Nature Based Tourism Opportunity Response Program 2025

Before completing this form, please read the guidelines on the Nature Based Tourism website. Your application will be assessed solely on the information provided in this form. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. This section determines your eligibility and helps ensure your application meets the criteria. Answer these questions first to avoid investing time in an ineligible application.

If you have any questions about the criteria, email naturebasedtourism@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.

The Nature Based Tourism Opportunity Response Program (ORP) is designed for projects that:
• need funding greater than $100K
• may require lease or licensing agreements from the City of Gold Coast*
• face construction, site specific or operational constraints
• will take up to 14 months to achieve final planning approvals.

*It should be noted that where an application for the opportunity includes a contemplated disposal of land by the CoGC (including by way of lease), the CoGC must comply with the disposal of land requirements set out in the Local Government Regulation (QLD) 2012.

Following the City of Gold Coast’s assessment of the ORP Application, the City of Gold Coast may advise the Application that:

• the City of Gold Coast would like to progress the Application to a detailed proposal and possible legal agreement to govern the ongoing relationship with the City of Gold Coast;
• the City of Gold Coast may seek additional information in addition to the material provided by the Applicant;
• the City of Gold Coast may proceed to explore a proposal that may be similar to, or the same as, the Application but not on an exclusive basis, meaning that the City of Gold Coast may undertake a Competitive Process instead of pursuing the Application directly with the Applicant; or]
• the CoGC will not be proceeding with the ORP Application.

• 8 May to 31 July 2025 - Opportunity Response Program application period open
• November 2025 - Successful applicants announced

Failure to meet any of the eligibility criteria outlined below may result in the application being deemed ineligible for funding consideration.

Before you continue, please confirm:

• You have read and understood the program guidelines.
• You are offering a new or improved tourism product that benefits the Gold Coast.
• A preliminary business case and project management plan can be completed within 14 months of entering into a contract with the City of Gold Coast.
• Your project is able to commence immediately after you have entered into a contract with the City of Gold Coast.
• You operate with an Australian Business Number for at least 12 months.
• Your initiative must be based in the City of Gold Coast local government area.
• Your organisation is a legal entity able to enter into a binding agreement with the City of Gold Coast.
  • Eligible entities include sole traders, partnerships, companies, and trusts.
• If you are a Not-for-profit organisations, you must be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission or be incorporated community or progress associations.
• Your organisation is established and commercially and financially stable.
• Your organisation can clearly demonstrate sustainable practices (including environmental, social, cultural, and economic dimensions).
• Your organisation can account for any risks related to natural events, such as bushfires or flooding, that may impact the proposed location of their initiative
• Your organisation doesn't owe reports or money to the City of Gold Coast from past funding.
• Your organisation will obtain the right insurance for the proposed project.
• You hold or can obtain the correct permits, consents and authorisations to deliver their initiative and comply with any statutory management or legislation requirements relevant to their proposal.
• Your organisation has not spent any of the funds you are applying for before entering into a contract with the City of Gold Coast.
• You agree to subscribe to our Nature Based Tourism updates to keep you informed.