Mackay Isaac Region - Uncategorised

Whether you're looking to expand your business, develop new visitor experiences, improve infrastructure or build your skills, there are a range of funding opportunities and business support programs available throughout the year.

This page brings together tourism, business and event funding programs that may be relevant to operators across the Mackay Isaac region, along with useful resources to help you stay informed.

Please note: grant programs open and close at different times, funding availability and eligibility criteria vary, and inclusion on this page does not guarantee funding. We recommend visiting each program's website for the latest information, application dates and eligibility requirements before applying.

Grant hubs and resources

Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation - Tourism funding and grants

Business Queensland - Tourism grants and funding page

Business Queensland - Business grants page

Grant and subsidy programs

Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF): this fund supports projects that help attract more visitors, encourage longer stays, and increase visitor spending in communities outside of South-East Queensland. Subscribe to the Tourism Industry Newsletter for updates.

Tourism Icons Investment Fund (TIIF): the Tourism Icons Investment Fund (TIIF) has been designed to support the development of infrastructure, attractions and experiences that exceed expectations, create jobs and help more tourism-related businesses to grow. Subscribe to the Tourism Industry Newsletter for updates.

Homegrown - Queensland's Destination Events Fund: the Homegrown - Queensland's Destination Events Fund (Homegrown) helps connect events with the unique destinations they call home, ensuring the benefits of these events are felt far and wide across the State (previously known as the Queensland Destination Events Program - QDEP).

Tourism Business Capability Subsidy: this subsidy offers up to $2,000 to eligible Queensland tourism and event businesses to support targeted training or accreditation that builds skills, confidence and capability. Whether you’re a sole trader or a small to medium-sized business, it’s designed to help you strengthen your business and enhance the experiences you deliver to visitors.

Business Boost Grants Program: the Business Boost grants program assists small businesses to enhance their efficiency and productivity through a grant payment of between $10,000 and $20,000 (excluding GST).

Trade grants

Australian Trade and Investment Commission - Tourism grants

Austrade administers export and tourism grants on behalf of the Australian Government. These grants help Australian businesses export products and services and support our tourism industry and visitor economy.

Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) - the EMDG program provides grants to Australian small and medium enterprises and their representative bodies to market and promote their goods and services globally and undertake export training. Keep up to date by subscribing to the Austrade Newsletter.

The Mackay Isaac Region is proud to celebrate 44 local operators recognised in the 2026 Best of Queensland Experiences Program.

Including eight silver recipients, these businesses are delivering high-quality, memorable visitor experiences across the region.

Best of Queensland - Silver recipients

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Accommodation:

Best of Queensland - Teal recipients

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Accommodation:

Attraction:

Food & Drink:

Hire:

Europcar Mackay Airport

Transport:

Off Camber Transfers - Mackay Region to Pioneer Valley

Mackay Isaac Tourism welcomes funding announcement for successful local operator

Mackay Isaac Tourism (MIT) has welcomed the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI)’s announcement of successful recipients in the 2026 Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF), celebrating Wake House Australia as the Mackay Isaac region’s successful applicant.

Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Jeff Stewart-Harris said MIT supported a number of strong applications in the first round of funding, which will see over $7.6 million invested into strengthening regional tourism offerings across Queensland.

“We congratulate Wake House Australia on this outstanding achievement,” Mr Stewart-Harris said.

“While we had several submissions from across our region, it’s fantastic to see regional Queensland benefit from this fund, and even more so to see our own region recognised.

“The Queensland Government’s four-year commitment to the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund provides confidence for our industry.

“We’re excited to see how this strengthens opportunities for more Mackay Isaac projects in future rounds.”

Wake House Australia Managing Director Amanda Pelagalli said the support will accelerate long-planned enhancements to the wake park facility in Andergrove Lakes.

“This funding allows us to progress upgrades that will significantly elevate the Wake House experience for both locals and international visitors alike,” Mrs Pelagalli said.

“We’re incredibly proud to represent the Mackay Isaac region and grateful for the government’s investment in regional tourism growth as part of the Destination 2045 plan.”

The RTIF supports projects such as new attractions, upgrades to visitor facilities, eco-lodges, glamping, agritourism and nature-based experiences, all aimed at attracting more visitors, increasing length of stay, and boosting regional spending.

Learn more about the program and statewide successful applicants here:
https://www.detsi.qld.gov.au/tourism/funding-grants/regional-tourism-infrastructure-fund

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