Redland City Council has reinforced its support of the local tourism sector by launching a committee of Redlands tourism professionals to advocate for and support the local industry.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Redlands Tourism Subcommittee would complement the Redlands Economic Development Advisory Board and recognised the important role of tourism in the local economy.

“Tourism is identified as a key industry for the Redlands in the Redland City Economic Development Framework 2014-2041 and this group of professionals will advocate to the economic development board and Council on the industry’s behalf to ensure it has the support it needs to thrive,” she said.

“Tourism currently contributes 1.4% to Redlands’ Gross Regional Product and the aim is to increase this figure to more than 3% by 2041.

“The 12 elected members were selected from local businesses, meaning they have a genuine passion for the industry and know what it takes to succeed.”

The members of the Redland City Tourism Subcommittee are:

• Cameron Costello – CEO, Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation
• Colin McInnes – Lamb Island Bed & Breakfast and President, Southern Moreton Bay Chamber of Commerce
• Trevor Hulbert – Yarrandabbi Dreaming Retreat, Macleay Island
• Sue Panuccio – Mt Cotton Retreat
• Katrina Beutel – Redlands Kayak Tours
• Phil Robinson – Redland Museum and Old Schoolhouse Gallery
• Colin Battersby – Fishes at the Point, Discover Stradbroke Real Estate and Chair, Straddie Chamber of Commerce
• Damian Stewart – Anchorage on Straddie
• Alex Sey – Sirromet Winery
• Jeannie Sheppard – Two Little Rows (formerly Stradbroke Weddings)
• Jenny Tan – Bay Breeze Café
• Nikki Cornwall – Coochie Boat Hire.

There are also two members from Redland City Council – Chair Tracey Walker Group Manager Communication, Engagement and Tourism and Deputy Chair Kristen Banks.

Cr Williams said establishing the subcommittee was an action of the Redland City Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2020, which was developed with extensive input from tourism operators.

“Council recognises the best people to plan the future of the local tourism sector is those who are part of it, which is why we engage the industry as much as possible and this subcommittee is yet another example of that,” she said.

“Collectively, the subcommittee brings a wealth of knowledge and demonstrated skills gained from local, state-wide, national and international experience in areas including accommodation and food services, business and industry development, investment attraction, business innovation, marketing, tours, event management and community development.

“The subcommittee also includes a Council officer who will report actions back to the Redlands Economic Development Advisory Board and advocate for support from Council and other levels of government.”

Cr Williams said tourism was critical to the future of the Redlands, especially with sandmining ending on Straddie by 2019.

“Tourism has been identified as the industry to fill the hole left by sandmining and Council is committed to providing the foundations for this to occur,” she said.

The Redlands Tourism Subcommittee will meet monthly until the end of 2016 then bimonthly.