Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the $1m program would allow 6500 students to enjoy a school excursion on the Great Barrier Reef over the next three years.“By supporting Queensland students to visit the Reef, we’re also supporting local businesses,” Ms Palaszczuk said.MORE NEWS10 inspiring Far North womenCairns women honoured for achievementsFast food restaurant plans party opening“Cairns tourism operators have done it tough over the last 12 months. This initiative will support local jobs and pump cash back into local businesses.”Cairns MP Michael Healy said Queensland students travelled interstate for excursions every year. “We want those funds to be spent in Cairns, supporting local businesses and local jobs,” he said.“It’s a win for Cairns tourism and teaches the leaders of tomorrow about the long-term importance and preservation of one of our state’s greatest living natural assets.”The program will be rolled out from term 3. All primary and secondary Queensland schools can apply.Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators chief executive Gareth Phillips welcomed the move.“The Great Barrier Reef marine tourism industry has been delivering educational experiences for many years and this subsidy will help schools to get access to these education programs,” Mr Phillips said.“This will provide pupils with a greater understanding of the complexities of the Great Barrier Reef and inspire them further.”Down Under Cruise and Dive marketing manager Marcus Brady was among those to welcome the $200 discount tourism voucher, announced at the weekend, and the new $1m student excursion subsidy.“It’s fantastic, it’s going to convert what we all believe is a pent-up need for Australians to travel,” he said.“Everyone just absolutely can’t wait to get out there and get away from their home communities and go and explore Australia.“This is that opportunity to convert those interests to actually get on a flight or a car to visit Cairns.“It’s all directed to the tourism operators, so I feel like it’s putting us as the lead experience.”Cairns Post where to get news



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