Extra funding for major tourism projects to boost economy

The Department of State Development Infrastructure and Planning will spend more than $6 million progressing two major tourism projects, as part of the 2013-14 State Budget.

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said $2 million would go towards recommissioning the Mary Valley Line, in the first step to getting the heritage tourism train The Valley Rattler back on the tracks.

He said the Newman Government’s second State Budget also included $4.2 million to continue work on the expansion of Trinity Inlet in Cairns.

“The 2013-14 Budget focuses on growing the economy and making our communities more resilient for the future,” Mr Seeney said.

“Both of these projects will bring significant economic benefits to Queensland, particularly in the regions.”

Mr Seeney said the $4.2 million funding for the Cairns region would pay for environmental impact studies associated with future dredging of Trinity Inlet.

“We got this work underway in our first Budget, and this increased spending will let us carry on with the necessary environmental work that must be done if Trinity Inlet is to be opened up to larger ships in the future,” he said.

“Trinity Inlet is at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and thorough and rigorous studies are needed to determine what impacts its expansion would have on the reef.

“Opening up Trinity Inlet would allow large cruise ships to dock in Cairns and could also provide for larger naval vessels to access HMSAS Cairns.”

Mr Seeney said it was expected The Mary Valley Rattler would be able to resume operations in 2014.

“The Rattler is a local tourism icon. This funding will help get it back on the tracks, but its long-term viability will be reliant on revenue from both ticketing and external funding to meet operational expenses, such as ongoing maintenance and asset replacement costs,” he said.

“We look forward to working with the Mary Valley Heritage Railway and Gympie Regional Council, as well as other Government agencies and stakeholders, to develop strategies to fund the ongoing operation of The Valley Rattler beyond 2014.

“It will be a team effort, but recommissioning the Mary Valley Line and getting The Valley Rattler back on track will boost local tourism and provide a lasting legacy for the Mary Valley community.”

[ENDS] 4 June 2013

Media Contact: John Wiseman 0409 791 281