The outcomes that emerge over the next 12 months will determine the future for the residential accommodation industry for the next generation in Queensland. 

The urban management plan and program, together with the infrastructure program of the State Government, will provide a watershed for all resident managers in permanent and holiday accommodation. 

Every industry needs certainty, and hopefully by mid 2005, the permanent and holiday accommodation industry and indeed the Queensland Tourism industry, will have a significant degree of directional certainty as a result of the SEQ Urban Management scheme. 

This, together with the long-term infrastructure blueprint promised by the State Government, provide the opportunity  for some definitive strategic planning by the accommodation industry, not just in the south east of the State, but also in the whole State. 

QRAMA marks its industry involvement of some 14 years as only a slightly longer period that the industry journal, Resort News, has taken up the special interests and provided a comprehensive coverage of the issues and have recorded the progress and maturity that has occurred in the Queensland. 

It has been important for the accommodation industry to have a prestige journal putting a focus on the key issues and giving the key stakeholders a regular forum to provides them with news and updates. 

We at QRAMA believe that Resort News has been most influential  in reporting various industry issues to the Government and the broader community and we congratulate the team. [Resort News, as far as we know, have never made a formal submission nor have they had any interest in any negotiation of any issues or legislation with OFT or DNR.] 

But the challenge remains, and over the next year and the next generation of accommodation buildings, the challenges that face us all, need a forum that allows for information to be provided and for the stakeholders to put forward their viewpoints. 

As indicated, the ground rules are being put in place. 

The State Government has been prepared to recognize the growth of the accommodation industry, both as a new lifestyle of living, and indeed, is encouraging that development. 

The Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Tourism and the Office of Fair Trading have also recognized the need for the regular reviews of the legislation and this has resulted in considerable work by many organisations. 

The current reviews are important, because they are now also looking ahead, and seeking to provide some strategic opportunities for the better management of the permanent and holiday accommodation. 

The 21^st century will see more and more people looking towards community and strata titled living - with all the assets and resources that can be provided in a resort style complex. 

Why has this happened?  Because the industry has demonstrated that community living can function in a well-controlled manner, with people enjoying this lifestyle living not just when they are on holidays, but as a residential lifestyle. 

QRAMA and its members will be responding to the Government’s urban management program. We will be suggesting to the Government that it needs to ensure that there is quality development, not just dense development to provide for the extra 1 million.  Management of these complexes requires an increasing number of skills, as more legislative issues must be addressed.  We have moved beyond the time when a few willing owners could manage a property. 

Queensland is the holiday state because it has well appointed accommodation. 

We must not let our standards drop and create poor standard buildings and facilities. 

The Government has asked for submissions and feedback, it is our industry’s duty to consider our future responsibly.