Sprucing for Scenic lookouts

Scenic lookouts around Queensland will be spruced up thanks to a $3.2 million Palaszczuk Government program in the 2015 State Budget.

Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey announced the successful sites while visiting Henry Ross Lookout near Cairns today, where $300,000 will be spent upgrading facilities.

“The Scenic Lookout Upgrade Program was set up to help local councils revitalise existing lookouts across Queensland,” Mr Bailey said.

“Lookouts on local roads will be funded on a 50:50 basis in partnership with local councils, with upgrades on State roads receiving 100 per cent state funding.”

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the Scenic Lookout Upgrade program would deliver a significant boost to drive tourism in Queensland.

“We are committed to growing Queensland tourism and this is another great way we are working with local councils to bring more tourists to regional Queensland,” Ms Jones said.

“This program encourages tourists to stop and take in the scenery in our regional areas and I’m confident it will encourage more visitors to visit Queensland and make sure they come back again.”

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said the Palaszczuk Government was investing in local tourism.  

“$300,000 has been awarded to upgrade Henry Ross Lookout which will be great for locals and tourists driving through the Kuranda Range,” Mr Crawford said.

“The upgrade includes building a new platform and weather shelter, as well as upgrading fencing and installing new information signs. The carpark will also be extended to cater for more visitors.”  

Mr Bailey said that all up 28 lookouts will be spruced up across Queensland.

“I announced the Scenic Lookout Upgrade Program last year, from this very spot, and encouraged local councils to apply,” Mr Bailey said

“We had a great response, with 38 submissions received and I am pleased to announce 28 scenic lookouts in 25 council areas will be improved as a result of this much needed funding boost.

“All sites were assessed against set criteria and prioritised by the Department of Transport and Main Roads in consultation with the Department of Tourism, Major Events and Small Business.”

“I am pleased that lookouts all over Queensland, from Stradbroke Island to Chinaman Creek Dam Reserve near Cloncurry, have been granted funding through this program.  

“Having an attractive lookout is great for day trips, or a stop on a driving holiday.”

Upgrades funded across Queensland include:

• Mount Inkerman Lookout Upgrade (Burdekin) - $400,000
• Rotary Lookout Buckland Hill Upgrade (Charters Towers) - 55,000
• Cavanough Park – Balonne River Lookout Upgrade (Balonne) - $55,000
• Hummock Lookout Restoration (Bundaberg) - $165,000
• Rotary Lookout Upgrade- Chinaman Creek Dam Reserve (Cloncurry) - $285,000
• Flagstaff Hill Lookout Upgrade (Douglas) - $75,740
• Matthew Flinders Lookout Upgrade (Hervey Bay) - $70,000
• Auckland Point Lookout Upgrade (Gladstone) - $110,000
• Round Hill Lookout Upgrade (Gladstone) - $200,000
• Imbil Lookout Upgrade (Gympie) - $90,000
• Ipswich Lions Lookout Improvements (Ipswich) - $330,000
• Wreck Point Scenic Lookout Upgrade (Livingstone) - $380,000
• Cunningham’s Crest Lookout Upgrade (Lockyer Valley) - $140,000
• Lambert Lookout Upgrade (Mackay) - $317,500
• Arcadia Valley Lookout Upgrade (Maranoa) - $25,000
• The Point - Settlement Cove Park Upgrade (Moreton Bay) - $92,850
• Mt Mee Lookout Upgrade (Moreton Bay) – $75,000
• McConnell Lookout Upgrade (Wide Bay/Burnett) - $51,250
• Gorge Walk Trailhead Lookout Upgrade (Redland) - $600,000
• Mt Morgan Range Scenic Lookout Upgrade (Rockhampton) - $300,000
• Hang Gliding Lookout Upgrade (Scenic Rim) - $100,000
• Mount Marley Lookout Upgrade (Southern Downs)- $82,000
• Dulong Road Lookout Upgrade (Sunshine Coast) –$300,000
• Mt Kynoch Scenic Lookout Upgrade (Toowoomba) - $295,000
• Reinke Road Scenic Lookout Upgrade (Toowoomba) - $50,000
• Castle Hill Summit Improvements (Townsville) - $350,000
• Casement Hill Lookout Upgrade (Palm Island) - $254,000

The upgrade works are due to begin in the next financial year.    

ENDS

Media Contacts:        Mr Bailey:  0419 246 157

                                  Ms Jones:  0408 998 940

                                  Mr Crawford:   07 4229 0100