'Turtle Tank' to revitalise Gladstone Region tourism

Published: 12th January 2022

Gladstone aerial view

Gladstone is getting a revitalised tourism sector with Turtle Tank

You’ve heard of the hit Network Ten show Shark Tank, but a new sensation is coming to Gladstone Region with the tourism innovation fund ‘Turtle Tank’.

Turtle Tank has been designed to support the Gladstone Region through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and assist with the recovery of the tourism industry.

The purpose of Turtle Tank is to fund innovative ideas, campaigns and initiatives in the tourism space that benefit the region now and into the future.

A total of $100,000 will be available, made up of $50,000 from Gladstone Regional Council and $50,000 from the Together Gladstone Fund.

Gladstone Region Acting Mayor Kahn Goodluck said the Turtle Tank fund is loosely based on the hit Network Ten show Shark Tank and involves a three-step application process.

“The final step in the process will see applicants invited to attend the ‘Turtle Tank’ to pitch their initiative to a panel of ‘expert investors’ made up Gladstone Regional Council, Together Gladstone and GAPDL representatives,” Councillor Goodluck said.

“Prior to sinking their teeth in – or in this case, sliding into the Turtle Tank – applicants must attend the upcoming Tourism Innovation Fund information session.

“From there, they must submit a written application outlining the basics of their initiative to the panel for assessment.

“This is an exciting concept and one we hope will stimulate the tourism industry, while also increasing liveability and visitation in our region by growing tourism offerings.”

Applications opened on 10 January with the Tourism Innovation Fund information session to be held at Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on 20 January.

The Turtle Tank fund is an initiative of Gladstone Regional Council, Together Gladstone and GAPDL and you can visit gladstoneregion.info for more information about Turtle Tank.

Financial contributors of the Together Gladstone Fund include Boyne Smelters Limited, ConocoPhillips as downstream operator of Australia Pacific LNG, Queensland Alumina Limited, Rio Tinto Yarwun, Santos GLNG, Shell’s QGC Business and other local industries.