New ecotourism trail to inject $300m and create jobs in Cairns

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones has today revealed the Palaszczuk Government will fund the design and business case for the Wangetti Trail - a 76-km nation-leading bike and walkway.

Ms Jones said the exciting ecotourism project was aimed at allowing private operators to leverage off and invest in new ecologically-sustainable, state-sponsored tourism offerings.

“We want this - a ‘top-10’ Australian-first track between Palm Cove and Port Douglas - as another world-class Tropical North Queensland tourism attraction,” she said.

“Tropical North Queensland has some of the greatest natural tourism assets on the planet. We need to make the most of these natural advantages to grow our tourism industry and create jobs.

“The Trail will provide walkers and mountain-bike riders with a bushland and ocean experience, showcasing the beauty of the Wet Tropics, the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage areas.

“This is what tourism industry development is all about - the state connecting National Parks assets with private sector operators to deliver new job-generating tourism options.

“Politicians have been talking about infrastructure in this state for decades but we’re the only Government that’s actually doing something about it.”

The ministers were joined by Speaker and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt, Member for Cairns Michael Healy, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services and Member for Barron River Craig Crawford as well as Traditional Owners, stakeholders and local mayors Cr Bob Manning (Cairns) and Cr Julia Leu (Douglas Shire).

“Today’s $950,000, from the $36 million tourism infrastructure program, is to firm-up the trail’s design and to verify its economics,” Ms Jones said said. 

“This announcement is proof that of our commitment to grow tourism in regional Queensland.

“We are investing in this sector because we know it will be important for Queensland’s economy in the future. Already tourism is worth $25 billion for our state but with ecotourism opportunities like Wangetti Trail, we know this will grow.

“A key aspect will be involvement of the Yirrganydji people who we’ll work with closely through the planning of this project.”

Yirrganydji People’s Jeanette Singleton said, as traditional owners for most of the land through which the Wangetti Trail will pass, the Yirrganydji People have given their in-principle support to the project.

“It echoes the traditional indigenous association with the “Wangetti” area which was known as the “Good Ways”,” she said.

"Aboriginal people in the regional society used to trade, communicate and meet at Wangetti using trails in the area during certain seasons.”

Ms Singelton said the Yirrganydji People were excited about being involved in development and construction of an iconic trail.

“It’s a trail that will provide them with indigenous business opportunities whilst ensuring their cultural heritage and native title rights are respected and protected,” she said.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the state was committed to involving traditional owners in the design, construction and ongoing management.

“Our estimates show that during construction there could be more than 75 jobs, including 17 for Indigenous workers. When it’s operational, this trail could support 150 jobs with more than 65 of those for Indigenous people.”

Councillors Manning and Leu welcomed the funding announcement.

Cr Manning said it was early days. “The design and business case have to be shored up, but it is a great start for an exciting new tourism opportunity.”

Cr Leu agreed.  “This is fantastic news for Douglas Shire,” she said.

“Douglas Shire Council has put in a huge effort to move this project forward and this commitment paves the way for the Wangetti Trail to become one of the most iconic walks in the country.

“We are told 65 per cent of travel spending associated with adventure and ecotourism packages remains in a local destination.

“This means more money for our small businesses and greater resilience for our shire’s economy.”

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said it was about time Queensland tapped into the rapidly-growing international ecotourism and adventure tourism market.

“Given the natural beauty of our state, projects like this make sense for Queensland,” she said.

“Estimates show this project could be worth as much as $300 million; generating new jobs, creating economic growth and delivering welcome new tourism offerings for the Tropical North.

“It’s expected the Trail could be walked in six days and five nights from end-to-end and done in two days and one night for riders.”

Ms Jones said that In time, accommodation nodes along the Trail would offer camping facilities, along with luxury offerings in the form of glamping or lodges with visitors able to drop-in and out.

“Such trails attract high-value customers, support local economies by generating economic and social benefits and create resilience through sustainable employment opportunities and local pride.

“Specialised consultants and engineers will be engaged to ensure the highest design standards are achieved while minimising impacts on the environment.

“Great care will be taken to ensure that the proposed trail does not impact on our cherished natural wonders.”

“Additionally eco and adventure tourists stay longer and spend more money.”

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