Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe and Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith have dropped in on Macadamias Australia for a preview of Bundaberg’s next Southern Great Barrier Reef visitor experience which is already supporting jobs for the region’s COVID-19 economic recovery.
The Palaszczuk Government’s Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund is investing almost $1 million in the development of Australia’s first Macadamia attraction.
Mr Smith said the complex would be a farm to plate macadamia visitor experience first.
“Bundaberg is so proud of the hard work and innovation of our growers and we recognise top quality produce when we see it.” Mr Smith said.
“And, we’re expecting macadamias will start appearing on visitor bucket lists, not just for the great tasting product that they are, but for the great tourism experience that will be on offer.
“This innovative attraction features a pick-your-own orchard experience, an interactive learning centre, a working macadamia processing plant, a café showcasing gourmet macadamia cuisine and Bundaberg’s best local produce, plus an event space.
“Macadamias Australia’s world-class centre, right next to a working macadamia farm, will attract independent visitors, as well as tour groups, which will be incredibly important to the region for the re-start of international tourism.
“This is an Australian first, and something that all of Bundaberg should take pride in.”
Minister Hinchliffe said Bundaberg was famous around the world for its rum, sugar and small crop production.
“But its Bundy’s macadamias that are about to shine under the region’s tourist limelight,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Work is powering on for the fit-out of new a visitor experience centred on Queensland’s internationally sought-after indigenous macadamia nut.
“Creating the macadamia visitor experience is supporting 37 jobs for tradies with 20 operational jobs predicted once launched in coming months.
“We know the tourism industry has been hit hard by the global COVID pandemic and the closure of the international border.
“The Palaszczuk Government’s Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund is assisting new and existing tourism operators to rebuild and build better.
“Before COVID, approximately 2.4 million tourists visited the Southern Great Barrier Region every year and we’re keen to see that grow.
“We’re supporting operators to refresh and build new tourism infrastructure, like Macadamia Australia, to create new experiences for domestic visitors, and be ready for international tourists once the Federal Government is able to reopen the Australian border.
“Once up and running, it’s predicted the Macadamia Australia experience will help to add an extra $38 million every year to the local economy.
“We think Australia will go nuts for the macadamia experience and tourism in Bundaberg and Southern Great Barrier Reef region.”
Macadamia’s Australia Director, Janelle Gerry said the family business established in 1958 is proud to contribute to the Bundaberg region.
“Our family is looking forward to adding this new seven day a week visitor experience to the region’s growing tourism offering,” she said.
“To work alongside the iconic brands of Bundaberg to showcase what’s grown, made and produced right here in our backyard is something that we’re really proud of as a second-generation farming family.”
“Work is currently underway on the fit-out of the new visitor experience and we hope to be welcoming visitors by mid-2021.”
