THE Douglas Shire is one of four regions that will host Alliance for Sustainable Tourism industry consultation programs as it prepares a submission on the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s review of the 1998 Wet Tropics Management Plan.

The public meeting will be held at the Mossman Shire Hall, Mill Street, Mossman on Thursday May 25 at 6pm. This meeting will cover Port Douglas to Cooktown.       

According to Alliance chair Max Shepherd, fewer potential visitor sites and a significant increase in conservation areas are among the changes proposed to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area which could impact on tourism and recreational users of the World Heritage area.
Mr Shepherd, who is also Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chair, said there had been many changes in the way both the local community and visitors used the Wet Tropics since its governing plan was devised almost two decades ago.

“Lifestyle changes such as an increase in hiking and the explosion of interest in mountain biking have increased usage in some areas bringing new sources of visitors and great lifestyle options for locals,” he said.

“We urge these groups and the many others who use the Wet Tropics as part of their leisure and work activities to make sure the new plan fits their future needs.

“In addition to encouraging group and individual submissions, the Alliance will host public meetings around the region and conduct phone interviews with people who cannot attend the meetings,” said Shepherd.

The public meetings are in:
• Tablelands – Monday May 22, 6pm, Hallorans Hill Observation Building, Centenary Drive, Atherton.
• Cairns area and Kuranda – Tuesday, May 23, 6pm, Tourism Tropical North Queensland boardroom, 51 Esplanade, Cairns.
• Innisfail to Townsville – Wednesday, May 24, 6pm, Tully Visitor and Heritage Centre, Bruce Highway, Tully.
• Port Douglas to Cooktown – Thursday, May 25, 6pm, Mossman Shire Hall, Mill St, Mossman.
To attend a meeting or request a phone interview email alliance@ttnq.org.auadvising your name, company, contact details and the meeting you wish to attend, or request phone contact.

Information about the Plan review and how to make a submission is available at www.wettropics.gov.au/wet-tropics-plan-review

Submissions close on 30 June 2017. It is expected a draft of the amended Management Plan will be completed by February 2018

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