Published Sunday, 24 August, 2008 at 12:00 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
NEW TOURIST ATTRACTION IS ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Premier Anna Bligh has opened North Queensland’s latest must-see tourist attraction — the $10 million Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway in the Wooroonooran National Park near Innisfail.
The spectacular tree-top walkway, the largest project ever undertaken in a Queensland National Park, features a 2.2km forest walking track that links a 40m-high, 340m-long elevated walkway through the canopy with a 37m high observation tower.
The route uses the natural clearings created by Cyclone Larry, with cyclone debris mulched for use around the site.
Ms Bligh and Sustainability Minister Andrew McNamara were greeted by Mamu people with a traditional welcome to country and smoking ceremony.
“It’s a privilege to be here at the start of this partnership. It’s an exciting chapter for tourism in North Queensland and for the Mamu People,” Ms Bligh said.
“People from all over the world now will get the chance to learn more about the Mamu, their country and culture. This is a world class educational and interpretive facility.
“It’s also a tremendous shot in the arm for the tourism industry in north Queensland and a stunning way to celebrate 100 years of national parks in this state.”
Sustainability Minister Andrew McNamara said the construction team battled the elements to get the project finished.
“Something like three and a half metres of rain fell during construction, so it’s been a Herculean effort,” he said.
Mr McNamara said the EPA worked closely with the Mamu people to develop the walkway in a culturally and environmentally sensitive way, and to provide long-term employment opportunities.
“For each entry fee paid by visitors, the Mamu people will receive $1, estimated to be about $150,000 a year,” he said.
“Next to the walkway, 12 hectares has been set aside for the Mamu people to potentially develop a business venture such as a shop, restaurant and accommodation.
”This project will be a bridge to a better future for many people.”
He said the walkway was built in the most environmentally sustainable way – minimising impacts not only during construction but for the life of the structure.
Durable, environmentally-sustainable materials were used – from walkway decking, wall cladding and seats made from recycled plastic through to open unpainted galvanised steel. Solar panels have been installed to supplement mains energy supply.
Minister McNamara said Hutchinson Builders had supported the local economy through significant purchases and employment opportunities during construction.
“As an example, about $2 million was spent in the local area for steel supplies,” he said.
“The walkway is accessible to all, thanks to ssuggestions by the Innisfail-based Disability Focus Group that were incorporated into the design.
“This magnificent facility will be open year-round, weather permitting, and is wheelchair-friendly and accessible to people with a disability. Prams are allowed, too.”
The walkway is located in the Palmerston Section of the Wooroonooran National Park 1km east of Crawfords Lookout and 27km from the turnoff from the Bruce Highway. It’s 90 minutes’ drive from Cairns and 30 minutes from Innisfail.
It will be open every day except Christmas Day or in extreme weather. Opening hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm with last entry at 4.30 pm. To enjoy all sections of the walk and the interpretive display, visitors will need at least one and a half to two hours, and are also encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the grounds.
Tickets are only available on site. Fees are $20 per adult, $10 a child, $50 a family, $16 for pensioners and $6 for school students in groups.
People living in the Cairns, Cassowary Coast and Tablelands Regional Council boundaries should bring proof of residency such as a drivers’ licence to take advantage of a 20% discount .
More information 4064 5294 or www.epa.qld.gov.au
The spectacular tree-top walkway, the largest project ever undertaken in a Queensland National Park, features a 2.2km forest walking track that links a 40m-high, 340m-long elevated walkway through the canopy with a 37m high observation tower.
The route uses the natural clearings created by Cyclone Larry, with cyclone debris mulched for use around the site.
Ms Bligh and Sustainability Minister Andrew McNamara were greeted by Mamu people with a traditional welcome to country and smoking ceremony.
“It’s a privilege to be here at the start of this partnership. It’s an exciting chapter for tourism in North Queensland and for the Mamu People,” Ms Bligh said.
“People from all over the world now will get the chance to learn more about the Mamu, their country and culture. This is a world class educational and interpretive facility.
“It’s also a tremendous shot in the arm for the tourism industry in north Queensland and a stunning way to celebrate 100 years of national parks in this state.”
Sustainability Minister Andrew McNamara said the construction team battled the elements to get the project finished.
“Something like three and a half metres of rain fell during construction, so it’s been a Herculean effort,” he said.
Mr McNamara said the EPA worked closely with the Mamu people to develop the walkway in a culturally and environmentally sensitive way, and to provide long-term employment opportunities.
“For each entry fee paid by visitors, the Mamu people will receive $1, estimated to be about $150,000 a year,” he said.
“Next to the walkway, 12 hectares has been set aside for the Mamu people to potentially develop a business venture such as a shop, restaurant and accommodation.
”This project will be a bridge to a better future for many people.”
He said the walkway was built in the most environmentally sustainable way – minimising impacts not only during construction but for the life of the structure.
Durable, environmentally-sustainable materials were used – from walkway decking, wall cladding and seats made from recycled plastic through to open unpainted galvanised steel. Solar panels have been installed to supplement mains energy supply.
Minister McNamara said Hutchinson Builders had supported the local economy through significant purchases and employment opportunities during construction.
“As an example, about $2 million was spent in the local area for steel supplies,” he said.
“The walkway is accessible to all, thanks to ssuggestions by the Innisfail-based Disability Focus Group that were incorporated into the design.
“This magnificent facility will be open year-round, weather permitting, and is wheelchair-friendly and accessible to people with a disability. Prams are allowed, too.”
The walkway is located in the Palmerston Section of the Wooroonooran National Park 1km east of Crawfords Lookout and 27km from the turnoff from the Bruce Highway. It’s 90 minutes’ drive from Cairns and 30 minutes from Innisfail.
It will be open every day except Christmas Day or in extreme weather. Opening hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm with last entry at 4.30 pm. To enjoy all sections of the walk and the interpretive display, visitors will need at least one and a half to two hours, and are also encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the grounds.
Tickets are only available on site. Fees are $20 per adult, $10 a child, $50 a family, $16 for pensioners and $6 for school students in groups.
People living in the Cairns, Cassowary Coast and Tablelands Regional Council boundaries should bring proof of residency such as a drivers’ licence to take advantage of a 20% discount .
More information 4064 5294 or www.epa.qld.gov.au