Have your say on future plans for Parks gateway centres

The community has been invited to have its say on the revitalisation of three of Queensland’s nature-based visitor centres, as part of the Newman Government’s election promise to grow the State’s tourism industry.

Community consultation workshops in January and February will help create master plans to rejuvenate The Gap’s Walkabout Creek, Mon Repos Conservation Park, and the David Fleay Wildlife Park.

National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said the centres were ideally placed to become iconic gateways to showcase Queensland’s national parks and promote eco-tourism opportunities.

“We want to reinvigorate these long established destinations and make them more accessible and meaningful to tourists and the wider community,” Mr Dickson said.

“We’re examining a range of opportunities for these sites and community consultation sessions allow locals to have genuine input into the final master plans. 

“Walkabout Creek is a beautiful introduction to the forests of D’Aguilar National Park and there is a huge potential in Enoggera Reservoir and in the adjoining areas for recreation and adventure activities that was ignored by the former Labor government.

“David Fleay Wildlife Park is a great place to meet native wildlife, and also provides opportunities to link to the active recreation centre at Tallebudgera, Indigenous cultural attractions and water-based opportunities along Tallebudgera Creek.

“Mon Repos Conservation Park brings tourists to Bargara and Bundaberg during turtle season, and we want to know how we can improve on this well-loved product, to offer better education and experiences with marine turtles.

“With 51 million visits each year by Australians alone, Queensland’s national parks and protected areas have a big role to play in ecotourism.

“Labor took these centres for granted, but the Newman Government is committed to returning Queensland’s tourism industry to number one and an overhaul of these centres will help us achieve that.”

The draft conceptual plans are available for review and discussion at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/ or at each of the gateway centres during the eight-week consultation period. Comments on the draft plans are invited until 21 February 2014.

[ENDS] 20 December 2013

Media Contact: Michelle Buckworth 0418 433 647