First look at multimillion dollar cultural hub planned for Daintree
Additional funding has been sought to get a major tourism development built at the Daintree National Park which is expected to entice extra visitors to the region seeking authentic Indigenous cultural experiences.
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Additional funding has been sought to get a major tourism development built at the Daintree National Park which is expected to entice extra visitors to the region seeking authentic Indigenous cultural experiences.
Plans for the new tourism drawcard north of the Daintree River were first mooted in March last year when the Eastern Kuku Yalanjiwarra Culture and Tourism Hub development was first announced.
Total cost of the centre was originally budgeted at $4.84m, jointly funded through the Australian and Queensland governments.
But an update from the Department of Environment last week stated additional funding is being sought due to escalating construction costs.
The hub, to be built at Cape Tribulation, will be managed by the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
Impressive concept designs created by the Cairns behind Crystalbrook’s Riley tower and the Cairns Performing Art Centre, CA Architects, reveal a strikingly modern building featuring earthy tones designed to connect the structure to the tropical landscape.
The proposed cultural hub, to include a gallery, outdoor gathering space and a new information centre will be built near the existing tourist information centre on Cape Tribulation Rd with easy access to Myall Beach.
A DES spokeswoman said Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service was in the process of finalising plans for the multimillion dollar hub.
“QPWS is leading a thorough planning process for the construction of the hub, taking into consideration the environmental sensitivities and cultural significance of Daintree National Park,” she said.
“We are committed to achieving the best outcomes for the Eastern Kuku Yalanjiwarra people and the local tourism sector while protecting the unique biodiversity in the area.
“As a result of an escalation in industry construction costs, additional funding is being sought for the project.”
The centre will also have interpretative cultural and art displays and information about the two World Heritage Areas it sits between and offer visitors access to a range of other cultural tourism experiences in the region.
The project is expected to create Indigenous job opportunities during construction and through administration, customer service, and cultural tourism roles when the hub opens.
The project was due for completion this year however resolution to increasing building costs would guide a revised construction timeline, according to DES.
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Originally published as First look at multimillion dollar cultural hub planned for Daintree
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