Archived Media ReleasesGladstone Observer, Page: 8
Thursday, 26 August 2010
THERE is no doubt the QAL lookout is high on the list of top spots to visit in Gladstone and with redevelopment work currently underway it is destined to become even more popular.
The current QAL lookout was constructed prior to the plant opening in the early 1960s and over the years, a number of small changes have been made and information signs updated, however the site has essentially remained unchanged.
QAL managing director Phil Campbell said annually 10,000 visitors take the opportunity to view one of the world’s industrial giants from the vantage point. "The lookout has a long history and for many, it is the first and only impression many visitors have of QAL, so it is a very valuable asset," he said. "The facility upgrade will provide a fresh outlook of our operations and also reflect the strong future direction for QAL." The main features are three open air interpretive centres which are interlinked by wheelchair accessible raised boardwalks and paths to provide a whole new experience for visitors. "In alignment with the commencement of the mine to market tours earlier this year, which combine tours of QAL and Boyne Smelters, a series of interpretive panels will detail the past, present and future story of alumina and aluminium in Gladstone," Mr Campbell said.
With more than 457,000 people visiting Gladstone annually, almost 2,800 take advantage of the various industry tours through Gladstone Area Promotion Development Limited (GAPDL). Industry tours have become increasingly popular and in 2009 more than 1,600 people toured QAL.
Gladstone Observer, Page: 10
Saturday, 21 August 2010
AGNES WATER ADVENTURE holidaymakers can now add sandboarding to their lists of must-do activities on The Discovery Coast.
Surfing, kayaking, LARCing and kite surfing are just a few of the holiday adventures available out of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy with sandboarding the latest. Sandboarders can shoot down the 30m dunes on Middle Island and end up in the beautiful waters of Bustard Bay. A Sandboarding Safari is being offered by 1770 LARC! Tours and the adventurous are climbing aboard to shoot the dunes.
The Sandboarding Safari starts at the 1770 Marina heading across the pristine waters of Bustard Bay on the big pink LARC amphibious vehicles and over creeks and up the beach destination, Middle Island.
Owner/operator Neil Mergard said it’s a cross between surfing and snowboarding, but on sand until you reach the bottom of the towering dunes and a bit of a dip. "This is THE fun adventure tour for the Town of 1770/ Agnes Water destination".
"With the backpacker and youth market booming in this region, it is an ideal tour aimed at the adventurous and the not so adventurous.".
Gladstone Observer, Page: 17
Tuesday, 03 August 2010
HELPING BUSINESS: The GAPDL and the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce initiatives are pushing Gladstone businesses into the 21st century.
FOR any business owner the difficulty in developing a sound foundation on which the individual, professional, or business person can build their business inexpensively can be fraught with endless pitfalls.
To identify successful and rewarding opportunities takes time with many opportunities lost due to misguided procedures and overworked portfolios.
Through local initiatives, the Gladstone business community is offering opportunities for businesses to experience some of the best marketing expertise around.
One such initiative is the Wizards of Oz group.
At midday today, the GAPDL in partnership with the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) and Project GROW, will host two speakers from the Wizards of OZ group Val Saidor and Don Keady.
Val Saidor is one of the most sought after search-engine optimisation and e-commerce specialists in the southern hemisphere and runs IXI an Australia-wide internet consulting agency. Ms Saidor’s address will focus on web and search-engine optimisation.
Don Keady is CEO of The Australian Institute of Sales, Marketing & Management he also owns and runs Sydney Harbour Radio, and oversees four other companies, two of them are national franchises, and also acts as a mentor to growing businesses throughout Australia.
Mr Keady’s address will home in on marketing/sales and lead generation.
Kim Williams, from the GAPDL, said the event was a great opportunity for small to medium businesses in Gladstone to hear from two of the best in the business when it comes to marketing and e-commerce.
"The partnership between GAPDL and GCCI allows us to ensure the maximum number of local businesses have the opportunity to attend this important event." Ms Williams said.
The brief of The Wizards of Oz is to deliver pertinent and valuable, applicable, topical and measurable business information that can make a real difference to businesses not just theories by people who have never used them, or never run businesses. Emphasis is placed on how to use the appropriate techniques needed to target and capture potential clients.
GAPDL CEO Glenn Churchill said: "It is GAPDL’s aim to advance the Gladstone Region through the promotion and development of tourism, business and industry for the benefit of our members and the community."
Coastal Rage, Page: 4
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Max-E-mise your Market Business luncheon
Many businesses within the region have commented that Project GROW has come at a very convenient time with many looking to enhance their online presence or expand into the online market.
There is now an opportunity for businesses to experience some of the best marketing expertise around.
GAPDL in partnership with the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) and Project GROW will host two fantastic speakers from the Wizards of OZ’ group Va! Saidor and Don Keady.
The brief of The Wizards of Oz is to deliver pertinent and valuable, applicable, topical.., and measurable business information that can make a real difference to businesses not just theories by people who have never used them, or never run businesses.
GAPDL CEO Glenn Churchill said, "It is GAPDL’s aim to advance the Gladstone Region through the promotion and development of tourism, business and industry for the benefit of our members and the community; we are extremely pleased to partner with GCCI in delivering these fantastic speakers to the Gladstone Region business community." Val Saidor is one of the most sought after Search Engine Optimisation / c-commerce specialists in the southern hemisphere and runs IXI an Australia wide Internet Consulting Agency. Val’s address at the sessions will focus on Web & Search Engine Optimisation.
Don Keady is CEO of The Australian Institute of Sales, Marketing & Management. He also owns and runs Sydney Harbour Radio, and oversees four other companies, two of them are National Franchises, and he also acts as a mentor to growing businesses throughout Australia.
Don’s address will hone in on Marketing / Sales & Lead Generation.
Workshop 4, for Project GROW will be held on 15 September at 11 2:30pm and 3:30 7pm at the Grand Hotel, Gladstone.
A session is also available in Agnes Water on 16 September from 9am 1pm at Sandcastles Resort. Cost is S 10 per business per session.
Contact Amanda Gonzo or Kirstie Bruton at GAPDL on 07 4972 4000.
Places are filling fast so don’t miss out! More information on Project GROW can be found at www.gladstoneregion.info and www.gladstoneadvantage.info
Coastal Rag, Page: 8
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Backpacker Forum
WOW!!! There was a fantastic turnout on Tuesday night for the much anticipated Backpacker Forum. All activity providers and backpacker hostel owners attended, as well as many other interested parties.
Trevor Cox from Tourism Queensland (TQ), Glenn Churchill and staff from GAPDL, Joanne Wilkie from Backpacking Queensland (BQ), as well as the DCTC executive spoke about promotion and marketing opportunities for our area to the backpacker market.
The ensuing discussion was very positive and optimistic. The need to be a united cohesive group was reinforced and well received.
We’re looking forward to becoming a major player in the tourism world through joint marketing and funding initiatives with TQ, BQ, GAPDL, and DCTC.
Coastal Rag, Page: 8
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Sustainability Pilot Project
Great news down at Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy with Stage 5 of the Sustainability Pilot Project now complete.
The program is an initiative of Tourism Queensland in partnership with GAPDL, the GRC, and DCTC.
It has seen a cluster group of businesses passionate about sustainability participate in a pilot project, now the 6th in Queensland.
In the near future Sustainable Certification will be a requirement for doing business, especially with government departments. It gives us the opportunity to raise the bar to meet global sustainability demands.
The environmentally conscious tourism market is a growth market, with global travel companies now offering sustainable certified packages and volunteerism. For example, some 4000 people holidayed in Hawaii last year just to help clean up the beaches.
Travellers are now choosing to make a difference and want to know that businesses are too.
Key objectives identified at the cluster meeting on Tuesday night were: 1. Adopting the philosophy of sustainability 2. The importance of marketing opportunities for sustainable regions on a state wide, national, and global scale 3. Identification of key areas where we can make a difference 4. Branding the Discovery Coast as a sustainable region 5. Opportunities to showcase sustainable success stories to our region and visitors 6. Employment opportunities with federal grants available to drive the sustainability project on an ongoing basis until we can achieve certification as a sustainable region 7. Opportunities to create employment for local trades in upgrading our businesses and homes to be sustainable Key areas of importance that we, as a community, can tackle: 1. A clear target for the community to be plastic bag free 2. Opportunities for significant and very real cost savings of 40% to 60% by simply changing lighting in your home or business 3. Significant reductions in land fill as well as real savings on waste removal 4. Continuing community and visitor education programs aimed, e.g., at resource conservation and waste disposal 5. Creating a formal cluster group of people interested in sustainability so the lessons learned can be passed on to others until the region can be certified as having ~globa1 best practice’ in the sustainable tourism market To some this may not seem a lot but globally this is what is expected. Let’s adopt the philosophy of sustainability.
Anyone interested in being involved in a sustainable regions cluster group contact Georgia Hughes at secretary@dctc.com.au or Gordon Christian on 0417206500 or gordon.christian@harcourts.com.au
Gladstone Observer, Page: 11
Thursday, 05 August 2010
New Service Award
Gladstone locals now have the chance to show what they think about the people and the service behind the desk with the Regional Business Tourism Awards "Best in Service" category.
The Observer, together with the GAPDL and The Rock Building Society, invites you to vote for a local business that offers exceptional service and helps promote the Gladstone region to local and international tourists.
The Observer sponsored "Best in Service" category is something that every business strives to achieve and The Observer wants you to cast your vote.
Observer GM Carl Carter said The Observer was proud to be partnering with GAPDL and The Rock, as part of the Regional Tourism Awards, to highlight the efforts of local businesses offering great customer service. "Customer service is a very important attribute and even more so when promoting the region to our visitors and tourists," he said.
"All businesses are in the business of tourism, right from the local petrol station, tourism operator or retailer.
"It doesn’t take much to offer customers a greeting, a smile and some back-to-basics service.
"Look out for the nomination form in The Observer and help recognise our top performing local businesses."
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