BLACKDOWN TABLELAND NATIONAL PARK UPGRADE FOR SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT

Blackdown Tableland National Park will become a safer and even more wonderful place to visit with $839,000 worth of upgrades under way, Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said today.

“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is carrying out substantial work to improve access to the park, recreation areas and walking tracks,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“QPWS has just completed an upgrade to the RainbowFalls walking track at a cost of $131,000. This means improved safety for visitors who want to enjoy the magnificent views.

“Work has begun on a $293,000 redevelopment of the Mimosa recreation area which will be completed in time for the December school holidays.

“This includes two new toilet blocks, extensive realignment of the internal roads, drainage, pedestrian walkways, trail heads and a traditional storytelling and dance area, car parks, barrier fencing, secluded camp sites and barbecue facilities.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the works underway at South Mimosa campground would restrict the number of campsites available to visitors until December, so campers need to book in advance.

“In addition, work has begun on extending the bitumen road into the park at a cost of $415,000. This is expected to be completed by the end of April.

“This is the final part of the access road to be sealed, and will greatly improve safety on the steep, winding road which was frequently heavily pitted and covered with loose gravel.

“To allow this work to be completed as quickly as possible, the park will be closed on weekdays until the 5^th of April, and again from 16 April to 4 May but it will definitely be open on weekends and over the Easter holidays.

“About 20,000 people visit Blackdown Tableland National Park each year, and it is important that we provide and maintain the facilities in the best possible condition so that the maximum number of people can enjoy the unique and wonderful diversity of our parks.”

This can be done online at www.qld.gov.au/camping or by calling 13 13 04.

Media contact: Karla Steen on 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti on 3336 8002