The latest round of community consultation and engagement on the Wangetti Trail will begin today.
“Major infrastructure projects that create jobs now and into the future are absolutely vital for our economic recovery,” said State Development Minister Kate Jones.
“This project is already supporting dozens of construction jobs and will create hundreds of jobs for locals when it’s up and running.
“But we want locals to see how they have helped refine the project to create a better design and alignment. That’s why today we’re launching another round of consultation which will inform the final product to be delivered.”
Construction is already under way on the Mowbray River pedestrian bridge in the first stage of work to deliver the Wangetti Trail.
Consultation announced today is on the next stage of work in which the community will be able to view the new trail alignment, eco accommodation and public camping area locations and inclusions, construction methodology, campsite construction methodology, waterway crossings, approvals process and they’ll even be able to get a sneak peak of the fantastic views that will be visible from spots along the trail.
The Queensland Government and Australian Government are co-funding the construction of the Wangetti Trail, from Palm Cove to Port Douglas, under the National Tourism Icons program. It is being delivered in collaboration with Local Governments and local Traditional Owners.
“Because we continue to manage Queensland’s health response to COVID-19, we’re already delivering our plan for economic recovery,” Ms Jones said.
“That means delivering new infrastructure like the Wangetti Trail to support the tourism infrastructure.
“This project will provide important tourism infrastructure and give people another reason to visit the Far North.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said online consultation in April and May 2019 attracted more than 7400 visits to the project web page.
“Projects like this have never been so important for our region,” Ms Lui said.
“The Wangetti Trail is a game-changer for Far North Queensland.
“Once complete the Trail will create 150 jobs and offer up to $300 million of benefit over the life of the project.
“When operational, walkers and mountain bike riders will be treated to a one-of-a-kind experience, including the chance to experience the region’s rich Aboriginal cultural history while taking in the stunning coastal and hinterland scenery of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef.
“Already we’ve listened to the community and amended sections of the Trail to improve social, environmental and cultural outcomes.
“The additional feedback will further assist us developing a new world-class tourism magnet for the Far North.”
Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said the Trail would add to the region’s impressive reputation.
“Tropical North Queensland is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the world, which is why it’s so important locals have their say to ensure the Trail enhances and protects all that the region has to offer,” Mr Entsch said.
“The trail will showcase the region’s beauty and be a magnet for tourists, creating jobs and investment.
“The Morrison Government is committed to backing regional tourism, and that’s why we’re investing in this project as part of the Morrison Government’s $50 million National Tourism Icons package.”
The five day/four night Trail will feature a number of low-level bridges and crossings, five public camping areas, four eco accommodation sites and utilisation of existing access tracks and extension access tracks where required.
Construction on the Mowbray pedestrian bridge is underway and will be complete by late 2020 and subject to approvals, the Wangetti Trail is targeted to be operational and open to the public in 2022.
Locals can give their feedback online between today (Monday 3 August 2020 and Friday 11 September 2020).
To provide feedback and review the trail plans, visit ditid.mysocialpinpoint.com.au/wangetti-trail-community-consultation.
To read more about the Palaszczuk Government’s plan for economic recovery, please visit the Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs strategy web page.
Map is extremely confusing – I have driven this road sooooo many times – where exactly will be the trail? – I would have thought that Pretty Beach would have been a high spot – seems that the trail is basically following the road except for a bike trail that seems to follow the Bump road. I would have thought that the trail would be far higher on the hillsides. That map is less than informative. OK it’s not an easy terrain to plot a path – unless you go to the ridge line – what do the “4” mean? I haven’t been there, but I understand that there is a falls upstream of Wangetti Ck. Is that included?
Sorry – didn’t check the direct website link.
Here is the direct link for al fellow readers: https://www.ditid.qld.gov.au/our-work/qld-ecotourism-trails/wangetti-trail
Hi Jayne – no link.
OK – do we have a map of the proposed trail that we can access? Where are the supposed overnight huts going to be? How are they going to be provisioned? Mountain biking and walkers don’t mix. What is the expected clientele? While I think that such a trail is a great idea – in the current (and probably future) world, it’s not a money maker – but it is a great opportunity to see the wonderful coastal ranges. A not dissimilar idea was hatched in the 90’s for a trail from north of Emmagen to Coconut Beach – but Parks kyboshed it.
Hugh, there is an interactive map on the website link in the article.