MP Bruce Scott has used the floor of Parliament to entice southern
grey nomads to Queensland's struggling outback.
Small towns are on their knees as the worsening drought in vast areas
dramatically impact on small businesses.
Some traders have reported a 50 percent plunge in turnover during the past
two years.
The Maranoa MP and Deputy Speaker told fellow MPs in his 90-second
statement that he wanted to issue an invitation to southerners to escape
the "cold and dreary days" of southern Australia and head north this
winter.
"People will welcome you ... and you would do a great deal for our economy
which we would welcome as well," he said.
"Come to the great outback where the temperatures are mild, the
hospitality is fantastic and the vision splendid is something that you
will live with for the rest of your life."
He went on to describe some of the major tourist attractions ready to
welcome them.
"You can come to Cunnamulla to see the Cunnamulla Fella. You can go
through Charleville, Quilpie and Thargomindah and see the opals at Eulo,"
he said.
"When you go north you will come to Tambo Teddies. Tambo is the prettiest
town in western Queensland.
"You also have Blackall, where you can stand near the side of the Black
Stump.
"Go on to Barcaldine ‒ I know those on the other side will be interested
in this ‒ to see the Tree of Knowledge, the birthplace of the Labor Party,
and the Workers Heritage Centre.
"You can hear the story of Harry Redford at Aramac.
"When you go to Longreach the first thing you will see at a great distance
is the tail of the great Qantas jumbo. The heritage of Qantas is in
Longreach.
"Across the road is the Stockman's Hall of Fame. You can sail on the
Thomson River at night on sunset, have a camp oven dinner and hear the
stories of the outback.
"You can go up to Winton, the birthplace of Waltzing Matilda.
"You can hear the story of the dinosaurs. The museums there are a
fantastic outback experience.
"Of course, do not forget the Birdsville races or the Big Bash on Big Red
in July this year, with Jimmy Barnes singing."
Mr Scott boasted that there was so much to see.
"I urge people to get into their Winnebagos, caravans and camper trailers
and come to the great outback," he added.
