The community will get the chance to have their say on the design of the Wangetti Trail with the latest round of community consultations beginning today.

Locals can now view and comment on the amended trail alignment released today, along with the eco-accommodation and public camping area locations and inclusions, construction methodology, campsite construction methodology, waterway crossings, approvals process, and get a sneak peek of the views visible from spots along the trail.

The consultation period will close on Friday 11 September 2020.

View design details and provide feedback here.

Works are already underway on the 65m long pedestrian bridge across the Mowbray River, the first construction activities on the 94km walking and mountain biking trail from Palm Cove to Port Douglas.

State Development Minister Kate Jones said the project is 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,” she said.

“That’s why today we’re launching another round of consultation which will inform the final product to be delivered.”

RELATED:
- Wangetti Trail: tenders called for next stage as construction progresses

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.

The Queensland Government and Australian Government are co-funding the construction of the Wangetti Trail, under the National Tourism Icons program. The project is being delivered in collaboration with Local Governments and local Traditional Owners.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said online consultation in April and May 2019 attracted more than 7400 visits to the project web page.

“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 in developing a new world-class tourism magnet for the Far North.”

Ms Lui said projects like this have never been so important for our region.

“Once complete the Trail will create 150 jobs and offer up to $300 million of benefits 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.”

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.”

Construction on the Mowbray pedestrian bridge 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.

To provide feedback, visit ditid.mysocialpinpoint.com.au/wangetti-trail-community-consultation