More funding for Springbrook National Park

The Palaszczuk Government has committed $1.12 million to continue upgrading the Gwongorella car park and day use area near Purling Brook Falls.

Speaking at the Gold Coast’s Biggest Tree Planting Day, National Parks Minister Steven Miles said this day use area is the most popular site within Springbrook National Park and attracts 160,000 visitors annually.

“It’s a beautiful part of the world and we want visitors and locals to enjoy the wonderful walking tracks and amazing views of the waterfall in this World Heritage Area.

“The funding will be used to further improve the car park by reconfiguring the design, resurfacing the road and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) staff are also planning further works.

“Additionally there will be improved pedestrian pathways, upgraded picnic tables, extra electric barbeques, a wedding dais, improved interpretation and park signage and line marking in the car park to define parking bays.

“These improvements will really help visitors get in and out of the car park quickly and easily, particularly during busy periods such as weekends and school holidays.

“QPWS had already completed repairs to the entry road back in January, including filling potholes, and once the entrance has been reconfigured for a more practical loop road, drivers will find the experience a whole lot easier,” Mr Miles said.

QPWS anticipates that preliminary work will start in February 2018 with the installation of new visitor facilities to be completed in time for the Commonwealth Games, with the remainder of the work to be finished after the games in 2018.

All work would be done in a way to reduce inconvenience to visitors.

“Gwongorella is one of the most popular spots in Springbrook National Park. It has a lovely picnic area, and it’s where most people park to access the famous Purling Brook Falls lookouts.

“Despite damage from Tropical Cyclone Debbie to some of the walking tracks, including the closure to the eastern side of the Purling Brook Falls circuit, there are still other tracks open with access available to the main western lookout and the eastern lookout.

More information about Springbrook National Park is at https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook/index.html

ENDS

Media contact: Katharine Wright - 0422 580 342