QLD Tourism Icons Investment Fund – Round 1

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are open until 8 October 2025.
Round 1 offers a total funding pool of $20 million, with the department planning to release similar amounts annually over four years.
Grants of up to $5 million per application are available, although requests above $5 million or variations to co-contribution may be considered at the assessment panel’s discretion.
A minimum 1:1 co-contribution is required, with applicants contributing at least 50% of total eligible project costs.

The Tourism Icons Investment Fund (TIIF) provides funding for projects that establish and enhance Queensland’s tourism attractions and experiences. It supports infrastructure, attractions, and experiences that exceed expectations, create jobs, and enable tourism-related businesses to grow. The fund aims to deliver exceptional tourism offerings that extend visitor stays in Queensland. By backing iconic projects, it goes beyond infrastructure, generating lasting economic and social benefits for communities across the state.

Key Requirements

Applicants must hold an ABN and be registered for GST, with preference given to accredited tourism businesses.

Projects must have appropriate zoning and align with Destination 2045. Applicants should be established tourism operators in Queensland or able to demonstrate the active establishment of tourism operations that deliver significant benefits to the state.

Program funding will be available to approved applicants from the 2025–26 financial year and conclude in the 2027–28 financial year, with payments made in accordance with funding agreement milestones.

Projects should have in-principle support from local government and Traditional Owners, be substantially progressed with approvals (preferably a development application), and be investment-ready. Projects must commence within 12 months of funding approval, with priority given to those completing by June 2028. Funding cannot be used for projects that have already commenced, although exceptions may apply for distinct stages or elements.

Round 1 of the Tourism Icons Investment Fund (TIIF) will prioritise infrastructure projects that support the development of products and experiences in the following focus areas:

Ecotourism: Nature-based experiences that promote environmental conservation and cultural understanding.
Dark Sky Tourism: Experiences centred on stargazing and astronomical observation in areas with minimal light pollution.
Agritourism: Opportunities that connect visitors with Queensland’s agricultural landscapes, practices, and produce.
Coastal Tourism: Activities and experiences along Queensland’s coastline.
Marine Tourism: Experiences focused on Queensland’s coastal and marine environments, including the Great Barrier Reef, islands, and waterways.
Cultural & Heritage Tourism: Experiences celebrating Queensland’s cultural heritage and history.
Paleo Tourism: Experiences highlighting Queensland’s ancient landscapes and fossil heritage.

What is eligible for funding?

To be considered for funding, projects must:

Have relevant zoning for tourism infrastructure or experiences.
Align with the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 Plan.
Have in-principle support from local government and Traditional Owners, where required.
Be substantially progressed towards obtaining all relevant local, state, and federal approvals, with Development Approval (DA) preferred, as projects with a DA are prioritised.
Be investment-ready, with access to or secured funding.
Commence within 12 months of funding approval, with priority given to projects completing by June 2028, though later completions remain eligible.
Demonstrate established tenure arrangements and owner consent where applicable.

Funding can be used for costs directly associated with delivering the approved project, including:

Capital construction, including all necessary site works.
Upgrades or rejuvenation of existing infrastructure or experiences.
Production of final ‘for construction’ designs or equivalents.
Construction-related labour, materials, and equipment hire required for project delivery.

Eligible projects include those that establish or enhance Queensland’s tourism offerings, such as:

New large-scale attractions and experiences to increase visitation.
Experiences showcasing Queensland’s natural assets, diverse cultural identity, and adventure offerings in scenic locations.
New tourism accommodation, including eco-lodges.
Investment in island tourism, including redevelopment of Great Barrier Reef Island resorts, sustainable luxury accommodation, reef-friendly activities, and marine or coastal tourism enhancements.
Projects that improve the sustainability of regional tourism.

What companies are eligible for funding?

To be considered for funding, applicants must:

Be an established tourism operator in Queensland, or a new operator—or an operator from another Australian jurisdiction—who can demonstrate active establishment of tourism operations in Queensland that deliver significant benefits to the state.
Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
Be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) at the time of application.

Eligible applicants include Queensland tourism operators (established or new), not-for-profit organisations, and Queensland local governments that provide tourism services or experiences. State, territory, and Australian Government agencies, along with related statutory bodies, are not eligible.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

Industry analysis presentation
Competitor Analysis Presentation
Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

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