A new survey is being conducted by the local tourism organisation (LTO), Visit South Burnett (VSB) is asking locals to weigh in on the matter of public transportation to and around the region.
“VSB’s main objective is to attract visitors to our beautiful region, but in 2023 we are still coming up against major challenges when it comes to making the South Burnett accessible to everyone,” Melanie Eastaugh, Visit South Burnett Tourism Development Officer said.
“A key draw card to the South Burnett is the region’s proximity to major airports and city centres. We are only a 2.5 hour drive from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, and 1.5 hours from Wellcamp – but unless you have your own means of private transportation, the South Burnett is simply out of reach.”
Mrs Eastaugh said the initial idea for the VSB transportation survey came about after numerous discussions held at Visit South Burnett Management Committee meetings identifying key issues and gaps preventing the growth of our visitor numbers.
“There are new flights now from Townsville, Melbourne, the Whitsundays landing at Wellcamp Airport only 1.5 hours away from our doorstep, and the upcoming 2032 Olympics has the potential to be very prosperous for the South Burnett, but with only limited public transport bringing visitors to our region, these will be missed tourism dollars for the local economy.”
The VSB Management Committee also acknowledged the challenges the current limited amount of transportation presents to South Burnett residents.
“Whilst we realise the tourism potential public transport would bring to the South Burnett, VSB acknowledges the dire need for locals to have access to these essential services in order to increase the liveability of our region,” she said.
“2023 is the Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland, and we believe everyone should have access to transport in and around the picturesque South Burnett.”
To have your say on public transport for the South Burnett and assist VSB in getting the wheels turning, head to the survey online here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/V86DVZS or email admin@visitsouthburnett.au. Or contact Visit South Burnett President Jason Kinsella 0428 684 797
