The state of Queensland is ready to welcome tourist to the area again after the deadly flooding disaster hit the state earlier this month.
In fact Tourism Australia is encouraging tourists from all over the world to take a holiday in those areas of the state that haven’t been affected by floodwaters – as well as in the affected areas once they are up and running again – to help the economy.
The federal Treasurer of Australia, Wayne Swan, believes this could be Australia’s most costly natural disaster ever, and his rough calculations for the damages come up to around $20 billion.
Tourism Australia said: “Queensland’s tourism industry has the welcome mat rolled out ready to welcome you, so come see us!”.
All Queensland airports are now open and operating normally, and most of the state’s tourism destinations including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Agnes Water, 1770, Whitsundays, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, Southern Downs and Granite Belt and Toowoomba are ready to welcome visitors.
Tourism operations such as beaches, island resorts, accommodation providers, tour operators and attractions are open and accessible in these areas.
Parts of Central Queensland, Queensland’s Outback, Western Downs and the Lockyer Valley continue to be affected however, and access to these areas is restricted.
And if you’re planning to travel to the state of Victoria, please check the travel advise first as certain areas of northwest Victoria currently are experiencing flooding.
For the latest conditions Tourism Queensland recommends visiting the Queensland Government’s official Queensland floods webpage: http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/
or visit the Bureau of Meteorology http://www.bom.gov.au/ to check weather forecasts.
Visit http://131940.qld.gov.au/ for the latest road conditions.
Anyone who would like to directly help Queensland’s flood victims can donate to the Queensland Government Flood Assistance Appeal at www.qld.gov.au/floods
