Queensland school students will play their part in flood recovery efforts in the State’s outback through a renewed Government program.
State Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the Outback Queensland Education Experience Program would be reactivated, with schools encouraged to participate in the program and aid in community flood recovery.
Minister Langbroek said the program took school beyond the classroom, offering financial subsidies to help schoolchildren explore the rich history, culture and landscapes of the Queensland Outback through a diverse range of tourism offerings.
“This initiative is part of a broad strategy to get rural businesses back on their feet after devastating floods, and show young Queenslanders the extraordinary experiences that make Queensland so unique,” he said.
“In the year ending December 2024, the Outback welcomed 1.1 million visitors who spent $791.2 million – an economic boost local operators desperately need to see as they recover from one of the worst floods on record.”
Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the program, which had helped more than 10,000 students visit Outback Queensland since 2011, went far beyond a typical school excursion.
“In the wake of some of the most significant flooding in our State’s history, tourism initiatives like the Outback Queensland Education Experience Program become more than just a getaway, they become a lifeline,” Minister Powell said.
“During consultation for our 20-year tourism plan, I saw firsthand just how much communities in Longreach, Winton and Barcaldine rely on tourism, and creating an unforgettable experience for students so that one day they return for their own holiday.”
Outback Queensland Tourism Association CEO Denise Brown said the renewal of the program was a huge boon for the region’s tourism industry.
“Outback Queensland offers an authentic live classroom where students can discover spectacular natural wonders, life on the land and the legends of Australia’s pioneering past,” Ms Brown said.
“From nature and astronomy to dinosaurs, First Nations culture and quirky events, Outback Queensland offers a wealth of educational and immersive opportunities for students of every age.”
Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame CEO Lloyd Mills said the added foot traffic would provide welcome relief for tourism operators looking to bounce back after recent floods.
“By visiting Western Queensland, school groups are not only gaining insight into the heart of rural Australia, they’re also playing a key role in supporting the local economy. The entire region benefits, and you can see the ripple effect large tour groups have on the whole community,” Mr Mills said.
