Bundaberg Regional Council and Bundaberg Tourism have reaffirmed their shared commitment to growing the region’s visitor economy, signing a new four-year Tourism Partnership Agreement that will support destination marketing, industry development, visitor services and destination management across the Bundaberg Region.
The agreement, which runs from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2030, provides long-term certainty for tourism support and reinforces the important role tourism plays in supporting local jobs, businesses and community prosperity throughout the Bundaberg Region.
Tourism is a major contributor to the Bundaberg Region economy, with total visitor expenditure exceeding $700 million in 2025.
Under the agreement, Bundaberg Tourism will continue to lead destination marketing and industry development activities while working closely with Council to deliver the Bundaberg Region Destination Management Plan, strengthen visitor services, support local tourism businesses and advocate for opportunities that contribute to regional economic growth.
Bundaberg Tourism Chief Executive Officer Katherine Reid said the agreement reflected a shared vision for the future of the region.
“This agreement is much more than a funding commitment. It represents a genuine partnership and a shared belief in the role tourism plays in creating vibrant communities, supporting local businesses and generating economic opportunities across our region.”
“The four-year commitment provides confidence and stability, allowing us to plan strategically, invest in long-term initiatives and continue building a destination that benefits visitors, residents and industry alike.”
“Tourism contributes significantly to the Bundaberg Region’s economy, and we are grateful for Council’s ongoing confidence in Bundaberg Tourism as the region’s Regional Tourism Organisation and lead voice for the visitor economy.”
Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn said continued investment in tourism promotion and industry development would support a critical pillar of the local economy.
“We’re proud to partner with Bundaberg Tourism to take the Bundaberg Region and the Southern Great Barrier Reef to the rest of the nation and the world,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“The strength of this partnership has been highlighted in recent times with our co-contributions to hotel investment attraction where we worked collaboratively with Bundaberg Tourism to advocate for what our community needs.
“Everyone who lives here knows what a special place the Bundaberg Region is and together we will continue to celebrate and promote the many reasons to visit our slice of paradise, ultimately injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy.”
Ms Reid said the agreement recognised the importance of collaboration across all levels of government, industry and the community.
“The strongest outcomes are delivered when organisations work together. This partnership enables us to continue supporting local tourism operators, delivering meaningful destination marketing, growing community pride and ensuring tourism contributes positively to the future of our region.”
The agreement includes a focus on destination management leadership, visitor economy growth, industry capability development, visitor services, destination marketing, research and advocacy.
It also strengthens collaboration between Bundaberg Tourism and Council to support investment attraction, visitor servicing and strategic regional priorities.
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