Position Title: Tourism Development Officer
Location: Agnes Water / Town of 1770, with travel throughout the region as required
Reports to: Manager, Marketing and Partnerships
Hours: 18–22 hours per week, flexible for the right candidate
Contract Type: Four-month, fixed-term, part-time contract, with the possibility of extension
Start Date: ASAP (but we're happy to wait for the right person!)
Applications Close: 5pm, Sunday 8 November 2026

A bit about us
GAPDL (Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited) is the Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) for the Gladstone Region, one of 13 RTOs identified by the Queensland Government.

As a not-for-profit regional organisation, we work with tourism operators, industry, community and government to grow a sustainable and resilient visitor economy that delivers social and economic benefits for our region.

Our work focuses on destination marketing, enhancing visitor experiences, supporting industry capability and collaboration, and advocating for investment, infrastructure and innovation.

Guided by our Tourism Strategic Plan and Destination Management Plan 2026–2036, we're working towards establishing the Gladstone Region as a leading force in Queensland's visitor economy, recognised for authentic experiences, strong partnerships and sustainable growth.

About the role
Based at the Agnes Water Visitor Information Centre, the Tourism Development Officer will support tourism operators across the southern Gladstone Region, while contributing to industry development across the wider region.

The role focuses on building tourism industry relationships, supporting the development of new and enhanced visitor experiences, and connecting businesses with relevant development, funding and partnership opportunities.

Working closely with the Manager, Marketing and Partnerships and the broader GAPDL team, you'll help strengthen industry capability, improve visitor experiences and contribute to the priorities outlined in our Tourism Strategic Plan and Destination Management Plan 2026–2036.





The position is being introduced as a four-month trial to assess a more targeted approach to industry development, with the possibility of extension following the trial.

Regular engagement with tourism operators across the southern region is expected, with travel to other parts of the Gladstone Region as required.

What you’ll be doing
Member & Industry Engagement

- Build relationships with GAPDL members, tourism operators and industry stakeholders across the region.

- Visit operators, understand their needs and connect them with relevant support and development opportunities.

- Encourage member participation in GAPDL activities, networking and industry initiatives.

Tourism Experience Development

- Identify and support opportunities for new or enhanced tourism experiences and bookable packages.

- Help operators improve their products, visitor experiences and market readiness.

- Connect businesses with relevant accreditation and recognition programs.

- Work with the broader team to identify opportunities that encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more and explore more of the region.

Industry Development & Partnerships

- Help coordinate industry workshops, training and other capability-building activities.

- Identify and share relevant funding, investment and partnership opportunities with tourism businesses.

- Support operators to access grants, industry programs and business development resources.

- Contribute to initiatives that strengthen industry capability and collaboration across the region.

Reporting & Collaboration

- Work with the Manager, Marketing and Partnerships and broader GAPDL team to support regional tourism priorities.





- Maintain records of member engagement, operator visits, activities and outcomes.

- Share industry feedback and emerging opportunities to inform future initiatives.

- Contribute to the delivery of GAPDL's Tourism Strategic Plan, Destination Management Plan and relevant Council performance commitments.

Here's what we're looking for:

- Established relationships and a sound understanding of the business and community networks across Agnes Water, Town of 1770 and the southern Gladstone Region.

- Experience or qualifications in tourism, marketing, stakeholder engagement, economic development, events, business or a related field are desirable, but not essential.

- Solid communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.

- Knowledge of tourism accreditation, quality assurance programs and destination development is desirable, but not essential.

Apply now - Please submit a cover letter, resume and copies of any qualifications as part of your application.

Please address these three questions in your cover letter:

1. Local relationships and member engagement: What existing relationships and connections do you have with businesses, community groups and industry stakeholders and how would you use these to support local tourism businesses and strengthen operator engagement?

2. Tourism opportunities and development: What gap or opportunity do you see in the tourism market across the Gladstone Region? How could GAPDL work with local businesses and industry partners to develop new or enhanced visitor experiences and address this opportunity?

3. Industry Development and Workshops: Tell us about your experience coordinating or delivering workshops, training sessions or other industry development activities. How would you identify what tourism operators need, and work with facilitators or external providers to deliver practical opportunities for local businesses?

Applications Close: 5pm, Sunday 8 November 2026

📌 Tourism Development Officer (Agnes Water)
🏢 Gladstone Area Promotion and Development
📍 Agnes Water