Tourism Minister rules out backing a visitor tax
Shire business
Introducing a statewide tourist tax has been ruled out by State Government Tourism Minister Andrew Powell.
Mr Powell made the call in response to a speech in the Douglas Shire Council chambers last week by Mayor Lisa Scomazzon where she spoke in favour of “tourist levies” or a “visitor tax” being introduced to help pay for the costs of services such as collecting rubbish, fixing roads and providing water.
Mayor Scomazzon said she had been talking with councils in Cairns and Noosa to garner further support across the state.
“The Crisafulli Government does not support introducing any new or increased statewide taxes or levies,” Mr Powell told Newsport on Friday. “Councils have the ability to strike their own levies for local infrastructure if they so wish, and that is a matter for local government.”
During her speech in council, Mayor Scomazzon said she had begun “advocating strongly” with both the State Government and Opposition, but “unfortunately it appears this will be a long road ahead”.
State Opposition tourism spokesman Michael Healy told Newsport on Friday the decision to bring in any new taxes on tourism did not rest with him.
“We will always work with the tourism sector to ensure the ongoing success of one of Queensland’s biggest industries,” Mr Healy said.
“But any decision to implement a tourism levy, or bed tax, is up to the current Crisafulli LNP Government.”
Mayor Scomazzon also told the council meeting introducing a new levy would help ensure those that enjoyed their destinations also contributed to their upkeep, reducing the burden on ratepayers.
Oaks Resort Port Douglas general manager Paul Parrant said any changes should be framed as a “Port Douglas Sustainability Contribution”, with a “clear commitment that 100 per cent of funds are reinvested into maintaining and protecting our region’s natural and cultural assets”.
“This isn’t about being for or against a levy, it’s about ensuring Port Douglas remains both sustainable and desirable for residents and visitors alike,” Mr Parrant said. “With around 700,000 visitors each year, and a small local population supporting the infrastructure, it makes sense to explore a balanced way to share the cost of protecting what makes this region special.
“If it’s communicated transparently, and tied directly to environmental and community outcomes, it can strengthen Port Douglas’s reputation as a responsible, world-class destination - one that values its people, environment, and future equally.”
But Douglas Shire ratepayer Peter Brown said there were already “empty shops all over town”, and neither a tourism levy or rate increases were the solution.
“I don’t think they need to increase the rates, they just need to look at how they spend the money,” Mr Brown said.
“The value for money in Port Douglas is not there.”
He said the DSC could spend the money it already has on better experiences for tourists and locals, including the Flagstaff Hill walking trail and cheaper Great Barrier Reef access: “There’s not a lot here, you can’t swim for six months of the year.”
Mayor Scomazzon said last week introducing tourist levies or a visitor tax would benefit both ratepayers and visitors.
“No, this will not be the end of our tourism, as many destinations across the globe have introduced tourism levies or visitor taxes to help fund the infrastructure,” she told the DSC meeting.
Regions across the world, including Bali, Italy and Kenya, have introduced them: “I will keep advocating for this levy to be introduced into our Shire.”
The rest of the council backed the move, voting unanimously to support council staff drawing up a report into the issue.
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