Shadow Minister visits

SHADOW Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Jann Stuckey was in the Whitsundays this week, meeting with key figures from the industries her portfolio represents.

On Monday afternoon Ms Stuckey called into Proserpine business 'Grays Timber' for a chat with its co-owner Jeanette Gray.

Ms Stuckey said small businesses like Grays were the "unsung heroes" of the region.

"It's [an example of] an integral part of this community and something the community can be proud of," Ms Stuckey said.

Jeanette Gray said it was nice that the shadow minister was willing to call in and see how small businesses in the region were coping in these tough economic times.

"There'd be quite a few businesses in this town that have been struggling to keep their heads above water," Ms Gray said.

"Tourism affects us all. Even though we don't supply directly to tourists, the downturn in the industry has certainly affected our business," she said.

Ms Stuckey said the LNP recognised the importance of the Whitsunday region from a tourism perspective, hence after her last visit in April, she promised she would be back.

"[The Whitsundays is] certainly on our radar for region's we respect and admire [and] it's not getting the attention it deserves," she said.

"The problem has been you have a government making the decisions when the industry knows best."

Ms Stuckey attended a networking function at the Coral Sea Resort to gauge opinion on her party's new tourism strategy, labeled 'Destination Q'.

"The LNP have consulted all year and our strategy document is a result of that consultation," Ms Stuckey said.

"I've got out of this visit that people are sick of talk and in need of action. They are heartened by this document. [We believe] we're on the right track to deliver what the industry wants and needs."