Major milestone in design and business case for Wangetti Trail

On-site inspections have begun as the government ramps up work on the design and business case for a 76-km nation-leading bike and walkway north of Cairns, said Cook MP Cynthia Lui.

For three weeks Cairns-based World Trail, an innovative trail designer, along with Yirrganydji Rangers have been inspecting parts of the proposed trail including further defining known sites of significance.

“All of this is in partnership with Traditional Owners and archaeologists who are undertaking more detailed examinations of cultural sites,” Ms Lui said.

“We’re working with all Traditional Owners, the Wet Tropics Management Authority, World Trail and local councils to get this right.

“Trails like Wangetti offer Queensland welcome new tourism opportunities.

“Today is an exciting opportunity to get a feel for what this Trail might look like in a couple of years time.”

Ms Lui, who was today on-site at Rex Lookout, 19km north of Palm Cove said early involvement of Traditional Owners was most welcome.

“Taking on board sites of significance while we refine the trial is vitally important and I thank all involved,” she said.

The Yirrganydji People, World Trail and Wet Tropics Management Authority were involved in today’s event.

Ms Lui said the initial work further acknowledge indigenous association with the ‘Wangetti’ as the “Good Ways” area.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said on-site inspections were an important milestone in the completion of the Wangetti Trail design and business case.

“There has been a lot of talk about ecotourism opportunities in Queensland but I’m proud to be part of a government that’s taken serious action on this front – allocating about $1 million this year for the design and business case for the Wangetti Trail,” she said.

Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said if this project stacks up environmentally, this Trail will be the first of its kind in this state.

“Tropical North Queensland has some of the greatest natural assets on the planet,” Ms Enoch said.

“This proposal showcases our natural advantage, grows our tourism industry and builds a new wave of conservation advocates.

“Our Government is committed to delivering low impact ecotourism experiences that are ecologically and environmentally sustainable, and that create local employment opportunities.”

Minister Jones said: “Estimates show during construction, the Wangetti Trail could create more than 75 jobs, including 17 for Indigenous workers”.

“Once it’s operational, this trail could support 150 jobs with more than 65 of those for Indigenous people.

“This project could be worth as much as $300 million for our economy.

“We’re investing in tourism infrastructure to create jobs for Queenslanders and lure more visitors to our state.”

The Trail has been welcomed by local Mayors including Douglas Shire Council and Cairns Regional Council.

Ms Jones said projects like the Wangetti Trail tapped Queensland into the rapidly-growing international ecotourism and adventure tourism markets.”

It’s expected the Trail could be walked in six days and five nights from end-to-end and done in two days and one night for riders.

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