Capricorn Enterprise 2022/23 Annual Report

WHAT WE DO:

Tourism & Visitor Servicing

THE ROLE OF CAPRICORN ENTERPRISE

Investment Attraction

Business Support & Development

Destination Marketing

REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Capricorn Coast & Rockhampton Region

REGIONAL TOURISM

(1 OF 13 OFFICIAL REGIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATIONS IN QUEENSLAND)

Capricorn Coast & Keppel Islands Rockhampton Region Central Queensland Highlands

OUR MAJOR PARTNERS | 2022 - 2023

The success and continuity of our organisation is largely a result of the following Corporate and Platinum partners and sponsors.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR & CEO

With sincere thanks to the ongoing partnership and support of our Members and Stakeholders, Capricorn Enterprise is proud to deliver another comprehensive and results driven annual report.

Straddling the Tropic of Capricorn from the Keppel Islands in the east to the Central Queensland Highlands in the west, our region boasts incredible diversity in our industries and natural landscapes.

To the year ending March 2023, our Capricorn region welcomed 1,246,000 visitors, a 16.9% increase on the previous year. Visitors stayed for 4,429,000 nights, a 22% increase on the previous year, and spent $915 Million dollars, a 31.2% increase on the previous year. Spend per visitor (either on a holiday, business trip or visiting friends or relatives), was $734 and spend per night was $207, for an average length of stay of 3.6 nights.

In the three years since 2019, overnight visitor expenditure has seen a 20.7% increase for the entire Capricorn region, with the Capricorn Coast enjoying an incredible 175% increase, which reflects visitors staying longer (4.7 nights) and spending more.

The Regional Movers Index , developed by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) in partnership with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), revealed that the Capricorn Coast (Livingstone Shire) topped the list in the Top Five LGAs: greatest growth in net inflows from capitals. It saw a near six-fold increase in net migration inflows from the capitals in the 12 months to March 2023. Rockhampton retained its third spot in the Top Five LGAs: greatest growth in net inflows from regions with net regional inflows around two and a half times higher in the 12 months to March 2023.

The March quarter 2023 unemployment and labour force statistics also reflect the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton region forging ahead. The number of persons in the labour force (67,921 persons) has continued to grow, with an additional 4,624 persons now employed or seeking work compared to the March quarter 2022, an increase of 7.3% over the year. The percentage of unemployed persons is the lowest in more than 12 years and is lower than rates in Queensland.

With continued strong demand for labour for major projects, Central Queensland continues to be the economic powerhouse of the state and nation, with multi billion dollars’ worth of investment continuing across public and private sector developments in transport, energy, water, defence, health and education

There are so many highlights from the 2022/23 year, all possible thanks to an exceptional team, both paid and voluntary at Capricorn Enterprise working in partnership with our Members and Stakeholders, both in the private and public sectors.

2023/24 is already shaping up to be another busy and successful year for our region.

On behalf of the Directors of Capricorn Enterprise, I am very pleased to endorse this annual report to you, our Members, Sponsors, Local Government Partners and Stakeholders.

In my six (6) years as Chairman of Capricorn Enterprise, I have witnessed a dedicated team of professionals continue to produce more results each year, with the 2022/23 year no exception. Sincere thanks to my fellow voluntary Directors who give of their time freely to support this great Organisation.

The outstanding efforts produced by three (3) full time and four (4) part time staff, servicing hundreds of members across a geographical footprint which takes in much of Central Queensland, is greatly appreciated. Their advocacy efforts have helped grow our region by increasing visitation and investment.

I also pay tribute to our thirty-five (35) wonderful volunteers who give freely of their time at the Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre seven days a week, answering over 2,000 phone calls and welcoming more than 17,000 visitors through its doors during 2022/23.

Our CEO Mary Carroll, now in her fourteenth year of tenure is the longest serving Regional Tourism Organisation leader not just in Queensland but in the country. Her efforts were acknowledged at the Livingstone Shire Australia Day Awards this year, achieving a “Living Legend” Award.

Capricorn Enterprise, as the peak tourism and economic development organisation for the Capricorn region continues to welcome additional members each year. Our efforts in delivering tourism and visitor services, business support and development, destination marketing and investment attraction, is only possible thanks to a strong and solid membership.

We sincerely thank our major local government funding partners, Livingstone Shire Council (LSC) and Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC) for their support over many years.

As we are required to match a significant portion of our state government funding with dollar for dollar contribution from local government, LSC has committed proportionally more for seven (7) financial years to ensure Capricorn Enterprise has been able to retain its status as one of thirteen (13) official Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) in Queensland as recognised by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ).

The coming financial year does not come without its challenges, with Tourism and Events Queensland implementing regional tourism boundary changes in our region and a new funding metric for RTOs which will impact our state government funding.

Challenges are not new to Capricorn Enterprise; in fact the dedicated team rise up in the face of adversity with their passionate and positive attitude.

Partnership and collaboration is key to the continued success of our region and it is thanks to the ongoing support of our Members, Sponsors and Stakeholders, that Capricorn Enterprise has been able to achieve so much during 2022/23.

Mary Carroll Chief Executive Officer

Derek Lightfoot Chairman

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS | 2022 - 2023

MAX HOGAN Ergon Energy

HEATHER PEIRANO Piranha Insurance

CHRIS HARRIS C.T. Harris & Company

DEREK LIGHTFOOT Associate Member CHAIR

BOB PLEASH Associate Member VICE CHAIR

HELEN SCHWEIKERT Cap Coast Home Loans / Prestige Property Yeppoon

CR RHODES WATSON (from Jan 2023) Livingstone Shire Council

CHRIS BLOXSOM Butler Partners

KIM HARRINGTON CQUniversity

CR NIGEL HUTTON (until Nov 2022) Livingstone Shire Council

COMMITTEES | 2022 - 2023

CAPRICORN ENTERPRISE

INDUSTRY GROUP (Economic Development Committee)

Chris Bloxsom

Butler Partners

Wayne Litherland

Babsuva Pty Ltd

Prue Saxby

Indigo Gold

Colin Strydom

Design + Architecture

Jason Spence

iAssist

Carl Carter

Cooper McKenzie Marketing

Russell Claus

Livingstone Shire Council

Dean Phillips

Master Builders Queensland

TOURISM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Eloise Chaffers

Taylor Made Marketing

Sonia Barber

Livingstone Shire Council

Brad Korte Kortes Resort

Tanya Lynch

Vue Wine Bar & Restaurant

Andrea Stokje Oshen Yeppoon

Callan Buccholz

Stage & Audio

Lillian Lever

Koorana Crocodile Farm

Kelly Harris (from October 22)

Great Keppel Island Hideaway

Brigid Clarke (from March 23) Stay Yeppoon

Paul Thompson (until October 22) Central Highlands Development Corporation

Pat Lilleboe (until Jan 23)

Sail Inn Yeppoon

I wanted to pass on my thanks and acknowledgement to Mary of the wonderful job that Capricorn Enterprise continues to do for our region.

After stepping away from the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce some 4 years ago, I have gained a much greater appreciation of all the work and effort that is required to engage the local community, the local businesses and specifically, potential tourists to our region, the way that Capricorn Enterprise does so successfully. Much of the work is largely unheralded ……but it is quietly appreciated by countless residents and businesses…..like myself. Keep up the great work, team CE !

Peter Fraser | Smyth Financial – JUNE 2023

OUR TEAM | 2022 - 2023

MARY CARROLL Chief Executive Officer & Company Secretary

LYN PASCOE Accounts / Office Administration

KRISTA BROWN Tourism & Marketing Manager (5 Days P/T)

LENA

Marketing Executive Until December 2022

CARMEL HUMPHRIES Economic Development Project Officer (4 DAYS)

ALYSSAH ANDERSON Marketing & Communications Executive (5 DAYS P/T)

FRANK EDWARDS Industry Engagement Manager

SARAH RICE Information Centre Supervisor (4 DAYS P/T)

MEMBERS EVENTS | 2022 - 2023

Over the past 12 months, Capricorn Enterprise has held 14 member and community events with over 1,000 attendees.

NETWORKING NIGHTS

Members Networking Nights are an excellent opportunity for members to share information and make new contacts.

Functions are held approximately every 8 weeks at a different member’s venue each time.

Thank you to Members who have hosted our Networking Nights in 2022/23:

20 July 2022 –

The Alley Yeppoon

5 October 2022 –

Yeppoon Cinemas

22 February 2023 –

The Cobbler’s Rooms Rockhampton

19 April 2023 –

Artizan Gluten Free Bakery and Time Safaris Rockhampton

17 May 2023 –

Echelon Apartments Yeppoon

21st June 2023 –

Stir & Stitch Yeppoon

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUMS

Yeppoon Business Breakfast Event, Rosslyn Bay Resort – 20 July 2022

REKO Yeppoon Community Meeting, Beaches Restaurant – 6 October 2022

Capricorn Enterprise Major Industry Forum, Frenchville Sports Club – 13 October 2022

Rockhampton Ring Road, Red Lion Hotel –15 November 2022

Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline Project Briefing Session, Rockhampton leagues Club – 28 April 2023

Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline Project, Rockhampton Tendering Workshop, Rockhampton Leagues Club – 22 May 2023

TOURISM FORUMS/ WORKSHOPS

Conversations with Industry –Tourism & Events Queensland, Salt Yeppoon - 12 July 2022

Invitation to provide input to the Wop-pa Great Keppel Island Master Plan, Salt Yeppoon – 20 October 2022

COMMUNICATION WITH MEMBERS

Communication with members continues to be a top priority. Capricorn Enterprise distributes approximately 50 ‘Inside Capricorn’ EDMs per year, with a consistent readership and content providing members with critical updates and opportunities.

2022 BEST IN BUSINESS AWARDS

The 2022 Best in Business Awards, proudly sponsored by Optus, was held on 26 November 2022 at Korte’s Resort Rockhampton. Hosted by Capricorn Enterprise in partnership with the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce, 240 enthusiastic guests packed into Korte’s Resort to celebrate local entities who have adapted, achieved and created immense opportunities to forge a strong and resilient business community. A total of 83 nominations were received across 6 competitive categories, together with an additional 53 businesses vying for the exciting People’s Choice category.

The Winners were:

Best New Business

(Sponsor: Stanwell Corporation)

WINNER: JONES BUILDING GROUP

Best Large Business (Sponsor: IPA)

WINNER: ROCKY SPORTS CLUB

Best Medium Business

(Sponsor: Artizan Gluten Free Bakery)

WINNER: SMOOOTH JUICE

Best Small Business

(Sponsor: Capricorn Caves)

WINNER: ARTIZAN GLUTEN FREE BAKERY

Best Community Enterprise

(Sponsor: Stanwell Corporation)

WINNER: ROCKY SPORTS CLUB

Best Accessible Business Award

(Sponsor: CatholicCare Central Queensland)

WINNER: AAA TUTORING AND SKILL BUILDING

Best Apprentice or Trainee as nominated by an Employer

(Sponsor: Johnson’s 4WD Repair Shop)

WINNER: ESSENSE CLEMENTS – STANWELL CORPORATION

Best Employee Award as nominated by an Employer

(Sponsor: Oshen Yeppoon)

WINNER: DEBBIE BURGESS – ARTIZAN

GLUTEN FREE BAKERY

People’s Choice Award

(Sponsor: Capricorn Enterprise)

WINNER: JET JAMES ART GALLERY

Best Overall Business

(Sponsor: Platinum Partner Optus)

WINNER: ARTIZAN GLUTEN FREE BAKERY

2022 BEST IN BUSINESS AWARDS

(See previous page for full list of winners and sponsors)

Congratulations! Saturday night’s Best in Business Awards Gala was one of the best events I have attended in years. The venue was beautiful, the food was amazing – we were all full before we even sat down at our tables (that never happens at these types of things). The canapes were to die for! We wished we could have stayed longer but we had to go relieve the babysitter. I just wanted to thank yourself and Capricorn Enterprise & the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce for putting the event on.

Emily Hutton | C & E Consulting Creative – NOVEMBER 2022

The goal of the Rockhampton Ring Road forum was to bring key players together to have an open and transparent discussion about how we can collaborate for the benefit of this critical project and our community. I believe we achieved this goal and there is genuine commitment from all parties to proceed in partnership.

Mary Carroll| Chief Executive Officer CAPRICORN ENTERPRISE – NOVEMBER 2022, following the industry forum hosted by Capricorn Enterprise & Capricornia Chamber of Commerce

ADVOCACY | TOURISM & DEVELOPMENT

INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

2022-23

Research reveals that local infrastructure projects exceeding $5.0 billion were under construction, in design phases or drawing to a conclusion across the region encompassing Livingstone and Rockhampton Regional Council areas during the 2022-23 year continuing to provide opportunities for regional business and local workforce.

These projects provide significant opportunities for local business/industry in terms of local content in major infrastructure projects including highways, water, energy renewables and defence.

Capricorn Enterprise has been and will continue to work closely with project proponents and managers including Tier 1 and Defence Prime Groups, local business and industry representatives to maximise local participation and content. While some projects are drawing to natural conclusions or at the stage of having released all work packages, other projects are gearing from design to development phases, supporting the economic development of our region.

Rockhampton Ring Road

Following community consultation, including advocacy by Capricorn Enterprise and other industry organisations, the Australian and Queensland governments agreed to commence the first construction phase of the Rockhampton Ring Road underway in 2023.

The Ring Road EOI phase has concluded with the selected applicants (Acciona/ Fulton Hogan & BMD/Beilby joint ventures) now proceeding to Stage 2 – Collaborative Development phase. In this phase applicants work collaboratively with DTMR to refine design, provide constructability input, consider alternatives and develop a Contract Adjusted Price.

Rockhampton Ring Road Forum, 15 November 2022

Project Status Briefing, 23 January 2023

TMR Project Briefing, 25 January 2023

Stakeholder meeting, 13 April 2023

[SEE IMAGE 2,4]

Capricorn Enterprise has been invited to participate on the Rockhampton Ring Road Business Advisory Group, established to provide a collaborative and centralised forum for TMR and key local

business stakeholders to share information and ideas that contribute to economic and social legacy outcomes related to construction impacts. The objectives of the group include delivering more local jobs; providing enhanced local training and development opportunities; reducing the reliance on a fly-in-fly out workforce; and improving local accommodation outcomes.

INVESTMENT ATTRACTION

Great Keppel Island Resort

In April 2023, the State government rescinded the Tower Holding Leases, and ultimately the resort development approvals. The Great Keppel Island Master Plan Project Reference Group held their final meeting in February 2023 after 18 months of workshops with the Department of State Development (DSDILGP). A Draft GKI Master Plan document, finalized by the State government is due for release for community consultation in the third quarter of 2023. It is unclear how the $26 Million of state funds will now be spent, even though the GKI Master Plan Project Reference Group unanimously recorded, that ‘access’ (ie jetty/breakwall/ barge ramp) and the Sewerage Treatment Plant were top of the priority list, with improved walking tracks and facilities for day trippers also priorities.

The agreed vision statement reached unanimously was: “Woppa (Great Keppel Island) is a globally celebrated and loved, low impact marine and eco-tourism destination, delivering world-class interpretation and experiences that support the maintaining, protecting and nurturing of the islands diverse ecosystems and cultural land and sea country of the Woppaburra.” [SEE IMAGE 3,7]

Keppel Bay Sailing Club Convention Centre

Capricorn Enterprise played a key role in helping to achieve the $20M federal government funding commitment for the Keppel Bay Sailing Club (KBSC) Convention Centre and Sporting Hub.

Construction of The Keppel Bay Sailing and Convention Centre has commenced with the demolition of the Keppel Bay Sailing Club clubhouse in 2023. [SEE IMAGE 1]

This state-of-the-art facility is project managed by Yeppoon based architect, Brian Hooper, with Brian delivering an

update on the planning and progress of the new facility at the Capricorn Enterprise Major Industry Forum in October 2022. Construction is due for completion in May 2024, with opening of the building expected in June 2024.

Rockhampton Stadium

On the 15th September 2020, the Federal government announced $23 Million funding for the Rockhampton Stadium at Victoria Park (following a federally-funded $250,000 feasibility study conducted in 2013/14 by global stadium design experts, Populous). A 16,000 seat stadium and 1000 seat conference room is expected to commence construction in late 2023 - early 2024.

As a key Priority Initiative for the region since 2010, ten potential sites were highlighted by the CQ NRL Bid Team for investigation by Populous. These sites included Yeppoon, Parkhurst, Central Queensland University, Jardine Park, Kershaw Gardens, Lakes Creek Road, Aurizon CBD Site, Rosel Park, Browne Park, Rockhampton CBD and the Showgrounds Precinct.

Regional Australia Institute (RAI)Regional Activators Alliance

Capricorn Enterprise is one of 45 Organisations/LGAs in Australia which contributes to the “Regional Activators Alliance”, a collaboration to ensure our region is included in the $5 Million two year national campaign Move to More, co-ordinated by the RAI.

[SEE IMAGE 4,10 on P17]

Surf Lakes Yeppoon

In January 2022, Livingstone Shire Council approved a development application for the commercial wave park facility including roadworks/access and accommodation. Capricorn Enterprise has assisted founder, Aaron Trevis, since its inception.

[SEE IMAGE 5]

Capricorn Coast Eco Destination Certification

Livingstone Shire Council (with the assistance of Capricorn Enterprise) has successfully secured funding to undergo the ECO Certification program for the Capricorn Coast to become fully certified as an ‘ECO Destination’ by mid 2024. This is an extremely exciting prospect for our destination.

[SEE IMAGE 6]

The advocacy efforts of Capricorn Enterprise are at the forefront of our activities and are critical to the short, medium and long term prosperity of the Capricorn Region.

2022| 23 ADVOCACY Highlights

IMAGES

1 & 3

Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, The Hon. Cameron Dick MP at the Queensland Budget and Ecomonic Outlook lunch, Yeppoon - July 2022, hosted by Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga MP and Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke MP

2

CEO Mary Carroll interviewed about Great Keppel Island for the ‘Inquiry into the economic and regulatory frameworks for Queensland island resorts’ (report No. 31, 57th Parliament Transport and Resources Committee) - March 2023

4 & 10

Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll with ViceChancellor of CQUniversity, Professor Nick Clomp, and Central Highlands Development Corporation CEO, Peter Dowling, at the Regions Rising National Summit - Rebalancing the Nation (Regional Australia Institute) in Canberra, September 2022. CEO Mary Carroll participated in the ‘Regional Voices Pledging’ panel on Day 1

5

Hosting the new Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan on a brief tour of Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast in March 2023

6 CEOs and Managers from the official 13 Regional Tourism Organisations meet at Tourism & Events Queensland, Brisbane

7

Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry MP, hosts Federal Coalition Women Senators and Shadow Ministers in Rockhampton, October 2022, with invited guest CEO Mary Carroll.

8 & 9

CEO Mary Carroll, hosts Federal Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism, The Hon. Kevin Hogan MP, on a Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast Tour - October 2022

Breeze Holiday Parks is located across 14 destinations around Australia. We work with many RTOs and LTOs and I don’t take it lightly when I say Capricorn Enterprise is up there competing with the best. Not only do we get the best value from them, but we also truly feel like they know our product and our brand as well as we do and it’s easy to see they’re our biggest fans. Their support, guidance, knowledge, understanding and relationships have played a key role in the success of our Carnarvon Gorge business. We see, hear and feel their constant championing.

Cassie Jackson | Head of Marketing BREEZE HOLIDAY PARKS – JUNE 2023

MAJOR PROJECTS | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Whilst commitments have been made in respect to local industry participation on many of these major projects (ranging from 65% up to 80% local content), Capricorn Enterprise’s overall challenge is ensuring that industry are suitably qualified and demonstrate a competitive edge. Opportunities for local industry are at the forefront of Capricorn Enterprise’s strategy to maximise local industry participation and content.

ROOKWOOD WEIR

The construction of the $352M Rookwood Wier proposal has the support of both the Federal Government and State Government. [SEE IMAGE 3,4]

Project timeline:

• Thirsty Creek Road upgrade – June 2020 (complete)

• Capricorn Highway Intersection and Second Street and Third Street upgrade, Gogango – August 2020 (complete)

• New Riverslea Bridge and road upgrade (complete)

• Rookwood Wier, construction commenced with early works in late 2020 and in-river and main construction work started April 2021, concrete pouring started mid-September 2021. Project was 83% complete in May 2023 with expected completion end 2023, weather permitting.

• Hanrahan Crossing upgrade started October 2021 with 35% completed as of May 2023.

• Foylevale Crossing Upgrade is expected to commence in June 2023, with completion due early 2024, weather permitting Capricorn Enterprise has continued to work with the project proponents to inform the region of the opportunities presented by this project.

CLARKE CREEK WIND FARM

Clarke Creek Energy has been acquired by Squadron Energy, which is owned by Tattarang which is Andrew Forrest’s private investment company. Windlab will be overseeing construction of the Clarke Creek Wind Farm located 150 km north west of Rockhampton and 150 south of Mackay in the Isaac and Livingstone Shire areas.

When completed the Clarke Creek Wind Farm will be the largest wind farm project in the southern hemisphere; project investment around $3.0 billion; incorporating 100 Goldwind turbines totaling 450MW; 346.5MW section supplying Stanwell Corporation under Power Purchase Agreement; projected injection of over $100 million into the local and regional economy during construction. Jobs estimated at between 300-350 during construction phase and creating 30 FTE during operation. Project is estimated to take 31-33 months from early works to full operations in the 1st Stage. [SEE IMAGE 5]

All key stakeholders, Landholders. CCC, Councils, state & federal governments are aware of the new project ownership. Windlab has commenced construction with early clearing works by cBoP Catcon proceeding. Accommodation camp construction has also commenced, with civil mobilisation and substation access road construction to start on completion of the camp. Stage One (400-500MW) anticipated to be fully operational in 2024, Stage Two (total 800MW wind & 400MW solar) could come online in 2026.

The first 76m-long wind turbine blade and a 100-tonne tower component have been successfully delivered to Clarke Creek Wind Farm during a trial run of Over Size Over Mass (OSOM) loads from Gladstone Port to the project site, near Marlborough. The delivery program is due to start in June 2023 and will run for approximately 15 months.

DEFENCE - INDUSTRY LIASION

Capricorn Enterprise continues to liaise with the defence industry and major project proponents for the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area and the AustraliaSingapore Military Training Initiatives Facilities Project to ensure local businesses and industry maximise their opportunities to be involved. [SEE IMAGE 6]

SWBMTA - ASMTI Project: The project has now reached a milestone with all construction packages now issued, with the overall Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) project scheduled for completion in 2024. The project reports a total of 155 packages have been awarded, totalling $537m, with work that will be performed by subcontractors with operations in the Central Queensland Region valued in the order of $437 million.

FITZROY TO GLADSTONE PIPELINE PROJECT

The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is a $983 million project to address the single source water supply risk from Awoonga Dam and enable long-term water security for GAWB’s customers. The pipeline will also support future water for Gladstone’s emerging hydrogen and renewables industry.

McConnell Dowell BMD Joint Venture (MBJV) has been appointed as the

construction contractor. Once constructed, the pipeline will be owned and managed by Gladstone Area Water Board. Major construction was anticipated to start late 2022 with the new pipeline to be completed in 2025/26. [SEE IMAGE 2,8]

Capricorn Enterprise is working with MBJV and local company and Member CQG Consulting to assist businesses and the community to learn more about the project and / or participate in the procurement packages. Briefings and workshops were held in March and May 2023.

REGIONAL HIGHWAY PROJECTS

Yeppoon to Rockhampton road upgrade$64 committed by the Federal Government and $16 million by the State Government. Development of the detailed design commenced February 2021 and was completed in March 2022. The contract was awarded to Civil Mining Construction (CMC) with works commenced mid 2023.

Rockhampton Ring Road

This $1.065 billion project is fully funded with $800M Federal government and $200M State government funding. A new 14.7km ring road will be delivered with a total of 17.4km of new road being constructed.

Key features:

• New crossing of the Fitzroy River between Pink Lily and Kawana.

• Reduced congestion and improved safety through the city by providing an alternative route for heavy vehicles.

• Improved connectivity to key facilities, services and precincts within the Rockhampton region.

• Continued access to the road network during major flooding.

Planning for the Rockhampton Ring Road is complete with the detailed design phase with Jacobs SMEC Design Joint Venture who were appointed to deliver the detailed design. [SEE IMAGE 1,7]

MAJOR INDUSTRY FORUM

Capricorn Enterprise’s annual ‘Major Industry Forum’, held on Thursday 13th October 2022, is the premier industry forum in the region, highlighting the major industries and projects. The 2022 event featured 12 guest speakers and attracted 130 attendees.

With approximately $5 billion invested or proposed in the local area over the ensuing five years, 2022’s Forum highlighted the extent of many of these projects, their timelines for delivery and importantly how regional business and industry groups can engage as well as diverse insights into other major industry in our region.

The audience of 130 received valuable information from a range of guest speakers including:

• Dr Emma McCahon, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service

• Associate Professor Sunday Pam, University of Queensland Rural Clinical School

• Associate Professor Sonia Saluja, CQUniversity

• Dr Vicki Richmond, Fitzroy Community Hospice

• Tony Gambling, Regional Development Australia Central and Western Queensland

• Dave Grenfell, Apprentices and Trainees Queensland

• Nathan St John, Construction Skills Queensland

• Brian Hooper, KBSC Redevelopment

• Trent Miles, All Industries Group

• Greg Piper, Yurika

• Rick Hospers, NBNCo

• Jamie Wilson, Cryptoloc Technology

PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS

Capricorn Enterprise values its extensive networks and partnerships which result in critical growth for the region.

LIVINGSTONE SHIRE COUNCIL

Regular engagement with LSC Strategic Growth Team and Consultants on major projects including the Capricorn Coast Homemaker Centre, The Gateway Industrial Area, The Station (The old Railway Station site), Great Keppel Island, Keppel Bay Sailing Club Convention Centre, Surf Lakes Yeppoon, future accommodation infrastructure, eco-tourism and other opportunities.

CQUNIVERSITY

Rockhampton Regional Engagement Committee –

24 August 2022 30 November 2022

22 February 2023 27 June 2023

End Loneliness Project –

28 July 2022 26 August 2022

15 September 2022 24 November 2022

2 February 2023 14 February 2023

13 April 2023 6 June 2023

QUEENSLAND LOCAL CONTENT LEADERS NETWORK (QLCLN)

The network provides the opportunity for experienced individuals from economic development organisations, local government and industry groups to share best practice initiatives on local content, industry participation, procurement and purchasing and regional development.

Meetings 2022-23:

22 July 2022 (cancelled)

23-24 March 2023

CONSTRUCTION SKILLS QUEENSLAND PARTNERSHIP

CSQ is an independent industry-funded body supporting employers, workers, apprentices and career seekers in the building and construction industry.

Capricorn Enterprise worked with CSQ as Industry Skills Co-ordination to address the potential shortfall in construction workers in the region as a consequence of the major projects underway and coming online in the region.

Meeting dates:

26 July 2022

11 January 2023

16 March 2023

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & FISHERIES (DAF) E-COMMERCE PROJECT

Following the success of the Taste Capricorn Coast project, Capricorn Enterprise received a $50,000 grant from DAF to support 8 Taste Capricorn Coast members with their e-commerce to promote their agricultural businesses. Following an initial workshop in May 2022, with one on one assistance provided by our consultant, the project concluded in November 2022.

The participants included:

• High Valley Dawn

• Salty Lime Co

• Koorana Crocodile Farm

• Wolfies Farm

• Woodvale Park Biodynamics

• EKM Grazing Hedlow Beef

• Dynamic Foods

• Mountain Creek Avocados

The project also saw the development of REKO Yeppoon in November 2022, an online farmers market where buyers and sellers can source and sell local products with the initial community meeting on 6th October 2022 in Yeppoon.

Meetings: DAF Agribusiness project

16 August 2022

28 November 2022

6 October 2022

ENERGY QUEENSLAND LTD

Energy Queensland (EQL) is the Regulatory Determination Project (RDP) process for the Ergon Energy Network and Energex 202530 regulatory period. To facilitate customer and community participation in the 202530 Regulatory Determinations, EQL has established the Energy Queensland Reset Reference Group (the RRG).

The RRG is an independent advisory panel which will assist EQL to work in partnership with our stakeholders, customer representatives, customers and communities to effectively engage on a range of topics in the development of the Proposals. The aim is to deliver Proposals that reflect the long-term interests of customers in efficiently providing the services of most value to all consumers. Capricorn Enterprise was invited to participate on the RRG as part of its ongoing role as a member of EQL’s Customer and Community Council.

RRG meeting dates:

• AER Engagement Co-design Energy Queensland, 19 July 2022, 27 July 2022, 23

August 2022, 25 August 2022, 9 September 2022, 19 September 2022,

• RDP 2025, 10 November 2022, 29 November 2022, 7 December 2022, 11 January 2023, 25

January 2023, 6 February 2023, 8 February 2023, 14 February 2023, 22 February 2023, 6

March 2023, 7 March 2023, 8 March 2023, 16 March 2023, 20 March 2023, 22 March 2023, 5 April 2023, 11 April 2023, 17 April 2023, 19 April 2023, 3 May 2023, 8 May 2023, 17 May 2023, 31 May 2023, 14 June 2023, 28 June 2023

• Regulatory Determination Project, 3 November 2022

• Launch of EQL Public Lighting Engagement sessions, 9 November 2022

• Online Energy Charter EQL, 11 November 2022

• ECA/AER Consumer Advocacy Training Program, 9 November 2022, 16 November 2022, 23 November 2022

• Reset Reference Group, 21 November 2022, 30 November 2022, 5 December 2022, 8 December 2022, 17-18 January 2023, 23

January 2023, 25 January 2023, 30 January 2023, 15 February, 24 February 2023, 15 March 2023, 29 March 2023, 12 April 2023, 26 April 2023, 10 May 2023, 24 May 2023, 7 June 2023, 21 June 2023

• EQL Breakfast, 15 December 2022

• Joint Customer and Community Council and Agriculture Forum meeting, 15 December 2022

• EQL Customer and Community Energy Charter Online Session, 3 February 2023

• EQL Regulatory and Policy Committee, 9 February 2023, 22 March 2023, 26 June 2023

• EQL Customer and Community Council, 8 March 2023

• EQL/RRG/ Mosaic Lab, 17 Marach 2023, 27 March 2023

• Public Lighting RDP25 Consultation session, 4 April 2023

• AER 2025 Executive Management Committee, 28 April 2023, 26 May 2023, 28 June 2023

• RDP25 Public Lighting Proposed Tariff, 26 May 2023

• Ergon Network Perspectives/Insight Gathering, 31 May 2023

• RDP2025 Stakeholder Forum – Ergon Energy Network and Energex Regulatory Proposals Development, 1 June 2023

• Voice of the Customer Panel, 13 June 2023, 15 June 2023, 17 June 2023, 18 June 2023

STANWELL POWER STATION COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FUND

Capricorn Enterprise CEO, Mary Carroll, is proud to be a committee member on the SPS Community Partnership Fund, which generously supports local community groups.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Through research and innovative projects, Capricorn Enterprise proactively assists our Members to explore local industry opportunities, linkages and networks that result in economic prosperity.

WORK IN CENTRAL QUEENSLAND DIGITAL PLATFORM

The Work in CQ digital platform developed to assist in meeting the emerging shortfall of between 3000 and 3500 jobs as well as the local workforce requirements across all business/industry sectors went live in September 2020. The site continues to attract job seekers and employers seeking a local platform for local jobs.

REPORTS

Economic Report:

A comprehensive economic report for the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton Region, updated biannually, including statistical data regarding population, employment, business, industry, housing, education and transport. An infographic summarising the report provides a snapshot of the region; both of these documents are available online. Local Government Areas: Livingstone and Rockhampton profiles are updated biannually together with a summary infographic and are also available online.

Regional Profile & Statistics:

Short reports providing informative statistics about the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton Region including detailed demographic analysis, climate, dwellings and labour force data. Available online and updated annually.

Major Projects Report

Summary of major projects across the region and local projects within the Livingstone and Rockhampton local government areas. Available on request to members and updated annually.

DATA ON REQUEST

Capricorn Enterprise provided data on request for members and media, investors and businesses, local government and state agencies as well as providing advice on how to locate, interpret and present data.

Available data included:

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS): Census data is available for suburbs, local government areas, regions, states and commonwealth while other statistical data is also available for different areas.

Produced tables comparing areas. The ABS released additional information to better understand the impacts of the coronavirus.

Regional profiles: Produced detailed profiles for customised areas using the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (QGSO) portal. Profiles included comparison areas to inform project work, grant applications and community organisations.

Regional database: Produced specific data tables for Statistical areas within Queensland. The QGSO database provides data from various sources including the ABS, Rental Tenancy Authority, Department of Natural Resources and more.

OTHER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY

• 2022 Budget, Trade and Investment Outlook, 5 July 2022

• Rockhampton railyards rejuvenation EOI, 20 July 2022

• UQ Rural Clinical School Community Advisory Group, 27 July 2022

• ATQLD Rockhampton Office opening, 28 July 2022

• Stanwell, 18 August 2022

• Minister Watt, 19 August 2022

• NBN Digital Action Plans, 1 September 2022

• CQIC Luncheon, 2 September 2022

• DSDLGIP networking, 12 September 2022

• Stanwell’s Future Energy Team, 14 September 2022

• UQ Rural Clinical School Community Advisory Group, 5 October 2022

• Stanwell Community Leaders, 5 October 2022

• Technology and Innovation to cut carbon, 11 October 2022

• Teens to 25’s Careers, training and employment hub information session, 21 October 2022

• Net Zero Industry Breakfast and Masterclass, 10 November 2022

• Graduation and Installation Ceremony, 5 December 2022

• Stanwell Energy Hub, 19 January 2023

• Engineers Australia, 31 January 2023, 12 April 2023, 10 May 2023

• Engineering Committee Meeting, 13 February 2023

• Beef Australia, 14 February 2023

• EA Queensland Induction, 22 February 2023

• Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline Briefing, 28 March 2023

• QGEM Meeting, 29 March 2023, 17 May 2023, 28 June 2023

• Local Supply Chains, 5 April 2023

• TELG Meeting, 4 May 2023

• Beef Australia Launch, 4 May 2023

• Fitzroy Hospice Event, 12 May 2023

• Gladstone Ports Corporation, 24 May 2023

• Queensland Budget Briefing, 9 June 2023

CAPRICORN ENTERPRISE INDUSTRY GROUP

The Capricorn Industry Group acknowledges the importance of industry collaboration together with maximising local procurement opportunities across major projects.

Comprised of Capricorn Enterprise Industry Members, the group is focussed to:

a) Maximising local industry participation and content

b) Upgrading the capability of local business and industry groups

c) Providing regular networking events to benefit Members

d) Hosting industry briefings by Major Project Proponents / Managing Contractors to secure current and updated project information.

Networking Meeting Dates:

25 August 2022

29 September 2022 (cancelled)

27 October 2022

24 November 2022

4 May 2023

Carmenza Cespedes | Strategy, Value and Growth Director

TOURISM & EVENTS QUEENSLAND – JUNE 2023, on her hosted tour to Rockhampton, Capricorn Coast and Great Keppel Island as a special guest of Capricorn Enterprise. Pictured here with Keegan Morris from Capricorn Caves and Capricorn Enterprise CEO, Mary Carroll .

DESTINATION MARKETING | CONSUMER

Capricorn Enterprise continues to achieve growth for the region through collaborative campaigns with Tourism and Events Queensland, and standalone marketing activity.

VISITATION OVERVIEW

To the year ending March 2023, our Capricorn region welcomed 1,246,000 visitors, a 16.9% increase on the previous year. Visitors stayed for 4,429,000 nights, a 22% increase on the previous year, and spent $915 Million dollars, a 31.2% increase on the previous year. Spend per visitor (either on a holiday, business trip or visiting friends or relatives), was $734 and spend per night was $207, for an average length of stay of 3.6 nights.

In the three years since 2019, overnight visitor expenditure has seen a 20.7% increase for the entire Capricorn region, with the Capricorn Coast enjoying an incredible 175% increase, which reflects visitors staying longer (4.7 nights) and spending more.

Source: Tourism Research Australia NVS

SOCIAL MEDIA

Capricorn Enterprise manages a suite of social media pages across a range of platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. With a continuous focus on quality content, as well as engaging with public sentiment has significantly improved the outcomes from our social media channels for the 2022/23 year. Reach, engagement and follower count has increased across all platforms.

ELECTRONIC DIRECT MAIL (EDM)

Since 1st July 2022, two direct electronic emails have been sent to an ever-growing group of subscribers. Information is distributed to a database of 9233 email addresses. The newsletter aims to promote sign ups and provide content on local/ insider tips for holidays, as well as operator deals.

DESTINATION WEBSITE

VisitCapricorn.com.au continues to be a highly effective foundation for all marketing efforts. A significant part of our weekly marketing activities is to ensure the Capricorn region tourism product and destination information is up to date and ‘on point’. Using Google Analytics to drill down into what consumers are searching for, and regularly focussing on keyword searches, we can create content that is relevant and sought after, with the support of commissioned bloggers, content creators and travel writers.

AUSTRALIAN TOURISM DATA WAREHOUSE (ATDW)

Capricorn Enterprise offers ongoing support to members requiring assistance with their ATDW listings and manages more than 72 landmark, attraction and journey listings, on behalf of the region, from the Keppel Islands to the Central Queensland Highlands.

Introduced as a response to the COVID crisis, Tourism and Events Queensland, in partnership with Capricorn Enterprise continues to offer ATDW membership with no annual fee, providing a saving of $150 per operator, per year.

BILLBOARDS

Capricorn Enterprise manages three roadside billboards. Locations include Marlborough, Parkhurst, and Yeppoon. Capturing the drive market on the Pacific Coast Touring Route and encouraging consumers to stay in our destination longer is a key strategy to drive overnight visitor expenditure.

FAMILIARISATION TOURS (FAMILS)

Stanage Bay Marketing Famil

The Capricorn Enterprise marketing team visited businesses in Marlborough and Stanage Bay. Whilst in Stanage Bay the team met with long time member Plumtree Store, inspected the camping areas and measured destination signage in readiness for design upgrades.

Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) and Tourism Australia (TA)

While in region for the annual Conversations with Industry workshop, Capricorn Enterprise took the opportunity to host our friends from TEQ and TA on a short, but jam-packed scenic loop tour and famil to some of our exciting attractions including St Aubins Village, Capricorn Caves, Rockhampton Museum of Art, Mount Archer National Park, Yeppoon Lagoon, Shellworld, Wreck Point, ANZAC Memorial/Singing Ship Emu Park and Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary & Capricorn Dinosaur Mini Golf Yeppoon. Our colleagues were blown away by the quality of experiences across our backyard and look forward to returning in the future.

TEQ PRESENTATION – ‘IN THE KNOW WITH YOUR RTO’

Capricorn Enterprise’s marketing team presented to the TEQ team in Brisbane for In The Know With Your RTO! This brandnew opportunity in 2022 gives RTOs a more regular opportunity to connect with TEQ and network/educate staff on what is happening in each region and vice versa.

This was a wonderful opportunity to present a knowledge sharing session to the TEQ team followed by question time, networking, and discussion. These presentations are real insights from each RTO; basic knowledge about the region, key experiences and products. The presentation was also post-recorded and circulated to all of the TEQ team which has 168 members, and travels across 22 channels in teams.

CARAVAN AND CAMPING SHOWS

In 2023, Capricorn Enterprise partnered with the QLD Regional Tourism Network, TEQ and Caravanning Queensland to create a brand-new Queensland stand which was present at six shows thanks to our jointly funded Drive Queensland Project, co-ordinated by Fiona Nicholl from Gateway Media Group based in Cairns.

22/23 Caravan and Camping Shows

• Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow (VIC): 22-26 February (5 days)

TOTAL ATTENDANCE 47,945

• NSW Caravan, Camping and Holiday Supershow (NSW): 18-23 April (6 days)

TOTAL ATTENDANCE 47,757

• Let’s Go Queensland Caravan Camping Supershow (QLD): 6-11 June (6 days)

TOTAL ATTENDANCE 38,338

22/23 4 x 4 Outdoor Shows

• 17-19 March 2023 – BRISBANE (3 days)

TOTAL ATTENDANCE 25,774

Our destination brochures are also distributed at the following shows:

• Let’s Go Caravan and Camping Lifestyle Show (SA): 15-19 February

• Let’s Go Gold Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo (QLD): 10-12 March

We have been the managers of Villa Mar Colina for the past 15 years. During that time we have been members of Capricorn Enterprise which has been a very rewarding experience for both our business and socially. The networking nights organised by Capricorn Enterprise have proved very successful for developing many good business contacts and friendships. When we first came to Yeppoon the Tourism industry was in its infancy and not many people had ever heard of the Capricorn Coast, which through a great marketing program from Mary and her team has become part of the Southern Great Barrier Reef destination, which in turn has Yeppoon and the Capricorn Coast a must see, stay and play destination.

What a wonderful Ambassador Mary Carroll and her team have been for this wonderful region.

Glenys Hurley | Villa Mar Colina – JUNE 2023

DESTINATION MARKETING | DIGITAL (CONSUMER)

VISITING CONTENT CREATORS

Over the past 12 months, Capricorn Enterprise has commissioned the following influencers to produce content for the destination.

Sean Scott – Great Barrier Reef

Road trip

Instagram – 332K followers

Capricorn Enterprise, in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland (and the Regional Tourism Organisations who represent the Great Barrier Reef), commissioned Sean Scott Photography to showcase the amazing diversity of products and accessibility the Capricorn Coast has to offer. Sean and his videographer, Luke, spent 7 days exploring the Capricorn Coast (inc Yeppoon, Emu Park, Keppel Bay Islands, Byfield National Park & State Forest and Stanage Bay) as part of a 2-month road trip up the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef.

[SEE IMAGE 1,3]

4 Boys and a Caravan

Instagram – 18.3K followers

Facebook – 27K followers

A long-time supporter of our destination, influencer family ‘4 Boys and a Caravan’, returned to region from 13 August to 26th September 2022. During this time, Capricorn Enterprise commissioned the family to create content featuring; Stanage Bay, Boating in Keppel Bay, Taste Capricorn Coast, Byfield National Park/5 Rocks.

[SEE IMAGE 5,7]

Emma Shaw

Instagram – 19.2K followers

Facebook – 1K followers

Following a pitch to a journalist via TravMedia who was seeking information on Islands within Australia, an opportunity arose to host Travel Writer and Author/ Photographer, Emma Shaw from Ultimate Weekends Australia with Hardie Grant Travel. Emma, husband Thom and daughter Macey explored Yeppoon, Great Keppel and Pumpkin Island during November 2022. [SEE IMAGE 4]

Ricky Glaser and Jenise Spiteri

Tik Tok – 770K followers

Instagram – 310K followers

YouTube – 390K followers

Professional athletes/Content creators

Ricky Glaser and Jenise Spiteri visited the Capricorn Coast in October. Jenise is a snowboarder from the US and competed at the 2022 Olympics and Ricky is an Australian professional skateboarder based in the US. The action sports couple with a combined following of 1.5 million fans created content during their trip to share with their audiences. [SEE IMAGE 6]

Ruben Nutt

Instagram – 19.1K followers

Capricorn Enterprise worked closely with Tourism and Events Queensland for a content shoot with Ruben Nutt in October. Ruben worked with Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge and CQ Nature Tours. [SEE IMAGE 2]

Growing year on year with new product, content, tips and ideas, the free glove-box size 70-page booklet covers everything visitors to our destination need to know. Featuring information and contact details for over 60 local businesses, the Guide also covers off on getting around, major events, reef and national parks, fishing spots and more.

The Yeppoon and Capricorn Coast Insider’s Guide is fully funded through advertising with a record number of local businesses (double that of the 2022 edition) buying into the respected publication. Increasing by 12 pages from the last edition, advertisers range from accommodation, restaurants, tours and attractions right through to retail, real estate and mechanics.

“This diversity of content positions the Guide in great stead as a true and accurate summary of our entire Capricorn Coast destination, spanning from Stanage Bay to Keppel Bay and the townships in between including Yeppoon, Emu Park, Rockhampton, Byfield, Keppel Sands, The Caves and Stanage Bay.

Krista Brown | Tourism & Marketing Manager

Guide

CAPRICORN ENTERPRISE – MARCH 2023, on the 2023/23 Capricorn Coast Insider’s

DESTINATION MARKETING | ADVERTISING & COLLATERAL

PRINT AND ONLINE ADVERTISING

Australian Traveller Magazine

Capricorn Enterprise entered into a 12-month agreement with the Australian Traveller Magazine to ensure the region has an ongoing presence in this leading publication.

The Magazine has a print readership growth of 57% Y-O-Y and 168,000 readers, each quarterly issue making them the fifth fastest growing magazine in Australia. The package included the following mix of print and digital advertising.

TOP 50 TOWNS CAMPAIGN

Live from 27 Oct, through Nov/Dec/Jan

- Solus eDM (3 Nov 2022)

- 1 x 850 word native content article appearing on australiantraveller.comwith min 2,000 UV,s, promotion across our website, eDM and Facebook followers

- min 150,000 banner impressions on australiantraveller.com, with audience

retargeting over 3 mths.

- Same native content appearing as full page in Australian Traveller magazine (Top 50 Towns) on sale 28 Oct 2022

AMAZING JOURNEYS CAMPAIGN

Live from late Jan 2023, through Feb/Mar/ Apr

- 1x 850 word native content article appearing on australiantraveller.comwith min 2,000 UV,s, promotion across our website, eDM and Facebook followers

- min 75,000 banner impressions on australiantraveller.com, with audience retargeting over 3 mths

THE “100” CAMPAIGN

Live from late Apr 2023, through May/Jun/ Jul 2023

- 1x 850 word native content article appearing on australiantraveller.comwith min 2,000 UV,s, promotion across our website, eDM and Facebook followers

- min 75,000 banner impressions on australiantraveller.com, with audience retargeting over 3 mths

HelloWorld Brochure ‘Queensland’

Capricorn Enterprise negotiated an opportunity for a full-page advert in the 23/24 ‘Queensland’ HelloWorld brochure (which has the widest distribution of any Australian or New Zealand wholesaler. Advertising in this brochure is only offered

to HelloWorld’s ‘preferred’ suppliers. Capricorn Enterprise was invited to place a ‘destination’ advert for Great Keppel Island given its significance and value to the destination.

Preferred operator listings who are also included in this brochure are Salt Apartments Yeppoon and Great Keppel Island Hideaway.

The brochure is destributed to all Helloworld Travel’s retail network in Australia and New Zealand, including; Helloworld Travel branded and associated stores, Helloworld Business Travel, My Travel Group, Magellan Travel Group and MTA Travel (one of the leading home-based travel consultancy businesses in Australia), as well as The Travel Brokers and New Zealand Travel Brokers in New Zealand.

Best Of Travel Group (BOTG) Southern Qld Self Drive Itinerary

Capricorn Caves was included in a 14day Southern Queensland Self Drive itinerary that is an exclusive package from Brisbane throughout the Southern Great Barrier Reef (with no inclusion of Cairns or Whitsundays) and includes 2 nights at Capricorn Caves with the option of adding Yeppoon and Great Keppel Island.

This itinerary has been years in the making and has been featured in a double page spread in the Mietwagenreisen publication. This itinerary showcases a truly Authentic Australian Experience like the Aussies do it, away from the typical tourist hot-spots.

The Best of Travel Group has 11 independent travel businesses in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands.

This is the lead-in Itinerary with optional experiences available on the BOTG website and through GOWAY.

Queensland Rail Onboard Poster Advertising

As a result of our close working relationship with Queensland Rail, we were provided with the opportunity to have an A3 poster onboard the passenger service for 3 months (DEC – MARCH). The poster was supplied to promote visitation to Great Keppel Island.

Drive Queensland 2023 Map

Capricorn Enterprise placed two adverts in this new map initiative, which is supported by the Queensland RTO’s, TEQ & Caravanning QLD with the aim of continuing to promote Queensland’s epic road trips and unforgettable destinations.

The Drive Queensland 2023 Map is a must have travel companion for visitors embarking on their Queensland driving adventure. 40,000 copies were produced to distribute throughout Visitor Information Centres in QLD, VIC, NSW and the Caravan & Camping Super Shows plus the 4X4 Outdoor Super Shows.

MARKETING COLLATERAL

Over the past 12 months, Capricorn Enterprise produced a range of quality printed marketing brochures and maps, and ensured they were broadly distributed locally and nationally at key locations including accredited Visitor Information Centres in Queensland, through travel and trade shows, as well as being available electronically on www.visitcapricorn.com. au.

Our current suite of printed or downloadable collateral includes:

- Yeppoon and Capricorn Coast Insider’s Guide

- Southern Great Barrier Reef

Destination Guide

- Great Barrier Reef Drive Brochure

- Great Keppel Island Map

- Capricorn Coast Street Directory

- Road Trips and Drive Journey

- Taste Capricorn Coast Map

- Capricorn Tourism Trade Manual

Capricorn Coast Cycle Map

Capricorn Enterprise has engaged Cooper McKenzie Marketing to assist with the creation of a Tourist Cycle Map of the Capricorn Coast. We are managing this project on behalf of Livingstone Shire Council.

This map is to focus on the most utilised bike paths from Farnborough to Causeway Lake. The aim of this map is to focus on the ‘safest’ cycle routes for tourists and families and provide information on walking track options along the way.

This will primarily be a tourist map designed to be a) downloadable PDF on VisitCapricorn.com.au and b) printed copies for use at Visitor Information Centres and local accommodation houses. Completion is scheduled for 2023.

I would like to thank you and your team at Capricorn Enterprise for arranging the My Way (Channel 9) crew to visit our place, it was a real good day.

Izzy, Ben and Scott were a very nice team to work with and made us feel quite comfortable while they set up for each shoot, it was a pleasure.

We look forward to seeing the end production.

Don Kayes | Aradon (Mount Hay Gemstone

Tourist Park) – DECEMBER 2022

Hi Mary

DESTINATION MARKETING | TELEVISION COVERAGE

TELEVISION PROGRAMS featuring Capricorn

During the year, Capricorn Enterprise commissioned and hosted a large number of television shows and supported many others to showcase the destination to the nation.

These included:

Getaway (Channel

2 x Stories

9)

Dropping anchor at Great Keppel Island and Byfield rainforest for four nights, presenter David Whitehill and cameraman Roger Price filming for Channel 9’s popular national lifestyle television show Getaway, spent their days exploring our blue and green natural assets.

Commissioned by Capricorn Enterprise, this story featured a variety of boating experiences including; Keppel Explorer, Keppel Konnections, Freedom Fast Cats, Keppel Dive, Funtastic Cruises, and Great Keppel Island Hideaway.

Following this, the crew ventured to Byfield. First stop was Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary and Capricorn Dinosaur Mini Golf Yeppoon.

David and Roger spent the next two nights hosted by John and Helen from Castle Rock Farm, where they explored the Farm via ATV and watched the sunset from Castle Rock. They also visited Byfield General Store, Waterpark Creek, and Nob Creek Pottery during their stay, truly showcasing the diversity of this hidden gem.

Great Keppel Island and Byfield was featured on Getaway across three on air dates – Friday, September 9th and Friday, November 12th 2022, and GKI repeated again on Saturday 24 June 2023.

[SEE IMAGE 3,5]

Merv Hughes Fishing and The Mad Hueys (7Mate and 7Plus)

Capricorn Enterprise in partnership with the Mad Hueys clothing apparel brand joined forces in June to bring Aussie cricket legend and TV personality, Merv Hughes to region. Merv and his team spent 3 days fishing around the Keppel Islands with The Mad Hueys. The MERV HUGHES FISHING series airs nationally on 7Mate and 7plus. While in region the Mad Hueys Team also

conducted an on-location photo shoot for their new clothing range. With an Instagram following of 422,000 followers, they shone the spotlight on our stunning islands. The local operators assisting in this project included Great Keppel Island Hideaway, CQ Connections, Freedom Fast Cats and Double Threat Charters.

The Living Room (Channel 10)

Capricorn Enterprise in partnership with Surf Lakes Yeppoon hosted Australia’s popular veterinarian, author and television presenter, Dr Chris Brown, who spent time soaking up the rays at Yeppoon Lagoon before hitting the waves at Surf Lakes Yeppoon to carve up the wave pool’s largest break, Occys Peak.

Accompanied by the crew from Channel 10’s lifestyle program, The Living Room, Chris couldn’t wait to get his board wet, and was grateful to receive many tips and assistance from the Australian prosurf fraternity sharing the facility with him. World Para Surfing champion and Surf Lakes ambassador, Sam Bloom also featured on the episode, which aired on Friday 14th October on Channels 10 and 10 Play.

Creek to Coast (Channel 7)

2 x Stories

Surf Lakes Yeppoon and Sunseeker Caravans were featured in the Creek to Coast episode which aired on Saturday 8th October ‘Vision RV Road Trip to Surf Lakes Yeppoon’ - Creek To Coast. Surf Lakes marketing team reported they had a noticeable increase in their Queensland based traffic in the days leading up to and especially the day of the program running. Demographics wise they saw predominantly 25-45 yo males visiting the site (who will be the clear early adopters of the tech when it opens).

Channel 7’s Creek to Coast filmed a story at Stockyard Point/Five Rocks in May. Chris and his cameraman visited Stockyard Point via 4WD with Brendan Clare from Five Rocks Holiday Rentals, and our team accompanied Daryl from Rockhampton Helicopters to showcase the two ways to get to this beautiful part of the world. This segment aired on 17th June 2023

[SEE IMAGE 1, 7]

Presenter Chris Parsons was in region also at this time for the launch of the QTIC Capricorn Micro-credentialling course.

My Way (Channel 9)

6 x Stories

The team from My Way returned to the region from 11th December to 16th December, capturing a total of six (6) stories for their next season. [SEE IMAGE 2,6] The stories featured:

Maree and Bevan Haynes from Plumtree Store in Stanage Bay (aired Feb 2023)

John and Lillian Lever from Koorana Crocodile Farm (aired Feb 2023)

Don and Ken Kayes from Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park (aired Feb 2023)

Tom and Aimee from 4 Boys and a Caravan (aired Feb 2023)

Max Allen Snr from Freedom Fast Cats (airing late 2023)

Lauren Myors and Janice Dawson from St Aubin’s Village (aired Feb 2023)

Paul Murray’s ‘Our Town’

Presenting in his words ‘CQ – THE BEST PLACE ON THE PLANET’, Sky News’ Our Town host Paul Murray spent time exploring the Capricorn Coast and Keppel Bay Islands, before hitting the Great Western Hotel in Rockhampton to broadcast his live show at 9.00pm on Sunday 16th April.

The episode kicked off with Paul lapping up the Keppel Bay waters atop the Southern Great Barrier Reef and included two fabulous pre-filmed segments showcasing the diverse beauty of our destination.

Capricorn Enterprise was pleased to assist the Sky News production crew with their planning and provide b-roll footage (from the recent Tourism Australia National Experience Content Initiative) of our destination for overlay.

Live Breakfast - Today Show Ch9

In August 2022, Capricorn Enterprise hosted the Weather team from Ch 9 Today Show to region for 3 full days, with presenter Scherri-Lee Briggs. Day 1 - 6 live crosses from Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary and Capricorn Dinosaur Park

Day 2 - 6 live crosses from Yeppoon Lagoon Day 3 - 6 live crosses from Great Keppel Island Hideaway

With special thanks to St Brendans College Yeppoon, St Ursulas Yeppoon, Yeppoon Surf Lifesaving Club Nippers, local skateboarders, Master Reef Guides and the Capricorn Coast community for assisting. [SEE IMAGE 4]

DESTINATION MARKETING CAMPAIGNS CONSUMER

QUEENSLAND IS CALLING (TEQ)

TEQ launched a new $5 million marketing campaign – ‘Queensland is Calling’, which ran from January to June 2023. The campaign played on the notion that most people ‘think they know Queensland’ and was aimed at providing consumers with a new ‘why’ for visiting.

Queensland is Calling targeted those who were familiar with Queensland and those who think they’ve ‘been there, done that’, in our two largest interstate markets, Victoria and New South Wales, as well as Queensland and New Zealand.

SEIZE THE DAYS CAMPAIGN (TEQ)

Commencing August 2022, and relaunching in October 2022, the TEQ Seize the Days Campaign ceased in December 2022. The campaign was designed to entice Queenslanders and interstate visitors to Seize the Day and book for a holiday before the year ends. A number of Capricorn operators participated via loading packages onto the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse. These packages were available during the campaign period.

A BONZA HOLIDAY TO ROCKHAMPTON CAMPAIGN

With the arrival of Bonza flights into the region from February 2023, Capricorn Enterprise delivered a multi-burst destination awareness campaign via social media targeting those living in Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns and Melbourne.

The team worked with TEQ’s Media Agency, IMATE (Denstu Australia) to manage this campaign on our behalf.

Burst 1:

(Target Audience Young Couples and families with Children interested in travel)

Visit Capricorn (FB and IG) - A targeted social media DARK AD campaign utilising reels with an ‘Awareness’ objective. This was a two-week campaign (5th – 19th March) which commenced on 5th March.

Southern Great Barrier Reef (FB & IG)A secondary complimentary Dark Ad was also run for two weeks (pre-Easter) on this platform targeting only Sunshine Coast.

Burst 2:

(Prospecting overlay with interest and behaviour targeting. Retargeting people who were exposed in the 1st Burst)

Visit Capricorn (FB and IG) - A pre June/July school holiday, targeted social media DARK AD campaign utilising a series of Static Images and co-operative buy-in from local tourism businesses with a ‘Consideration’ objective. This campaign was in market from 9 June for 2 weeks.

The combined estimated volume for this campaign was approximately 3.5 million.

A designated landing page on VisitCapricorn.com.au was created as part of this campaign promoting holiday deals, itineraries, top free activities and ideas for winter.

Attending ATE for the first time was fantastic. So many potential opportunities and we really appreciated the support and guidance of the Capricorn Enterprise team throughout the whole process of this event.

Jordy Bresac | Great Keppel Island Hideaway – MAY 2022

TOURISM TRADE & TRADE FAMILS

Both domestic and international tourism trade continue to be key marketing partners, especially since the reopening of international borders. Capricorn Enterprise continues to priorities our relationships with trade.

TRADE EVENTS & TRAINING

2023 Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE)

The 43rd edition of ATE (30th April to 4th May), hosted by Tourism Australia, held in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland and supported by Destination Gold Coast, brought together around 2,300 delegates from Australia and more than 30 international markets. After two years of condensed hybrid events, ATE23 returned to its traditional format, running over five days. [SEE IMAGE 1,2,3,4]

We had a record thirteen (13) operator booths in attendance from our Southern Great Barrier Reef (SGBR) destination (5 Capricorn, 5 Bundaberg, 3 Gladstone) and our tourism trade ready product grows each year, with our Capricorn region now boasting thirty accommodation and tour experiences contracted with tourism wholesalers and inbound tour operators (ITOs).

Congratulations to our four Capricorn region operators who invested in their own booth in the Southern Great Barrier Reef destination section at ATE: Great Keppel Island Hideaway, Capricorn Caves, Empire/Edge Apartment Hotels and Oshen Yeppoon, along with our RTO booth.

Congratulations also to our 2023 tourism trade mentees who attended ATE on a day pass – Funtastic Cruises and Koorana Crocodile Farm. Several operators across our region were also represented at ATE by their Brands in the National section, including Breeze Holiday Parks –Carnarvon Gorge, Central Apartment Group (R’ton & Emerald), Discovery Parks (Yeppoon & R’ton), Quest (R’ton), Accor (Mercure R’ton)

The ATE23 Media program (28th April to 1st May) was the first full media program to be delivered since 2019. The SGBR destination partnership of Capricorn, Gladstone and Bundaberg attended IMM for the very first time, with an exceptional preparation of media pitches and images documented from each of our stunning regions.

Aussie Specialists, Uncover our Regions Series

Capricorn Enterprise was invited to participate in Tourism Australia’s Aussie Specialists, Uncover Our Regions Series in November 2022.

Tourism Australia runs the Uncover Our Regions series all around Australia to do a deeper dive into regional areas for travel agents and inbound tour operators. Each region presented the commissionable accommodation and tours in the destination as well as the natural landscape including national parks, attractions etc.

TRADE FAMILS

Mickael Lechalier from SydneyFacile/Vanz Travel

Capricorn Enterprise met Mickael Lechalier from Sydney Facile/Vanz Travel at ATE22 in Sydney. Mickael planned a famil to the Capricorn Coast in early November with two of his colleagues. Their famil included a site inspection at Capricorn Caves, ensuite site at Discovery Parks –Coolwaters Yeppoon, Keppel Konnections ferry transfers and overnight stay at Great Keppel Island Hideaway.

“This is incredible! If everyone was as welcoming as you it would make my life so much easier. Thank you for all your effort putting the itinerary together and organising the bookings.” Mickael Lechalier, Vans Travel.

Pre ATEC Meeting Place Famil

Capricorn Enterprise hosted two (2) famils for buyers attending ATEC Meeting Place 17-20 November:

1) Capricorn Coast Southern Great Barrier Reef – 2 Nights Great Keppel Island/1 Night Yeppoon – Stephen Peters from Expanding Horizons

2) Carnarvon Gorge, Central Queensland Highlands – 3 Nights Carnarvon Gorge

– Mei Teh from Australia and Beyond Holidays [SEE IMAGE 5]

2023 ATE International Media Famil

(2nd to 5th May 2023)

Tourism Australia and Tourism & Events Queensland (TEQ) hosted media famil “Rugged Ranges of Carnarvon Gorge” (including Emerald & Sapphire Gemfields)

Fly Brisbane to Emerald, drive to Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge, Tour with Carnarvon gorge Eco Tours, drive to Emerald and Sapphire Gemfields, Miners Heritage Walk-In Mine, lunch at New Royal Hotel, visit Rubyvale Gem Gallery.

Participants:

> Rachel Lay, Marketing Program Leader, TEQ

> Taneil Thornberry TEQ

> Malcolm Griffiths, PR Coordinator, USA Tourism Australia

> Larry Bleiberg, Writer/editor

> Gerhard Uster, Chief Editor, Neuseeland/ Australien News

> Kate Howard, Social Media Producer, Tourism Australia

Helloworld Famil

(24th to 27th June 2023)

Capricorn Enterprise hosted Chris Forde from Helloworld, based in Melbourne. A great advocate for the greater Southern Great Barrier Reef Destination, Chris first visited in 2017, with this second visit to experience new product to tourism trade distribution including Oshen Yeppoon, Freedom Fast Cats, Funtastic Cruises, Koorana Crocodile Farm, Castle Rock Farm and Ferns Hideaway. [SEE IMAGE 6 ]

RECORD NUMBERS! PRE & POST ATE FAMILS

Five different groups, from one to four tourism Product Managers in each, based in France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, America and Australia, enjoyed different itineraries and experiences on the Capricorn Coast/Great Keppel Island, Rockhampton city, Carnarvon Gorge and Sapphire Gemfields, targeted to their individual markets. An incredible amount of planning, human and financial resources was committed to ensuring our tourism trade and media partners from around the world were impressed by their visit to Queensland and our regional destinations, to sell our products amongst strong national and international competition.

ATE23 TEQ Pre Famil -

Idyll On the Islands

(25th-30th April)

Capricorn Caves, Mount Archer Nurim

Skywalk, Empire, Time Safari Walking Tour

(River Cruises CQ cancelled due to weather), Trufusion, Koorana Crocodile Farm, GKI

Hideaway, Keppel Dive & Snorkel, Funtastic Cruises (cancelled due to weather), FF (cancelled due to weather), Oshen Yeppoon, Vue Wine Bar, Lure Living, Byfield rainforest walk, Ferns Hideaway, Castle Rock Farm, Byfield General Store. [SEE IMAGE 1, 2 & 7 +

IMAGE 7 on Page 34 ]

>Aurelia Devilliers, Product Manager, Premium Travel Australie Tours (France) (ITOs – Goway, AOT, and Travel Insiders)

>Kristin Dieckmann, Product Manager, Pacific Ikarus Tours GmbH (Germany), (ITOs – Australia One and AOT)

> Viviana Baglini, PM & Team Leader Australia/Pacific Ocean Dep Volonline (Italy), (ITOs – ATS Pacific (AOT) and Pan Pacific)

ATE23 TEQ Pre Famil –Big Sky Country

(25th-30th April) [SEE IMAGE 3]

Capricorn Caves, Mount Archer Nurim

Skywalk, Empire, Time Safari Tours, River Cruises CQ (cancelled due to weather), Trufusion, Capricorn Coast Scenic Loop Tour, Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge, site inspection at Big4 Breeze Holiday Parks - Carnarvon Gorge, The Big Rig/Roma Explorers Inn, Boobook EcoTours

> Sandra Lucas, Desination Specialist, Glyndon Travel (USA)

> Anne Becirevic, Escort TEQ

> Craig Eddie, Tour Host Boobook Tours (based in Roma)

ATE23 Pre SGBR Famil

(20th – 26th April) This famil was arranged directly with Capricorn Enterprise and Bundaberg Tourism (Macadamia Australia, Tinaberries, Kellys Beach Resort),

Bundaberg Rum, Kalki Moon Gin Distillery, Lady Elliot Island (day trip), Heron Island (return flight), Oshen Yeppoon, Beaches Restaurant, Waterline Restaurant, Great Keppel Island Hideaway, site inspections at NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park, Discovery Holiday Park Coolwaters, Castle Rock Farm, Ferns Hideaway, Byfield store, waterpark creek walk, Capricorn Caves, drive by Discovery Rockhampton, Empire Apartments, St Aubins Village.

[SEE IMAGE 4]

> Britta Henning, International Product Manager, Erlebe Fernreisen (Germany), (ITO - APTC)

ATE23 TEQ Post ATE FamilWay Out West (5th-12th May)

Capricorn Caves, Empire, River Cruises CQ, Trufusion, Capricorn Coast Scenic Loop Tour, Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge, site inspection at Big4 Breeze Holiday Parks - Carnarvon Gorge, The Big Rig/Roma Explorers Inn, Boobook EcoTours [SEE IMAGE 3]

> Luke Mitchell, Product & Contracting Manager, AAT Kings (Australia)

> Pascale Gerson, Product Manager Antipodes Travel (France)

> Kristen Brown, Escort TEQ

> Rose Aisthorpe, Tour Host Boobook Tours (based in Roma)

ATE23 Post SGBR Famil –

(5th to 7th May) - Arranged direct with Capricorn Enterprise - Town of 1770/Agnes Water, Pavillions on 1770, 1770 Larc!

Paradise Tour, Salt Yeppoon, Waterline Restaurant KBM, Yeppoon Lagoon – self town walk RSL, Capricorn Caves, Mt Archer Nurim skywalk, Quay street.

[SEE IMAGE 6]

> Sven Dijkstra, Director, QAS Holidays (Netherlands), (ITOs – Goway and AOT).

ATE23 Post SGBR Famil

(12 – 14th May) – Arranged direct with CE - Self drive Cairns to Brisbane (including Yeppoon and Town of 1770)

Friday: Great Keppel Island morning visit, High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm, Byfield – Ferns Hideaway, Castle Rock Farm, Capricorn Caves (nb: combined Friday with Eco Tourism Australia famil), Saturday: Lure Living, Koorana Crocodile Farm (site inspection at Salt, Oshen) – stayed at Eagle Ridge Retreat B&B Yeppoon, they continued onto Town of 1770/Agnes Water - 1770 Larc Tour and inspected accommodation.

> Karin Willemsen, Product Manager (Aus/NZ), Travel Essence (80 staff Netherlands, but three based in NZ)

[SEE IMAGE 5]

Thank you for your email and pictures for reminding me of the great trip we had together. It has been in fact an incredible time at the Capricorn Coast and I would also like to thank you for showing us your home and the diversity the region offers. You are a great host and I will definitely include some parts of it into our upcoming itinerary along the East Coast of Australia!

It was really good to reacquaint myself with Rockhampton and visit Yeppoon. It did change my perception of the region in a positive way!

Dijkstra

Kristin Dieckmann| Product Manager, Pacific Ikarus Tours GmbH - MAY 2023

Sven

| Director, QAS Holidays - MAY 2023

Thank you Capricorn team, for the opportunity to represent the Southern Great Barrier Reef in New Zealand for the recent, “Queensland is Calling” sales mission. The brand resonates strongly with the New Zealand market and the recurrent feedback was that agents love that Capricorn, Gladstone and Bundaberg regions partner and collaborate at events such as these.

Eloise Chaffers | Taylor Made Marketing –MARCH 2023

SOUTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF (SGBR) REGIONAL TOURISM PARTNERSHIP

The Southern Great Barrier Reef destination branding and marketing is thanks to an ongoing strong collaboration by the three regional tourism organisations in the Capricorn, Gladstone/1770 and Bundaberg regions (Capricorn Enterprise, GAPDL and Bundaberg Tourism) working in partnership with the local tourism industry, Tourism and Events Queensland and Tourism Australia.

This partnership focuses on both interstate destination marketing and international marketing. Some of the regular activities include:

- Quarterly SGBR Tourism Trade eNewsletter (over 2K subscribers). [SEE IMAGE 1]

Capricorn Enterprise has taken on the planning, collation and distribution of the Southern Great Barrier Reef e-newsletter which is distributed four times a year through the Hubspot platform.

- ‘Always-on’ Social Media strategy across Facebook (36K followers) and Instagram (40.4K followers)

- Management of a collective website

[SEE IMAGE 6,7]

- Regular Zoom marketing meetings

- Annual face to face meeting ‘on location’

Our annual strategy meeting took place during August in Agnes Water/1770 and covered a range of agenda items including the SGBR social media strategy, trade development for 22/23, destination guide, website, projects and the overall brand.

[SEE IMAGE 4]

2023 TOURISM TRADE MANUAL

The collective SGBR destination produces a Tourism Trade Manual each year to represent the businesses in our regions currently working with the tourism trade network. In the lead up to ATE, this document had to be collectively updated. This is a large body of work and continues to grow as our regions product matures. The Capricorn region currently has close to 30 tourism businesses represented in this trade publication.

AUSTRALIA MARKETPLACE UK AND EUROPE

The Southern Great Barrier Reef destination was represented at the 2022 Australia Marketplace UK and Europe held in London in November. The Australia Marketplace is an opportunity for representatives from the Australian tourism industry to establish and maintain business relationships with key qualified travel agencies and tour operators from UK and Europe. It includes two days of pre-scheduled appointments between buyers and sellers as well as networking opportunities.

SGBR ROADSHOW

A collective of representatives from the Southern Great Barrier Reef (SGBR) destination (comprising the tourism regions of Capricorn, Gladstone, and Bundaberg) hit the road for an exciting five-day, three-city trade mission, providing an opportunity for Australian travel professionals to reconnect, establish and build strong knowledge and relationships with our beautiful section of the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Event Summary:

Brisbane:

- Mini ATE event with Operators and the SGBR representative having 9 appointments with 24 buyers across the day.

- Special thanks to Queensland Rail Travel, Lady Elliot, Bundaberg Rum, Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours, Lady Musgrave Experience, 1770Larc Tours, 1770 Lagoons Central Apartment Resort, Freedom Fast Cats and Great Keppel Island Hideaway for their prize donations for the event

- Trade in attendance: ANZCO, Helloworld, Ats Pacific, Goway, Travel@60, TEQ, Flight Centre, Fusion Holidays, Pregetto Travel & Hero Travel

Sydney:

- Operators and the SGBR representative had over 40 appointments with inbound tourism agents

- The event was a SEQ & NSW event meaning SGBR were the only reef product in attendance.

- SGBR had the largest operator attendance across all regions in SEQ & NSW

Melbourne:

- Although buyers are very busy the SGBR was well received by 5 tourism buyers where operators presented product updates to product managers and provided reservations team training.

- Thank you for the continued support from Intrepid Travel, Viva Holidays, Get Lost Travel, Australian Tours Management & World Strides [SEE IMAGE 3]

QUEENSLAND IS CALLING –QUEENSLAND ON TOUR NEW ZEALAND

Capricorn Enterprise represented the region on behalf of the whole of the Southern Great Barrier Reef destination (Capricorn, Gladstone & Bundaberg), when SGBR Leader Eloise Chaffers (Taylor Made Marketing) attended Tourism and Events Queensland’s New Zealand Trade Show, “Queensland is calling”.

During 85 appointments in Auckland and a further 43 appointments in Christchurch, our destination was showcased during an 8-minute presentation to each appointment, representing trade ready products and the broader destination.

[SEE IMAGE 5]

Queensland is Calling media event support

Capricorn Enterprise was invited to provide media-ready assets for TEQ to share at the ‘Queensland is Calling’ media event in Auckland, New Zealand in March 2023. The event was attended by over 20 travel and lifestyle media across key consumer publications.

[IMAGE 2 - CEO’s from Capricorn, Gladstone and Bundaberg attending the Eco Think Destination Forum in Bundaberg, March 2023]

TOURISM & DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS

DESTINATION AUSTRALIA CONFERENCE

On Thursday 16th March, Tourism Australia held its annual Destination Australia conference, and it was the biggest ever with over 800 industry and media attending in person and around 250 online. It was an incredible day of speakers as the nation looked ahead together to the challenges and opportunities of 2023.

On Friday 17th March, the 48 RTOs and the eight STOs came together to focus on how the nation can all align future work and activities for the year ahead.

The 2022 Australian Tourism Awards were held on the Friday night, with two Capricorn Enterprise members nationally recognised on the night – Fun Over 50 and Empire Apartment Hotel.

2023 CARAVAN PARKS ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND PARTNERSHIP

Capricorn Enterprise continued our partnership with Caravan Parks Association of Queensland in 2022/23. This partnership has been valued for over the past decade. The 2023 partnership included:

• A full-page advert in the 2023 Queensland Caravan Parks Directory

• The opportunity to be featured as the region of the week on our @CaravanningQueensland Facebook and Instagram pages twice in 2023 (audience in excess of 55,000 dedicated caravan and campers)

• An invitation to attend two Divisional meetings in region in 22/2023 and to provide an update to our member parks in this Division on our activities

• Preferential rates to attend the industry run caravan shows across Australia and/or the opportunity to send brochures which are distributed on the Caravanning QLD stands.

PARTNER ORGANISATIONS | 2022

During 2022/21 Capricorn Enterprise was a Member of:

• Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) Network Queensland

• Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ)

• Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC)

• Queensland Resources Council (QRC)

• Caravanning Queensland

• Queensland Master Builders

• GALTA

• Australian Institute of Company Directors (CEO – MAICD)

• Volunteering Queensland

• Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA)

• RACQ (Royal Automobile Club of Queensland)

• REIQ (Real Estate Institute of Queensland)

• QICA (Qld Information Centre Association)

• CQUniversity R’ton Region Engagement Committee

• QLD Local Content Leaders Network (QLCLN)

• Australian Cruise Association

• Access to region specific caravan and camping data (including occupancy, RevPAR and ADR for caravan parks in our region subject to a minimum sample size)

• The chance to share information about our activities with CPAQ members through their communication channels.

AUSTRALIAN CRUISE ASSOCIATION PARTNERSHIP

Capricorn Enterprise joined the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) in March 2023 at a Silver level for our destination, enabling us to attend conferences, and provide content for their website, newsletters and more. The Australian Cruise Association is the co-operative marketing brand for Australian and the Pacific region. The organisation is made up of 87 members and represents regional ports, national and state tourism agencies, shipping agents, inbound tour operators and companies dedicated to making the Australian Cruise Association region a major world class base and destination for cruise vessels.

- 2023

Capricorn Enterprise liaised/partnered with:

• Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ)

• Local and State government departments

• State and Federal Ministers and Shadow Ministers

• Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC)

• Gladstone Area Promotion & Development Ltd (GAPDL)

• Bundaberg Tourism

• Tourism Australia

• Mount Morgan Promotion & Development (MMPAD)

• Capricornia Chamber of Commerce (CCC)

• Stanwell Community Partnership Fund

• Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA)

• Resource Industry Network (RIN)

• Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ)

• Regional Australia Institute (RAI) - Regional Australia Alliance (RAA)

• UQ Rural Clinical School

INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING

Capricorn Enterprise is committed to collaborating with our state partners to provide members with opportunities and training programs with tangible results which assist business to develop and grow.

CONVERSATIONS WITH INDUSTRY

Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) and Tourism Australia (TA) representatives joined the Capricorn Enterprise Tourism Team and over 30 tourism operators at Salt Yeppoon for the annual Capricorn Conversations with Industry workshop. The workshop was an opportunity for our local tourism industry to share challenges, what’s working, and what may need improvement to ensure that our destination continues to grow and excel.

TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCES MENTORING PROGRAM 2.0

Phase 2 of the TEQ Transformational Experiences Mentoring Program kicked off in May 2022 and extended through the remainder of the year. The program involved up to 14 hours of Tourism Mentoring over a ten-week period and approximately 14 hours additional commitment by operators to complete the program.

The value of this program was $2100 per operator, however, there was no cost to participate for our local businesses. Participants completing all sessions in the TEMP 2.0 program included:

• Shiralee Clydesdales & Farm Stay

• Koorana Crocodile Farm

• Castle Rock Farm

• St Aubins Village

• Breeze Holiday Parks Carnarvon Gorge

• Ferns Hideaway Resort

REGIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE MICRO-CREDENTIAL COURSE

Capricorn Enterprise worked closely with Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) to develop a customer service course specifically targeting micro to medium business in the tourism industry. The course was recorded and delivered by television personality, Chris Parsons. The purpose of the course is to ensure that operators, their personnel, and industry representatives provide consistent customer service, advice and information; that they have the tools to enhance the guest experience and make it more memorable by sharing stories about the sights and experiences available, and the region’s history.

TOURISM TRADE MENTORING PROGRAM ‘2023 PATHWAY TO ATE’

The initial introduction workshop was held on Thursday 23 February at Oshen Yeppoon. Amanda Kruse from Success Matrix provided the initial workshop which kicked off ongoing training to ensure that operators were ready for the 2023 Australian Tourism Exchange in May. The workshop covered Beginner 101 Trade and Overview of Packaging/Self Drive Itineraries.

Operators attending the 2023 Pathway to ATE Trade Mentoring Program included Great Keppel Island Hideaway, Oshen Yeppoon, Funtastic Cruises, Freedom Fast Cats, Ferns Hideaway Resort, Hedlow Retreat, Capricorn Caves, Koorana Crocodile Farm and Castle Rock Farm.

QTIC REGIONAL TOURISM CAREERS ROADSHOW

Sixty-five local students, including several school leavers who travelled all the way from Blackwater, were treated to cooking demonstrations and tours of local industry businesses. These students were also introduced to local operators (inc Koorana Crocodile Farm, Capricorn Caves and Empire/Edge Apartment Hotels) who shared exciting career pathways. Tourism & Marketing Manager, Krista Brown, was among the guest pannel and shared her career journey with the students.

THE BEST OF QUEENSLAND EXPERIENCES PROGRAM

This is an innovative program that guides the Queensland tourism industry to deliver exceptional transformational experiences. The program is based on an independent set of criteria that incorporates online customer reviews, responds to consumer expectations, and reflects industry best practice. The Best of Queensland Experiences are assessed on an annual basis and operators must score a minimum of 80 out of a possible 100 points to receive BOQ status.

66 businesses in the Capricorn Region have been awarded BOQ status, with an impressive 4 businesses receiving a perfect score. They are:

- NRMA Yeppoon Capricorn Holiday Park

- Fisherman’s Beach Holiday Park

- Discovery Parks Rockhampton

- Discovery Parks Coolwaters Yeppoon

Congratulations to the following BOQ qualifiers...

Archer Park Rail Museum

Beaches On Lammermoor Apartments

Capricorn Caves - Attraction

Capricorn Caves - Accommodation

Capricorn Caves - Tour

Carnarvon Gorge Eco Tours

Coffee House Apartment Motel

Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary

Coral Inn Boutique Resort

Echelon Apartments Yeppoon

Edge Apartment Hotel

Emerald Central Palms Motel

Empire Apartment Hotel

Ferns Hideaway Resort

Footlights Theatre Restaurant

Freedom Fast Cats

Great Keppel Island Hideaway

Great Keppel Island Hideaway Bar and Bistro

Great Keppel Island Holiday Village

Gumnut Glen Cabins Yeppoon

Hedlow Retreat

Island View Caravan Park

Keppel Bay Marina

Keppel Dive & Snorkel

Keppel Explorer

Keppel Konnections

Keppel Konnections GKI Day Trip

Koorana Crocodile Farm

Korte’s Resort

Miners Heritage Walk-In Mine

Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park

Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum

Oshen Holiday Apartments - Yeppoon

Poinciana Tourist Park

Riverside Tourist Park

Riverston Tea Rooms

Rockhampton Riverside Central Hotel

Rockhampton Serviced Apartments

Rosslyn Bay Resort

Rubyvale Gem Gallery

Rubyvale Motel and Holiday Units

Sail Inn - Yeppoon

Salt Apartments

Sandstone Park Carnarvon Gorge

Sapphire Caravan and Cabin Park

Shell World Yeppoon

Southside Holiday Village

St Aubins Village

Surfside Motel Yeppoon

The Coast Motel

The Waterline Restaurant

Villa Mar Colina

Vue Wine Bar and Restaurant

Yeppoon Beach House

+ 8 non CE members properties

TOURISM MEDIA

TRAVMEDIA

Our yearly subscription to TravMedia enables us to upload media releases and all major events as well as a suite of images. TravMedia allows us to connect with over 40,000 journalists, travel and public relations professionals in over 10 countries. The following content was published across the last 12 months.

- 5 artistic spots on the Capricorn Coast to colour your stay

- The countdown in on! CQ University Village Festival is ready to wow the Capricorn Coast

- Capricorn Enterprise CEO appeals for new accommodation to be built on the Capricorn Coast

- Shell-abrating new life on Great Keppel Island

- 5 top tips for discovering Stanage Bay – 4 Boys and a Caravan

- Capricorn Caves set to beam during the Summer Solstice

- BYO Boat? 5 Keppel Bay Islands to explore

- High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm Achieves Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation

- Top 5 National Parks experiences on the Capricorn Coast

- New Capricorn Coast destination guides hot off the press

- The 9 best beaches to visit in Yeppoon and Capricorn Coast

- 8 must visit reefs from Yeppoon

- Top 9 most ‘insta-worthy’ spots on the Tropic of Capricorn

- A guide to the Capricorn Coast’s must-see public art

- New world-class tourism attraction opens

- Dreaming of a new destination? Put the Southern Great Barrier Reef on your 2023 travel list

- Capricorn Coast inspires award-winning singer-songwriter, Brad Butcher’s new album

- Top 25 FREE Attractions across Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton

- Top 12 Winter Activities in Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast

Videos uploaded to TravMedia

- Welcome to the Southern Great Barrier Reef – Where great begins (Sean Scott Photography)

- Stanage Bay – Not just a fisherman’s paradise (4 Boys and a Caravan)

- Discover beautiful Byfield on the Capricorn Coast

- Rockhampton Museum of Art (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Delight all of your senses at Keppel Bay Marina (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Capricorn Coast Learn 2 Surf (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Miners Heritage in Rubyvale – a true Aussie gem (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Great Keppel Island Hideaway (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Discover Carnarvon Gorge with Carnarvon Gorge Eco-Tours (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Reconnect with nature at Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Strike it lucky at Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Welcome to The Salty Lime Co. (National Experience Content Initiative)

- The New Royal Hotel Rubyvale (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Chase your next catch onboard Double Threat Charters (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Explore the magic of Carnarvon Gorge –Big 4 Breeze (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Explore Keppel Bay with Freedom Fast Cats (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Visit the bedazzling Rubyvale Gem Gallery (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Step back in time at St Aubins Village (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Discover Rockhampton aboard River Cruise CQ (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Dive the Southern Great Barrier Reef with Keppel Dive (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Experience the top of the world at Nurim Mount Archer (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Get a bird’s eye view of the Capricorn Coast with Rockhampton Helicopters (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Relax and reconnect at Pumpkin Island (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Experience the tranquillity of Castle Rock Farm (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Get snappy and plan a visit to Koorana Crocodile Farm (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Meet award-winning Australian artist Jet James (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Discover Ferns Hideaway Resort at Byfield (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Take a tour through the iconic Capricorn Caves (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Experience paddock to plate with High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Fun on the Southern Great Barrier Reef

Thanks for a cracking arvo. What a place!

Looking forward to seeing the shots. Thanks so much for having us.

Chris Parsons

| Presenter &

Director

CH 7 CREEK TO COAST –JUNE 2023 on filming at 5 Rocks / Stockyard Point

for

the first time.

with Funtastic Cruises (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Get up close and personal with wildlife at Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary (National Experience Content Initiative)

- Make a splash at the Yeppoon Lagoon this summer (National Experience Content Initiative)

VISUAL MEDIA

Capricorn Enterprise commissioned a significant number of bloggers, influencers, and television shows across 2022/23, working in partnership with our local tourism industry. Below is a list of the content pieces created, in addition to those created by Tourism and Events Queensland and Tourism Australia that were relevant to our region.

July 2022

Less red tape and more accommodation promised – CQ Today (growth in visitation and more accommodation required)

Thank you! Sarah – positive visitor experience in Yeppoon – Tourism and Events Queensland Industry News

Taste Capricorn Coast – How you can find the freshest local produce and support local business – Livingstone Shire Council Invest Capricorn Coast Region Business eBulletin

As natural wonders go, this rocks – Michael Turtle – Relax Travel

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7825094/asnatural-wonders-go-this-rocks/ https://travelaustraliatoday.com/qld/visit-carnarvongorge/

5 reasons to add Byfield to your bucket list - @findingalexx

https://findingalexx.com/byfield-queensland-guide/

100 Amazing Road Trips – Australian Traveller (featuring Capricorn Coast) https://www.australiantraveller.com/top-100-roadtrips-in-australia/

Tasting the Difference – Australian Traveller (featuring Taste Capricorn Coast and High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm/Beaches Restaurant)

https://www.pressreader.com/australia/ liantraveller/20220728/285632513531903

August 2022

Ch 9 Today Show Breakfast - 3 days of Live Weather crosses from Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Great Keppel Island Hideaway and Yeppoon Lagoon.

[SEE IMAGE 1 & 3]

Farm stay shifts focus – CQ Today (Myella Farm Stay)

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/08/07/farm-stayshifts-focus/

Call for vital GKI infrastructure – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/08/31/call-for-vitalgki-infrastructure/

CQ Festivals ‘spring’ to life – CQ Today

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/09/02/festivalsspring-to-life-in-cq-2/

15 New Tourism Experiences that Rocked our Reef this Past Year – Tourism and Events Queensland (featuring Keppel Dive and Snorkel)

https://teq.queensland.com/au/en/news-and-media/ media-resources/press-releases/15-new-tourismexperiences-that-rocked-our-reef-this-past-year

October 2022

Channel 9’s Getaway featuring Byfield https://9now.nine.com.au/getaway/2022-capricorncoast-david-whitehill/86f0c86f-0e60-4486-b6a7be845cd32351

Channel 10’s The Living Room featuring Capricorn Coast and Surf Lakes Yeppoon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHvunUAU8Ds

The Top 50 Aussie Towns: The winners are... – Carla Grossetti, Australian Traveller https://www.australiantraveller.com/50-top-towns-inaustralia/

Yeppoon, the magical seaside town you have to see now – Lee Mylne, Australian Traveller

https://www.australiantraveller.com/qld/central-qld/ travel-guide-yeppoon/

Bad news for Ring Road/Industry Leaders call for swift start to Ring Road – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/10/25/bad-newsfor-ring-road/

CQ Numbers Soar – CQ Today

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/10/01/cq-numbersswell/

Have your say on GKI – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/10/26/have-yoursay-on-gki/

KBSC makes plan for demo – CQ Today

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/10/29/kbsc-planfor-demo/

Make the most of your days – Escape Magazine/Tourism and Events Queensland

Channel 7’s Creek to Coast featuring Surf Lakes Yeppoon and Sunseeker Caravans

https://creektocoast.com.au/vision-rv-road-trip-to-surflakes-yeppoon/

November 2022

Channel 9’s Getaway featuring Great Keppel Island

https://9now.nine.com.au/getaway/great-keppelisland-queensland-david-whitehill/ce0fb14d-11ed48f9-b3f8-4507b9eb6a94

Stanage Bay – Not just a fisherman’s paradise – @4 Boys and a Caravan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f2oNGtZim4

5 Top Tips for discovering Stanage Bay – @4 Boys and a Caravan

Channel 7’s Creek to Coast featuring Stanage Bay with ARB

https://7plus.com.au/link/Episode/7CTC22-033

ABC’s Landline – The Salty Lime Co and High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-27/ruralproperties-going-off-grid-rewewables-for-energysecurity/101637758

BYO Boat? Here’s out favourity Keppel Bay Islands to explore - @4 Boys and a Caravan

Rally for the Ring Road – CQ Today

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/11/04/rally-for-thering-road/

United on Ring Road push – CQ Today

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/11/12/united-onring-road-2/

Is Mount the new Maleny? – CQ Today featuring Mount Morgan

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/11/10/is-mountthe-new-maleny/

Loss of a legendary local (feature on John ‘Marto’ Martin) – CQ Today

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/11/04/loss-of-alocal-legend/

Awards Empire Flourishes – CQ Today

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/11/07/awardsempire-grows/

Best New Business (Jones Building Group)

– CQ Today (as part of the 2022 Best in Business Awards)

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/12/05/best-newbusiness/

Double the awards (Rocky Sports Club)

– CQ Today (as part of the 2022 Best in Business Awards)

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/12/01/clubsdouble-awards-honour/

Gallery the people’s choice (Jet James Art Gallery) – CQ Today (as part of the 2022 Best in Business Awards)

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/12/05/gallerytakes-peoples-choice-award/

Pleased and proud at win (AAA Tutoring)

– CQ Today (as part of the 2022 Best in Business Awards)

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/12/05/award-anice-surprise/

Smoooth’s juices flowing (Smoooth Juice)

– CQ Today (as part of the 2022 Best in Business Awards)

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/12/03/smooothsuccess-for-juice-bar/

Ten attention grabbing Island stays to see out summer (featuring Pumpkin Island) –Tourism and Events Queensland

December 2022

7 Mate and 7 Plus Merv Hughes Fishing Show featuring The Mad Hueys

https://www.facebook.com/

watch/?v=1280078479502567

Top tips for visiting Byfield National Park@4 Boys and a Caravan

Australia’s top 10 trending travel destinations for 2023 (featuring Capricorn Coast) – Mature Traveller

http://www.maturetraveller.com.au/top-10-jan-23.html

Central Queensland’s employee of the year has all the right ingredients (Artizan Gluten Free Bakery) – CQ Today (as part of the 2022 Best in Business Awards)

https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/12/08/centralqueenslands-employee-of-the-year-has-all-the-rightingredients/

Essense of awards success (Stanwell Corporation) – CQ Today (as part of the 2022 Best in Business Awards) https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2022/12/08/essense-ofawards-success/

January 2023

15 Queensland National Parks you probably don’t know about but are 100% worth a visit (featuring Blackdown Tableland National Park) – Tourism and Events Queensland

https://www.queensland.com/au/en/places-to-see/ experiences/nature-and-wildlife/12-national-parksyouve-never-heard-of https://eglobaltravelmedia.com.au/2023/02/02/15queensland-national-parks-you-probably-dont-knowabout-but-are-100-worth-a-visit/

https://thelatch.com.au/best-national-parks-qld/

How to do Blackdown Tableland National Park – Tourism and Events Queensland https://www.queensland.com/au/en/places-to-see/ experiences/nature-and-wildlife/national-parks/howto-do-blackdown-tableland-national-park

February 2023

Channel 9’s My Way featuring St Aubin’s Village in Rockhampton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zju1EQn0Z4E

Channel 9’s My Way featuring Plumtree Store at Stanage Bay https://www.9now.com.au/my-way/2023/clipcldxtgm0i000r0jo30wd501md

Channel 9’s My Way featuring Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park https://www.9now.com.au/my-way/2023/clipcle7w1s3i001h0kmv8agi292f

Channel 9’s My Way featuring 4 Boys and a Caravan and Koorana Crocodile Farm https://9now.nine.com.au/my-way/koorana-crocfarm/1a201da8-a0fd-40ef-8483-91601b80d221 https://9now.nine.com.au/my-way/4-boys-and-acaravan/aac141c7-a03c-4525-92c2-36ed8e81b5a5

Yeppoon listed in Top 10 places to benefit from lifestyle exodus - Hotspotting Exodus to Lifestyle – National Top 10 https://www.realestate.com.au/news/aussie-top-10qld-regions-tipped-to-benefit-from-lifestyle-exodus/

Get ready to rock the Sapphire Gemfields – RACQ https://www.racq.com.au/articles/out-andabout/2023/2/get-ready-to-rock-the-sapphiregemfields

Crimson Finch Brewery will open in Yeppoon’s CBD – The Courier Mail https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/ rockhampton/business/crimson-finch-brewery-willopen-in-yeppoons-cbd/news-story/1ea4efc23a8e1f6e1

1fed26497be3901

The best Queensland tours and things to do in 2023 (featuring Capricorn Caves as Number 1) – Get Your Guide https://www. getyourguide.com/

Guide to cheap camping in QLD (featuring Yeppoon, Byfield and Great Keppel Island)

– Tourism and Events Queensland https://www.queensland.com/au/en/plan-yourholiday/accommodation/camping-and-caravan-parks/ cheap-camping-from-brisbane-to-cairns

March 2023

A guide to the geological wonders of Capricorn Coast’s Dig the Tropic –Australian Traveller https://www.australiantraveller.com/qld/central-qld/ dig-the-tropic-geo-tourism-trail-capricorn-coast/

Escape the chill: ANZCRO invites Aussies to warm up in QLD (featuring Great Keppel Island) – ANZCRO https://karryon.com.au/lifestyle/escape-the-chillanzcro-invites-aussies-to-warm-up-in-queensland/

Your top Queensland beach holidays (featuring Capricorn Coast) – Eat, Drink and Be Kerry https://eatdrinkandbekerry.net/index.php/2023/03/27/ top-queensland-beach-holidays-2/

8 must visit reefs from Yeppoon (featuring Keppel Bay and Southern Great Barrier Reef) – Where the wild things roam https://www.wherewildthingsroam.com/8-must-visitreefs-from-yeppoon/

Castle Rock’s new eco-deck – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/03/07/castle-rocksnew-eco-deck/

April 2023

Paul Murray’s ‘Our Town’ (featuring Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast) – Sky News https://www.skynews.com.au/opinion/paul-murray/ paul-murray-our-town-rockhampton-sunday-16-april/

June 2023

Stockyard Point/5 Rocks Holiday RentalsCh 7 Creek to Coast [SEE IMAGE 2, p42]

37 INTERNAL BLOGS

(written by Capricorn Enterprise)

Top 12 Winter Activities in Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast

Top FREE attractions in Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast

A BONZA trip to Rockhampton

Caravanning and Camping along the tropic of Capricorn

8 must visit reefs from Yeppoon

Top 5 National Parks on the Capricorn Coast

Capricorn Coast – Uncover a journey of the ages ‘Kangaroo’ sit down – and let us tell you a little about a community named Woorabinda

5 artistic spots on the Capricorn Coast to colour your stay

Capricorn Coast inspires award-winning singersongwriter, Brad Butcher’s new album

Indulge in a VIP experience with Carnarvon Gorge Eco-Tours

New world-class tourism attraction tricera’TOP’S’ school holiday fun

Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre volunteer, Bev Gilligan reaches 35-year milestone

Gumnut Glen Cabins under new management

Castle Rock Farm’s new eco-deck appeals to the conscious traveller

Glamping experience launched at The Salty Lime Co.

Capricorn Enterprise launches a BONZA destination campaign

Get ready to rock the Sapphire Gemfields in May

Killer Queen Experience set to bring ‘A Kind of Magic’ to Great Keppel Island

Crimson Finch Brewery spreads its wings in the heart of Yeppoon

High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm achieves Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation

YEPP...the proof’s in the can. We love our local beer here on the Capricorn Coast

Capricorn Caves set to beam during the Summer Solstice

Business champions acknowledged at Rockhampton’s night of nights

Luxe modular cabins on route to Poincianca in time for Christmas

Shell-abrating new life on Great Keppel Island

Capricorn Coast destination makes firm pledge at national summit

Rockhampton’s night of nights is back on the calendar in 2022

Industry’s leading minds to come together at the Capricorn Enterprise 2022 Major Industry Forum

Inaugural Gemfields Festival a massive success New menu launched at Rockhampton’s Coffee House Café

Capricorn Caves: Through the Looking Glass

Myella Farm Stay shifts focus

The countdown is on! Just 9 days until the CQ University Village Festival wows the Capricorn Coast

Capricorn Enterprise CEO appeals for new accommodation to be built on the Capricorn Coast

Rockhampton takes the ‘kamiza’ for 2022

Australian Karate Federation National Championships

Community hubs backed by Stanwell Power Station

MS Europa 2 drops anchor on the Southern Great Barrier Reef

33 school holiday activities on the Capricorn Coast

John ‘Marto’ Martin

FORMER OWNER, FERNS HIDEAWAY

A Pioneer of Industry and a passionate advocate for Byfield, ‘Marto’, a local icon, will be long remembered and his legacy will be celebrated for many decades to come.

Rest In Peace | 4 Oct 1952 - 31 Oct 2022

There were no roads in, we had to use a map and a compass to find the block...We found the beach where the canoes are today, skinny-dipped across the creek and sat on a log and said, ‘we could do something with this place.

John ‘Marto’ Martin, in 1977, upon discovering the land in Byfield, that he and his wife Genevieve, transformed into Ferns Hideaway.

EVENTS & EVENT SUPPORT

Congratulations to Empire Apartment Hotel Rockhampton and Fun Over 50 Tours for achieving the highest accolades at the Queensland Tourism Awards.

GENERAL EVENT SUPPORT

Events are promoted via our digital and social media platforms and letters of support are provided for all funding applications, as well as provision of in-kind support via marketing advice and grant application guidance.

Capricorn Enterprise subscribes to an event platform – EVERI, which aggregates the events loaded on various other online platforms and provides one single source for all events in the region. With over 100 sources fed into the ‘What’s On’ page through the EVERI event platform, the site offers a comprehensive search function, where you can find upcoming sporting, music, markets, performing arts, health and wellbeing, food, and wine events, along with fishing competitions, art workshops and activities for the kids.

All Major Events which increase visitation to the region are included in the Southern Great Barrier Reef destination guide and the Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Guide (print and online).

A full regional calendar of events is compiled each year and promoted in weekly e-newsletters, leisure EDM’s and available on the Capricorn Enterprise website.

QUEENSLAND DESTINATION EVENTS PROGRAM (QDEP)

Capricorn Enterprise provides detailed review and support of applications submitted by all event organisers to Tourism and Events Queensland. Round 22, 23 and 24 saw a sum of $90,000 awarded to the following events across Yeppoon and Rockhampton:

Round 22

Capricorn Film Festival - $10,000

Round 23

Yeppoon Running Festival - $15,000

Swim around Keppel – $10,000

Rocky River Run - $10,000

CapriCon Pop Culture Convention - $15,000

Round 24

Capricorn Food and Wine Festival - $15,000

Fitzroy River Barra Bash - $15,000

ROCKHAMPTON & CAPRICORN COAST ‘BEST IN BUSINESS’ AWARDS

See page 11 for Winners

The 2022 Best in Business Awards was held on 26 November 2022 at Korte’s Resort Rockhampton. Hosted by Capricorn Enterprise in partnership with the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce, 240 enthusiastic guests packed into Korte’s Resort to celebrate local entities who have adapted, achieved and created immense opportunities to forge a strong and resilient business community. A total of 83 nominations were received across 6 competitive categories, together with an additional 53 businesses vying for the exciting People’s Choice category.

[SEE IMAGE 1]

QUEENSLAND TOURISM AWARDS

The prestigious Queensland Tourism Awards was held on the Gold Coast in November 2022. Of the 31 Award categories presented, the Southern Great Barrier Reef placed within 12, with Rockhampton’s Empire Apartment Hotel receiving Gold in the Business Event Venues category and Silver in the 4-4.5 Star Accommodation category. [SEE IMAGE 2]

Rockhampton’s increasingly popular Easter weekend event, Rockynats, received silver accolades in the Festivals and Events category.

Capricorn Enterprise member Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours & Adventures swept the floor with Gold in two categories including Cultural Tourism and Tour and/or Transport Operators, along with receiving a silver Award for the Steve Irwin Award for Ecotourism.

QANTAS AUSTRALIAN TOURISM AWARDS

Queensland businesses dominated the 2022 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, winning awards in 16 of the 25 categories, with hundreds of tourism operators and guests gathering in Sydney in March 2023. One of the many Queenslanders receiving gold at the Australian Tourism Awards was Toni Brennan who commenced her business, Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures, in Yeppoon in 2002. The multi-award-winning company took out gold in the Tour & Transport Operators category. [SEE IMAGE 6 & 8]

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE CAPRICORN DINOSAUR PARK YEPPOON

The final stage of the Capricorn Dinosaur Park Yeppoon was completed in April (5-acre development, located adjacent to Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Woodbury), with an official launch being held on Tuesday 10th April. Capricorn Enterprise was heavily involved in the planning and PR for the launch, which was well attended by local media and local and state officials.

Set to be one of the destination’s most exhilarating new tourism attractions, the one kilometre fully accessible walking trail and dinosaur fossil dig will add to the already established Capricorn Dinosaur Mini Golf.

With thanks to Queensland Government’s Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund, the $800,000 project has been years in the making. [SEE IMAGE 3 & 5]

DESTINATIONQ FORUM

The 2022 Forum was held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday 3 November and welcomed more than 900 tourism and event industry leaders from across the state. The Capricorn Enterprise Tourism Marketing team attended to learn the lastest trends and industry information.

The DestinationQ Forum 2022 program featured sessions supporting the Forum’s theme - Journey to 2032: Building on our strengths. [SEE IMAGE 4,7]

2022/23 VISITOR SERVICES & VOLUNTEERS

Boasting a combined 2000 years of local knowledge and experience, brimming with expert guidance and solutions for local, state, and nation-wide holiday makers, the Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre is powered by a team of 35 enthusiastic volunteers who, together with their Supervisor, provide visitors with up-to-date and relevant information.

In 2022/23, the Centre received 1,881 phone calls, 905 emails, worked 5,626 volunteer hours and assisted 17,387 visitors seeking further information about the region. Volunteers at the Centre book tours, accommodation, activities, and attractions on behalf of local operators and make staying in the region as easy and accessible as possible for visitors.

Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre Statistics, May 2019 - June 2023

MEMBERS LIST

2022 - 2023

Alphabetical Order

> CORPORATE

Central Highlands Regional Council

CQUniversity Australia

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited

Ian Weigh Toyota

Stanwell Corporation Limited Livingstone Shire Council

> PLATINUM

Gibb Group

Great Keppel Island Hideaway

Stay Yeppoon (Beaches on Lammermore, Echelon Apartments, Salt Yeppoon)

The Cassidy Group (Empire Rockhampton, The Edge Luxury Apartment Hotel)

> GOLD AECOM Australia Pty Ltd

Beaches Restaurant + High Valley

Dawn + Rosslyn Bay Wellness

BIG 4 Breeze Holiday Parks

Carnarvon Gorge

BRAVUS Mining & Resources

Capricorn Caves

Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge

Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service District

Civil Mining and Construction Pty

Ltd

DC Motors

Freedom Fast Cats

Keppel Bay Marina

Keppel Bay Sailing Club

Laing O’Rourke

NBN Co

Oshen Apartments

Pat O’Driscoll Real Estate

Pumpkin Island

Rockhampton Grammar School

Rocky Sports Club

Rosslyn Bay Resort

Surf Lakes Holdings

The Salty Lime Co

> SILVER

Aussie Gold Natural Spring Water

Bronsan Pty Ltd

Butler Partners (Regional) Pty Ltd

Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary

Discovery Holiday Parks

Rockhampton

Discovery Parks Coolwaters

Yeppoon

Evans Edwards & Associates

Frenchville Sports Club

Fun Over 50 Holidays - Immersive

Tours and Adventures

Golding Contractors

Holcim - Aggregates

Holcim Australia Pty Ltd - Concrete

Holcim Australia - Humes

Hopkins Brothers iAssist

JRT Civil Pty Ltd + Freight Solutions

Australia Group (FSA)

KB Developments Pty Ltd

Keppel Konnections

Mercure Rockhampton

NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday

Park

SDS Training

Shanahan Swaffield Partners

South Geldard Lawyers P/L

Southside Holiday Village

Thomo’s Betta Home Living

> BRONZE

Beef Australia Ltd

Capricorn Survey Group (CQ) Pty Ltd

Cerulean Estate

City Printing Works

Coffee House Apartment Motel

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

CQG Consulting

design+architecture

Diocesan Catholic Education Office

Emerald Cabin & Caravan Village

Central Apartment Group - Emerald

Central Hotel and Rockhampton

Riverside Central Hotel

Funtastic Cruises

Great Keppel Island Holiday Village

Hedlow Retreat

Herron Todd White

Island View Holiday Park Pty Ltd

Kennas Chartered Accountants & Financial Services

Kombi Keg + The Alley Yeppoon

Koorana Crocodile Farm

Korte’s Resort

Moondaze Pty Ltd

Optus

Pacplus Wholesalers

Permc Pty Ltd

Piranha Insurance Agencies Pty Ltd

Premise Australia Pty Ltd

Queensland Rail Travel

Quest Apartments Rockhampton

Red Lion Hotel

Rees R & Sydney Jones

Regional Insurance Brokers (CQ) Pty Ltd

Resource Consulting Services Pty Ltd

RMW Property Agents

Robert Harris Rivett Lawyers

Rockhampton Jockey Club Inc

Smyth Financial

Tanby Garden Centre

The Coast Motel

The Investment Collective

The Strand Hotel Yeppoon

Tropical Pines Pty Ltd

Villa Mar Colina

Yeppoon Cinemas

Yurika Pty Ltd

> SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORTER

1770 LARC! Tours

Appleton Studios Pty Ltd

Apprentices and Trainees Queensland

Aqualification & Fitness Pty Ltd

Artizan Gluten Free Bakery

Ashton Engineering Pty Ltd

ASK ME Technology Consultants

Australian Business Consulting & Solutions

Babsuva Pty Ltd

Beachside Holiday Caravan Park

Bishopp Outdoor Advertising

Blue Dolphin Caravan Park

Bluewater Property Trust

BP Gracemere

Brittany Lauga MP

Budget Car Rental

Byfield General Store

Byfield Mountain Retreat

Capella Van-Park

Cap Coast Home Loans / Prestige

Property Yeppoon

Capricorn Food and Wine Festival

Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service Ltd

Carnarvon Gorge Eco tours

Castle Rock Farm

CatholicCare Central Queensland

Causeway Caravan Park

Causeway Lake Boat Hire

Central Highlands Development Corporation

Coastal Funk

Coffee of Capricorn Co.

ConstructEst

Cooper McKenzie Marketing Pty Ltd

Coral Inn Boutique Eco Resort

CQ Connections

CQ Soil Testing

CQShines

Crave Surf Industries

Crimson Finch Brewing Pty Ltd

CT Harris & Co

Digitalrez Australia

DLV Finance

Double Threat Pty Ltd

Dreamtime Cultural Centre

Dynamic Eggs

EKM Grazing

Elders Insurance Yeppoon

Emu Park Holiday and Accommodation

Emu Park Real Estate

Ferns Hideaway

Fisherman’s Beach Holiday Park

Fitzroy Basin Association Inc

Footlights Theatre Restaurant

Forest Fields Campstay

Forshaw Contracting

Gardens Tearooms

Gemfest Festival of Gems Association Incorporated

Get Logo’d

Great Keppel Island Watersports & Activities

Gumnut Glen Cabins

Gus’ Coffee Yeppoon (Joshua Four Pty Ltd)

Helloworld Travel Rockhampton

Heron Island Resort (Aldesta Hotels)

Indigo Gold Pty Ltd

Jet James Art Gallery

Johnson’s 4wd Repair Shop

Keppel Coast Arts Council

Keppel Explorer

Keppel Islands Swimming Association

Keppel Real Estate

Keppel Sands Caravan Park

Kinka Palms Motel

Let’s go boat hire Yeppoon

Little Ellie Boutique

Little Johnny’s Tours

M & M Sapphires

Marmor Quarry

Michelle Landry MP

Miners Heritage Walk-In Mine

Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc.

Mountain Creek Avocados

MRAEL

Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park

New Royal Hotel Rubyvale

Nexabout Pty Ltd

Nextra Capricorn Newsagency

Nob Creek Pottery

On Country Workforce Solutions Pty Ltd

Pacific Properties Qld Pty Ltd

Paradise Outdoor Advertising

Plumtree Store

Poinciana Tourist Park

Professionals Real Estate Emu Park

Qld Master Builders Association

Reef Distillers Pty Ltd

Reel Fishing CQ

Riverside Tourist Park

Riverston Tea Rooms

Rockhampton Business Machines

Rockhampton Helicopters

Rockhampton Leagues Club Ltd

Rockhampton Serviced Apartments

Rosslyn Bay Fish Market

Rubyvale Caravan Park

Rubyvale Gem Gallery

Sail Inn Motel

Sandstone Park Carnarvon Gorge

Sapphire Caravan Park

Seaspray Health & Fitness Centre

Shiralee Clydesdales & Farm Stay

Southern Cross Austereo

St Aubins

Stir & Stitch Pty Ltd

Surfside Motel

Taylor Made Marketing Pty Ltd

The Childminding Co.

The Cobbler’s Rooms

The Intentional Branding Company

Time Safaris Rockhampton

Tropical Luxury Cars Yeppoon

Trufusion

Tsuruya Japanese Restaurant

Vue Wine Bar & Restaurant

Wagners Investments

Ward Commercial Pty Ltd

Wolfies Farms

Woodvale Park Biodynamics

Workforce Express

Worrells Solvency Forensic Accountants

YEPP Brewing Co

Yeppoon Beach House

Yeppoon Betta Home Living

Yeppoon Golf Club Inc

Yeppoon Real Estate

Yeppoon Tennis Club

> ASSOCIATE

5 Rocks Holiday Rentals

Amanda Hinton

Archer Park Station and Steam Tram

Museum

Bob Pleash

Capella Pioneer Village Inc

Central Queensland Military & Artefacts Museum

Central Queensland Nature Tours

Derek Lightfoot

Emu Park Historical Museum Society

Keppel Bay Shell Club Inc. T/a Shell

World Yeppoon

Kerry Kerr

Latitude 23 Arts

Marlborough Historical Museum

Mount Morgan Historical Museum

Nathan White Images

Old Rainworth Fort

Paint Pot Gallery

pH7 Consulting

Returned & Services League of Australia Qld Branch Yeppoon Subbranch Inc

Rubyvale Progress Association Inc.

Emu Park Art Gallery Inc

Yeppoon Community Markets