Wangetti Trail a step closer

Public comment is now open on additional environmental information provided to the Australian Government to assist with the approval of the proposed $41.4 million Wangetti Trail development in Tropical North Queensland.

Interested parties can have their say until 5pm on 10 September 2021.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said development of the Wangetti Trail was an important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan for tourism in the Far North.

“The proposed Wangetti Trail project will provide job opportunities for Traditional Owners during construction and once operational, which will be a great investment in our community’s economic recovery from the pandemic,” Ms Lui said.   

“The Australian Government has asked for more information for the assessment of the proposed southern trail under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, or EPBC Act.     

“Information requested by the Australian Government relates to the management and mitigation of potential animal and World Heritage impacts, offsets, rehabilitation and administrative matters.”

The EPBC Act allows for a period of public comment on the material through the Tourism Department’s website at: www.qld.gov.au/wangettitrail

“Subject to Australian Government approval, construction could be underway by the end of the year for the 33-kilometre Wangetti South section of the trail from Palm Cove to Wangetti,” Ms Lui said.

“The 94-kilometre trail has been split into three sections of work including 54-kilometres from Wangetti to Mowbray River and seven-kilometres from Mowbray River to Port Douglas.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the 33-kilometre southern trail would include a public camping site and a link to Ellis Beach.

“The Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation and Yirrganydji Gurabana Aboriginal Corporation cultural heritage monitors have been involved in the process to deliver job opportunities for Traditional Owners,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“It follows a cultural heritage survey by Traditional Owner Land and Sea Rangers and a Cultural Heritage Management Agreement with the Palaszczuk Government, depending on Federal approvals.

“The Wangetti Trail is a great example of the Palaszczuk Government working with Traditional Owners to return jobs to Country and develop new cultural visitor experiences to help tourism in Tropical North Queensland rebuild better.”

The Palaszczuk Government has committed $33.4 million to the Wangetti Trail project with the Australian Government investing $8 million from the National Tourism Icons Program.

Media: (Minister Hinchliffe’s office) 0427 475 089