New ecotourism experience a huge boost for Far North Queensland

The Palaszczuk Government has today announced more than $5 million to complete the first phase of a world-class ecotourism experience that’s tipped to create 150 jobs and pump up to $300 million into the Tropical North Queensland economy.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui confirmed the Palaszczuk Government had committed $5.7 million to complete the seven kilometre ‘Mowbray North’ component of the 94 kilometre Wangetti Trail.

The Mowbray North project stretches from Port Douglas south to the Mowbray River with construction scheduled to commence in September 2019.

“The Wangetti Trail will be a game-changer when it comes to creating tourism jobs in Tropical North Queensland,” she said.

“When it’s up and running the Wangetti Trail will be one of Australia’s leading adventure-based ecotourism experiences, showcasing the beauty of the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Areas.

“This particular section of the Trail alone is tipped to create 30 jobs.

“It will satisfy the needs of visitors looking for an attractive day trip option to Port Douglas, as well as putting Queensland on the map for respectful ecotourism experiences.

“The Mowbray North piece is also estimated to bring significant economic benefits to the region with 11,000 additional international visitors per year and $6.1 million in overnight expenditure.”

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Wangetti Trail was an important piece of tourism infrastructure for Tropical North Queensland.

“We know how important it is to create sustainable jobs for the future in regional Queensland. That’s why we’ve committed $5.7 million through our Attracting Tourism Fund to get this project started,” she said.

“This is only possible because the Palaszczuk Government allocated a record $180 million in extra funding for tourism at the last election.

“Federal funding will be crucial to completing the Wangetti Trail. We’ll continue to lobby the Commonwealth to get Tropical North Queensland’s fair share and ensure the Wangetti Trail project stays on track.”

Douglas Shire Council Mayor Julia Leu said the Mowbray North project included several improvements that locals and visitors will embrace.

“It is especially fantastic to see the re-purposed Old Mowbray River Bridge included, which is a really important project that Council has been keen get moving,” she said.

“This suite of  projects will not only give our visitors another reason to stay in the Douglas Shire, it will provide  more recreational opportunities for our locals and deliver a better outdoors experience in their own backyard.

“The Wangetti Trail will showcase the pristine beauty of the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef, while embracing the Far North’s coastal ruggedness and hinterlands.”

Works for the Wangetti Trail-Mowbray North project will include:

  • Repurposed Old Mowbray River Bridge
  • Visitors’ carpark and safety upgrades to the Captain Cook Highway
  • Crocodile viewing platform
  • 2.25 km mangrove experience boardwalk
  • 5 km trail to Four Mile Beach and Flagstaff Hill
  • Indigenous business opportunities for construction, maintenance, guided walks and other activities

For more information, please visit ditid.qld.gov.au/tourism/special-projects

Source
Media Statements
Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development; and  Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

 

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