TWEED’S existing green credentials will be an advantage as Australia prepares for a carbon tax of $23, Destination Tweed CEO Phil Villiers said.

As the region’s businesses come to terms with how the complex package will affect them when it comes into effect, Mr Villiers expressed optimism. But Southern Gold Coast Chamber president was disappointed.

“Tweed is pretty natural, pretty green,” Mr Villiers said. “It’s good for the environment and there’s a benefit to going green, as green technology companies might be encouraged to set up in the Tweed.”

“It’s a reality now, whether we like it or not, and now some of the uncertainty, the negativity, and not being sure of the outcome is gone and it’s up to the people to decide.

Ms O’Neill said it would hurt the tourism industry.

“It’s a bit disappointing really considering we’re not doing well as it is: tourism’s really struggling and the State Government’s doing big things to pick it up while the Federal Government’s doing all they can to bring it down with the carbon tax.

The prime minister said the compensation package would more than make up for a rise in the cost of airline tickets and the carbon tax would protect Queensland’s natural wonders.

“Our great tourist assets are highly sensitive to climate change, the Great Barrier Reef to take one example,” she said.

“That’s a wonderful natural asset for our country but it also supports around 60,000 jobs in the tourism industry.

“There will be an effect on aviation fuel and that will flow through to prices for domestic aviation, but that’s been factored into the cost of living change of 0.7 per cent.”