The Savannah Way: Key to Unlocking Critical Infrastructure and Sovereign Capability in Northern Australia
| Tuesday, July 22, 2025 |
| 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM |
| Trinity Terrace |
Overview
Mark Olsen, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) & Bram Collins, Chairman, Savannah Way Ltd
Speaker
Bram Collins
Chairmain
Savannah Way Ltd
The Savannah Way: Key to Unlocking Critical Infrastructure and Sovereign Capability in Northern Australia
Presentation Overview
Imagined in 1999, named in 2000, sign-posted in 2002, the Savannah Way is a leading example of collaboration across Northern Australia. The Savannah Way is a 3700km journey linking unique experiences, cultural landscapes, World Heritage Sites and timeless stories from Cairns to Broome via Katherine. The first Nationally Significant Touring Route recognised by the Commonwealth Government, the Savannah Way has become an iconic journey, with $1B per annum growth potential. Founding Chair Mark Olsen (TTNQ) and current Savannah Way Chair Bram Collins will share the story of this braided journey and the potential it has to further unlock investment in critical infrastructure that connects the communities of Northern Australia.
Biography
Bram Collins started in the tourism industry in 1990 when his family developed Undara Experience, becoming a Savannah Guide and conducting tours of the Undara Lava Tubes.
Bram has extensive experience in the tourism industry from Operational Management and Events to Sales and Marketing.
Bram served for ten years on the board of Savannah Guides, three years as secretary and three years as President. Bram spent ten years as Outback Director on the board of Tourism Tropical North Queensland and nine years as Outback Director and Deputy Chairman of Tropical Tablelands Tourism. Bram was elected Chairman of Savannah Way in 2019.
Mark Olsen
Chief Executive Officer
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ)
The Savannah Way: Key to Unlocking Critical Infrastructure and Sovereign Capability in Northern Australia
Presentation Overview
Imagined in 1999, named in 2000, sign-posted in 2002, the Savannah Way is a leading example of collaboration across Northern Australia. The Savannah Way is a 3700km journey linking unique experiences, cultural landscapes, World Heritage Sites and timeless stories from Cairns to Broome via Katherine. The first Nationally Significant Touring Route recognised by the Commonwealth Government, the Savannah Way has become an iconic journey, with $1B per annum growth potential. Founding Chair Mark Olsen (TTNQ) and current Savannah Way Chair Bram Collins will share the story of this braided journey and the potential it has to further unlock investment in critical infrastructure that connects the communities of Northern Australia.
Biography
Mark Olsen is the CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ), the Destination Management Organisation for the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforests. The region has over 2,500 visitor experiences promoted under the ‘Leave Greater’ brand, with sustainable tourism and respect of the world’s oldest living culture at its core. The region’s bold ambition is that every visitor will participate in conservation of our precious natural and cultural landscape. Mark is also the Chair of the State Network of Regional Tourism organisations and various State and National advisory boards on sustainability, regional and remote and Indigenous tourism.
