Glass House gets a tourism makeover

Families visiting the Glass House Mountains National Park will have access to improved rock-climbing facilities and increased walking, cycling, horse riding and canoeing networks under a new project to enhance the region.

National Parks and Recreation Minister Steve Dickson said the project would boost recreational opportunities in the area and deliver on the election promise to grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the economy.

“The project will develop recreation hubs and link walking, cycling and multi-use trails around the towns of Beerburrum, Glasshouse Mountains, Beerwah, Landsborough and Mooloolah,” Mr Dickson said.

“This is about encouraging people to get out there and explore this wonderful part of the Sunshine Coast, and boost tourism to the region, as promised at the election.

“Tourism in the state really suffered under Labor, but we’ve come up with a fantastic opportunity that will put the Sunshine Coast on the map for all sorts of natural recreational activities.

“From now until mid-2015, our focus is on reopening the routes to the peaks of Mt Beerwah and Mt Tibrogargan and investing in relevant safety signage to highlight the risks.

“We’ll also be building a multi-use trail from Beerburrum township to the Trachyte Circuit in the Mt Tibrogargan Section, to be called the Soldier-Settlers’ Track. 

“Kids will benefit from a space to learn mountain biking, with a mountain bike trail network for novice and intermediate riders in Beerwah State Forest.

“We’ll also be providing facilities for trail running by working to formalise a running network in Basin Section of Glass House Mountains Regional Park near Woodford, to complement the existing horse trail network in that area.

Cliff and Yvonne Schnick of community and environmental group the Glass House Mountains Advancement Network said the project matched their philosophy and aspirations, and they looked forward to contributing to the enhancement of the region.   

“We have been delighted to be part of QPWS efforts to develop more community and visitor friendly opportunities to enjoy the Glass House Mountains environment,” Ms Schnick said. 

“We hope that we can continue to contribute to the establishment of an extended network of tracks and trails which will enrich the experience currently enjoyed by increasing numbers.”

Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said the Glass House Mountains were a state and national treasure, with important geological, cultural, historical and natural values.

“This initiative is a strong plan that will boost recreation and nature-based tourism, create more opportunities for people to enjoy the area’s beauty and ensure a bright future for the region,” he said.

“After the initial phase we’ll also be constructing new visitor facilities at Mt Tibrogargan and Mt Beerwah, better linkages between the peaks and local accommodation, and further expansion of trail networks.”

[ENDS] 21 June 2014                                           Media contact: Michelle Buckworth 0418 433 647

Please credit NPRSR for images attached

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