Qld riot island a 'secret paradise' REEF diving, bushwalks and cultural tours could soon be offered on a Queensland island once rated as the most dangerous place on earth outside a war zone. Palm Island, off Townsville, erupted in violence in 2004 after the death in custody of local man Cameron Doomadgee. His death led to major riots on the island, during which the police station and other buildings were set alight. His arresting officer was ultimately acquitted of manslaughter. Even before that, in 1999, the island was labelled as the most violent place on earth outside a war zone by the Guinness Book of Records. Premier Campbell Newman wrote in March to his Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey directing her to do all she could to back Palm Island Mayor Alf Lacey and his council's efforts to drive economic development. He urged her to speak with local MPs and councillors to discuss the potential for tourism partnerships, with a view to having a tourism offering within the next few years. Mr Lacey holds high hopes for establishing a tourism industry on the island which has a 2000-strong Aboriginal population. "There must be some opportunity for us to participate economically, to become involved in the wealth of the state," he told AAP on Tuesday. The people of Palm Island must start thinking differently. Our unemployment rate sits around 98 per cent. We have a lot of young people sitting around doing nothing. Ms Stuckey says the Palm Island Tourism Transport Committee, created last year, is looking at ways to grow the economy. "It's important the local community drives the changes," she said. We continue to take a whole-of-government approach to the potential for economic growth on the island. Townsville Enterprise spokeswoman Patricia O'Callaghan says Palm Island is a "secret paradise." "It's a stunning destination, there is definitely potential there," she told AAP. Tours offered on the island could include Great Barrier Reef diving tours, rainforest walks and cultural experiences. Eco-tourism could also be developed. "The natural beauty of the island is prevalent but it needs to be supported by infrastructure," Ms O'Callaghan said. At present, there is minimal accommodation available and just one restaurant. Judy Freeman, an indigenous tourism consultant for 25 years, says creating a tourism industry on the island will be a difficult task. "I don't think a lot of thought has gone into this," the founder of Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park in Cairns said. It's clear there isn't 100 per cent consensus behind this and unless there is it's going to be very difficult. Ms Freeman says the project could be a disaster if the whole community isn't behind it. The island recently received $1.2 million for a new ferry landing and there is talk of a further $1.7 million for a new retail precinct, cultural zone, foreshore upgrade and an eco-tourism development, The Courier Mail reported.