MS JARRATT ASKED THE MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND FAIR TRADING (MR LAWLOR) —
QUESTION:
Will the Minister outline the benefits to tourism of the government’s Great Walks program, in particular how the Whitsunday tourism operators can benefit from the opening of the Ngaro Sea Trail, Queensland’s latest Great Walk?
ANSWER:
Queensland's first Great Walk to cross three islands was officially opened on 2 June 2010.
The Bligh Government built the $1.27 million Ngaro Sea Trail Great Walk, named after traditional owners the Ngaro People, to boost local ecotourism and provide new ways of exploring the Whitsundays region.
This walk is an addition to Queensland’s network of Great Walks. These are located on Fraser Island, in the Gold Coast hinterland, Mackay highlands, Sunshine Coast hinterland, the Wet Tropics of North Queensland, mainland Whitsundays, Carnarvon Gorge and Cooloola with the Conondale Range Great Walk in the upper Mary Valley soon to be completed.
The Great Walks have attracted more than 165,000 visitors who have explored all or parts of these superb natural experiences.
Furthermore, allowing ecotourism business to operate in the Great Walks represents a way of growing business and jobs in Queensland.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service ensures that these operations are nature-based, ecologically sustainable and contribute to the conservation and presentation of the Great Walks’ natural and cultural values.
In the Whitsundays, 16 companies have submitted their interest in conducting commercial tours along the Ngaro Sea Trail. The fact that the islands in this Great Walk can be connected by sail, motorboat, kayak or jet ski offers a unique business opportunity for interested tourism operators.
The walk will provide a significant attraction for backpackers and domestic and international tourists, as well as encourage visitors to spend extra days exploring the Whitsunday and Central Queensland regions, all of which will benefit local tourism.
To meet expected visitor demand, an additional $2.2 million has been invested in upgrading existing visitor facilities such as viewing platforms, camping areas and toilets at many of the Whitsundays’ most sought-after visitor sites.
The Bligh Government believes that this investment is important for the future growth of the Whitsundays’ tourism industry.
