New scenic trails making progress

WALKING TRACKS



TWO scenic trails, which will be major attractions for both local and visitors to the region, are making progress.

The Douglas Shire Council announced today that the Flagstaff Hill Walking Track Stage 2 contract – worth $599,602 and includes sections of sealed and unsealed walking track and will progress to completion the 1.5 km trail – has been awarded to Cairns company, Eco Civil Solutions.

And the Wangetti Trail is making significant steps towards becoming a reality. Council has approved the interim feasibility report and agreed to join Cairns Regional Council in a project working group to get the trail underway.

“Eco Civil Solutions will partner with local Indigenous company, Bulban Enterprises, to carry out Flagstaff Hill work. Training will be provided for 15 staff, who will strengthen their skills for future employment opportunities,” said Mayor Julia Leu.

The trail will have spectacular and breathtaking views and is expected to become one of the Shire's most popular attractions for locals and visitors.

It will follow the contours of Flagstaff Hill and includes lookouts to Double Island, Four Mile Beach, Low Isles, Snapper Island and the Daintree Rainforest.

The State Government has contributed $550,000 to the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail under its Works 4 Queensland program.


The Wangetti Trail, which will be popular with hikers and mountain bike riders, will stretch from Port Douglas to Palm Cove, a distance of 76km, with additional links of 18km, which will provide a true bushland and ocean experience.

“The Trail will showcase the beauty of the World Tropics and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage areas and has the potential to become one of the iconic walks of Australia.

“The trail can be built in 24 months, depending on the construction model, at a cost of around $21m. Both Douglas and Cairns Councils are actively seeking the funding to complete the detailed design and develop the management model for the Trail. It will create 74 ongoing additional jobs in the region,” said Leu.

“The progress of the project will depend on the ability to attract appropriate funding.”



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