Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones has said the fund will deliver infrastructure for the Great Barrier Reef islands to rejuvenate resorts and offer world-class experiences to visitors.

Ms Jones expects to receive ambitious proposals to restore island resorts to their former glory.

The Fund would focus on growing and cleaning the Great Barrier Reef Islands resorts, with one main aim to encourage protection of the reef and its islands.

“This investment will assist in attracting new and return visitors and increase visitor expenditure in Queensland,” said Ms Jones.

“We’re investing an extra $180 million in tourism in this term of government to create jobs in this sector in the long-term.”

The fund will be open to Island resort owners and operators within the GBR region who have an existing resort or approved plans for a resort. 

“Island resorts are an iconic part of the tourism offering and are essential to attracting new and return visitors to the reef. They’re also an important part of the broader Queensland tourism plan,” Ms Jones said. 

Great Barrier Reef resort operators and lease holders will be briefed on funding guidelines and invited to consider making an application. 

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Great Barrier Reef had an important role in the growth of tourism in Australia and securing Queensland as a leading tourism destination.

“The Great Barrier Reef contributes $6 billion to our economy and supports more than 60,000 jobs – it is without doubt Queensland’s greatest asset, that’s why we committed $25 million during the election to revamp these island resorts," Ms Jones said.

Applications for the Queensland Government's new infrastructure fund will open on August 1.

See also:

Operator sought for 6-star $600m Lindeman Island redevelopment

Queensland's Great Keppel Island officially up for grabs​

New Minister assessment for $1.2bn Hummock Hill Island development proposal

Daydream Island increases redevelopment investment to $100m