National Parks funding to create jobs as part of economic recovery plan

The Palaszczuk Government is providing almost nine million dollars in additional funding for National Park infrastructure and nature-based tourism, to further support the state’s plan for economic recovery from COVID-19.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the National Parks Works and Jobs Boost program was an important feature of the Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs plan.

“We’re investing an additional $8.9 million into national park infrastructure upgrades to improve already existing facilities, helping support tourism and local jobs,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This work will not only benefit Queenslanders who love to visit our spectacular national parks, but also provide a much-needed economic boost to local builders and tradies who have been doing it tough.”

Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said that Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) managed national parks will be revitalised with new walking trails with better access, improved day-use areas and key visitor facilities.

“Being out and about in national parks is also beneficial to the physical and mental wellbeing of Queenslanders and what better way to achieve 10,000 steps than a hike in one of our beautiful national parks?” Ms Enoch said.  

“The National Parks Works and Jobs Boost builds on the Palaszczuk Government’s existing $45 million program to revitalise infrastructure in the state’s most popular national parks.

The program will deliver improved visitor facilities and enhance park-based activities and visitor experience while supporting local builders and tradies, regional supply chains and re-energise nature-based tourism in Queensland.

Projects to be funded include:

• $500,000 for an upgrade to walking tracks on Magnetic Island to complement other works including Forts Circuit, Arthur Bay lookout and Nelly Bay which will support ten jobs.
• $500,000 for stage two of the Daisy Hill Koala Centre including upgrading the upper carpark and day use area which will support ten jobs and;
• $400,000 to convert the Mon Repos Turtle Centre site to renewable energy to showcase low-carbon opportunities which will support supporting 14 jobs.

ENDS

Media Contact:          Bridget Druery  0435221246