LAST GREAT WALK OPENED IN SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND

The Bligh Government has completed its network of 10 Great Walks through national parks with the last officially opened today in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Acting Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Conondale Range Great Walk, near Kenilworth, passed through beautiful subtropical forests and was open just in time for school holidays.

“We may just have saved the best of our Great Walks til last,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“The Conondale Range Great Walk gives people a very good reason to experience the great outdoors right here in south east Queensland.

“The Bligh Government invested $1.8 million in the project which is a welcome boost for local and state eco-tourism.

“It’s a four-day wilderness trail through the upper Mary Valley, rich in natural wonders and historical sites.

“Although the full circuit spans 56 kilometres, there are both short and long walks through many forest types. We made sure there were walks catering for people of all levels of fitness — they vary from a half-kilometre that can be done in 15 minutes, to an 11km walk that takes half a day, to the full, challenging 56km.

“The proximity to Brisbane (about two hours) and the Sunshine Coast (about 1 hour) will make this walk popular not only with south east Queenslanders who want to swap the working week for a walking week, but also with visitors to the region — we’re hoping they will extend their stay to do the Great Walk.

“Walkers will get a feeling of total removal from the artificial world as they dive into nature and leave the sounds of traffic behind.

“They’ll see gorgeous views over mountains and forests to the coast, scenic waterfalls, fascinating geological formations, spectacular rainforest and ancient bunya pines, clear streams and rock pools, the refurbished Mt Allan fire tower with its amazing 360 degree views, other remainders of the area’s logging history, and tall wet sclerophyll forest.

“The four-day circuit walk starts and finishes at Booloumba Creek day use area. It’s possible to do much of the route without having to stay overnight, but for those doing the whole circuit, along the way are three walkers’ camps, at Wongai, Tallowwood, and Summer Falls.

“Forty-five kilometres of new track were built, along with three walkers’ camps, three hybrid toilet blocks, three rainwater tanks, 70 directional and interpretive signs, and more than 160 steps. QPWS produced a range of interpretive materials for the Great Walk.”

Ms Palaszczuk said the towns of Kenilworth, Imbil and Maleny were within 30 minutes drive of the walk, and the local community’s response to the walk had been extremely positive.

“Although the project was led by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the local community, particularly Traditional Owners, took ownership of the concept at an early stage and helped with its design and route,” she said.

“The Conondale Range Great Walk will be an attraction for domestic and international tourists and will encourage visitors to spend extra days exploring the Sunshine Coast–Burnett hinterland.

“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service will be calling for expressions of interest from businesses to conduct commercial activities associated with the Great Walk.”

Ms Palaszczuk said the Conondale Range Great Walk completed a State Government election commitment, worth $16.5 million, to develop 10 world-class walking tracks showcasing the best of Queensland’s natural environment.

“The Great Walks range from the Gold Coast Hinterland, out west to Carnarvon in central west Queensland to Mackay Highlands and the Whitsunday Islands,” she said.

“Since opening, Queensland’s Great Walks have attracted more than 165,000 visitors to explore all or part of these superb natural experiences and upgraded facilities. These visits include about 35,000 camper-nights by the long-distance walkers.

“Public support for the walks confirms the Bligh Government’s commitment to providing diverse opportunities for visitors to experience our Queensland lifestyle in a natural environment.

“Our national park system is one of Queensland’s biggest tourist attractions, hosting more than 16 million visits each year and generating substantial economic benefits.

“Spending by park visitors contributes more than $1.3 billion each year to the Queensland economy and supports more than 6000 jobs directly, and many more indirectly.

“Some 500 commercial tour operators and 40 near-park resorts rely on Queensland’s national parks for much of their business.

“A recent study showed spending by tourists who visited Queensland national parks as part of their holiday amounted to more than $4.4 billion or 28 per cent of total tourist spending.

“The State Government recognises the importance of our protected areas. One of our Toward Q2 targets is to increase out national park area by one third by 2020 to 12.9 million hectares.”

More information about the Conondale Range Great Walk is at http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/great_walks/more_great_walks/conondale_range_great_walk.html and information about the other Great Walks is available at www.derm.qld.gov.au

2 July, 2010
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QUEENSLAND’S 10 GREAT WALKS

Whitsunday (Conway) Great Walk

Opened 3 July 2004, 30 kilometres

Fraser Island Great Walk

Opened 17 October 2004, 90 kilometres

Wet Tropics Great Walk

Opened 28 October 2005, 110 kilometres

Sunshine Coast Great Walk

Opened 27 December 2005, 58 kilometres

Mackay Highlands Great Walk

Opened 14 April 2006, 56 kilometres

Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk

Opened 21 March 2008, 54 kilometres

Carnarvon Great Walk

Opened 4 August 2009, 86 kilometres

Cooloola Great Walk

Opened 27 March 2010, 102 kilometres

Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail

Opened 2 June 2010, 11 kilometres, three islands

Conondale Range Great Walk

Opened 2 July 2010, 56 kilometres.