Daintree Gateway Precinct upgrade complete

Work on the next stage of the Daintree Gateway on the Daintree River has now been completed.

The upgrade to the world class visitor experience will welcome tourists to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

It was made possible through $210,000 in funding from the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.

Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Mark Furner said the Palaszczuk Government understands how investing in projects like this can be beneficial to the community.

“We appreciate the vital role Far North Queensland plays in Queensland’s economy,” Mr Furner said.

“During the recent Governing from the Regions week in Cairns, it was evident just how important the region – with its abundance of natural attractions – is to the rest of the state thanks to the all-important tourism dollars that flow on from there.”

“This project is one of thousands around the state that have contributed to the 94,500 new jobs the Palaszczuk Government has created since 2015.”

Mr Furner said the Daintree Gateway marks the crossing point into the world heritage area.

“The Daintree Gateway near the Daintree Ferry is the first true experience of this iconic landmark and offers visitors a greater understanding of the experiences and opportunities to come,” Mr Furner said.

“This funding from the Palaszczuk Government has enhanced these facilities and will give the hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Cape even more reason to visit this world heritage area.

“The Daintree is one of the star attractions in Tropical North Queensland and an important part of the traditional lands of the Kuku Yalanji people.”

Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said the Daintree is the only place in the world with two adjoining World Heritage-listed areas: the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree rainforest.

“The Daintree Gateway will encourage visitors to spend more time in the area and discover the magnificent beauty, spectacular natural landscape and rich cultural stories of the region,” Mayor Leu said.

“Stage two of the Daintree Gateway Western Precinct upgrade provides car and coach parking for river cruises, separate access to the boat ramp and designated parking for cars with trailers.

“Landscaping will screen parking areas and provide additional shade and improve safety and amenity for those using the boat ramp.”

The Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program supports local governments to deliver infrastructurewhich is designed to create jobs and contribute to building safe, caring and connected communities.

Contact: Brock Taylor – 0427 018 178