General News
6 November, 2026
Talking up Tablelands tourism potential
DISCUSSION about how the Tablelands can capitalise on its tourism potential were held between Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell, Mayor Kevin Cardew and chief executive officer Nikola Stepanov this month.
Mayor Cardew said building a collaborative relationship with the Minister and the Queensland Government was critical in ensuring the region was well positioned to capitalise on future tourism opportunities.
“Our region has huge potential to extend its already well-recognised status as a unique tourism destination, and I’m committed to working collaboratively with the Queensland Government and industry partners to identify opportunities that will attract more visitors, support local businesses and deliver lasting benefits for our community,” he said.
“We need to look towards essential visitor needs for the future, like increased accommodation options and enhancing accessibility to the amazing tourism locations the Tablelands have to offer.”
The meeting marked a positive step forward with a shared focus on supporting tourism growth, strengthening the local visitor economy and exploring opportunities for the region into the future.
Potential opportunities discussed included extending the region’s Rail Trail to directly link to other popular nature walking and mountain bike trails and other visitor locations like Platypus Park, a unique reserve in Atherton providing a rare opportunity for creek-side platypus sightings.
Minister Powell said the Atherton Tablelands was a fantastic tourism destination, with plenty to offer visitors and significant potential to grow the region’s visitor economy.
“The Crisafulli Government is backing regional tourism through our tourism plan, Destination 2045, to attract more visitors and support local businesses and communities,” he said.
