberal-National government announced that Whitsunday reef tour operators had been given an additional 12-month reprieve from the cost of applying for permits to access the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 16:39 to 16:48

As I was saying, the waiver, which was due to expire on 1 July this year, will now be extended to 30 June 2022, and that simple measure will go some way to easing pressure on tourism operators, who in the last few months have seen some light at the end of the tunnel thanks in part to the federal government's half-price airfares initiative.

Another boost to the Whitsundays regions was the recent announcement of an Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub to be built in Cannonvale. The Morrison Liberal-National government's contribution of $1½ million in funding from the regional recovery partnerships programs means that Whitsunday locals can stay in the region and gain skills that are vitally needed and in high demand in local industries. The hub will deliver agtech programs and training to boost the sugar cane, aquaculture and horticulture industries. This is an investment in local agricultural and the local workforce, which will ensure the region can maximise its potential in the long-term future.

Another $5.2 million from the Regional Recovery Partnerships program is allocated to upgrade the Mackay renewable biocommodities pilot plant, which will support the Queensland University of Technology's development of regional biomanufacturing industries in synthetic biology, green chemicals and future foods. This is a long-term investment in our agricultural and biomanufacturing capabilities which will increase our productivity and sustainability. It will also attract investors to the region and grow local business by grasping the real growth opportunities presented by globally in-demand biocommodity support for tourism—and support for farmers means support for the regions. These measures will strengthen the long-term future of two of our regions most important industries.