Details of one of far north Queensland's newest ecotourism attractions have been unveiled by Environment Minister, John Mickel, in Cairns today.

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Environment, John Mickel
envi...@cabinet.qld.gov.au
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13/07/04

The 100 kilometre long Wet Tropics Great Walk will take hikers through rainforest, heath land, eucalypt forest and woodlands west of Ingham.

Mr Mickel launched an information paper on the Walk which is on-track to open in April 2005 as part of the Queensland Government's $10 million Great Walks of Queensland initiative.

"The Queensland Government is investing almost $1 million dollars in the Wet Tropics Great Walk with $442,000 being set aside for the project in this year's State Budget.

"The Walk will create new eco-tourism opportunities in the far north and generate jobs, particularly in the Ingham region.

"It takes in Girringun National Park and the lands of the Warrgamaygan, Warungun and Girramaygan Traditional Owners in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and was finalised after consultation with the community, traditional owners and tourism organisations.

"The entire walk will take up to eight days to complete and will offer visitors and locals a different Wet Tropics Experience.

"Highlights will be the spectacular Wallaman and Blencoe Falls, river gorges, World Heritage listed rainforest and the chance to spot fascinating wildlife including the endangered cassowary."

Mr Mickel said the Great Walks initiative is creating world class walking experiences in the Wet Tropics, Mackay Highlands, Whitsundays, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Gold Coast hinterland and on Fraser Island where he recently opened that Great Walk with the Premier.

The Walks are designed to enhance Queensland's natural assets which contribute more than $1.2 billion to the Queensland economy each year and support more than 6,000 jobs across Queensland.

Mr Mickel said the 12-page information paper outlined the proposed walk, track highlights, landmarks, facilities, recreation and commercial opportunities, partnership opportunities with traditional owners, and historical and cultural information about the sites.

The information paper is available at www.epa.qld.gov.au/greatwalks

Media contact: Anne Syvret (07) 3225 1819