Fishing at Karumba in the Gulf of Carpentaria is the number 1 activity of tourists to the region. Photo: Romy Greiner

Benefits and costs of tourism for remote communities

Case study: Carpentaria Shire, north-west Queensland

By Romy Greiner, Colin Mayocchi, Silva Larson, Natalie Stoeckl and Roman Schweigert.

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This report summarises the results of a research project funded by the Tropical Savannas CRC and CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems. The research was carried out with the support of Carpentaria Shire Council and the tourism industry of Carpentaria Shire. The research project was led by Dr Romy Greiner from CSIRO SE in Townsville. Her contact details are below.

The research project studied the relationship between tourism and Carpentaria Shire, as a host region and a host community.

Tourism has become a significant industry in Carpentaria Shire since sealed roads ensured easy access by travellers. The regional community is small and tourism has profound impacts. .

The prime focus of tourism in this area—as in much of the savannas—is nature-based. And in the Gulf, it is fishing that is the main drawcard for nearly all the tourists. A large proportion of tourists are retirees, who are part of the ‘grey nomads’ phenomenon. Retirees stay for an average of 10.5 weeks, typically come from southern states, stay in their caravans and are on low incomes.

While they do not spend much per day (only about $30 compared to $112 for a ‘typical’ visitor to Queensland), they spend a substantive amount per visitor because of their extended stay. The research estimated that tourism contributes at least $11 million in direct spending to the economy of Normanton and Karumba.

Residents in the shire appreciate the employment and investment benefits that tourism generates. They also appreciate tourism from a social and lifestyle point of view. However, they are also concerned with negative environmental impacts—including the possibility of declining fish stocks—and the availability of fresh water and refuse generation. Tourists add to the population as many as 800–1000 “resident equivalent”, effectively increasing demand for services in the Shire by 25–30% over a calendar year.

The implications of the research points to a need for the region to diversify its tourist product to attract more short-stay non-fishing higher-spending tourists. However, in the foreseeable future fishing will remain the prime attraction—so sustainable management of fish stocks is paramount.