Mayor Tom Tate applauds State Government eco-tourism vision for Coast hinterland
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli says he hopes a cableway will be built at a Gold Coast national park but some locals remain unconvinced it’s the best plan for the area.
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Queensland Premier David Crisafulli says he hopes a cableway will be built at a Gold Coast national park but some locals remain unconvinced it’s the best plan for the area.
On Tuesday, Mr Crisafulli announced $17m in funding for Springbrook National Park as part of the state government’s Destination 2045 tourism plan.
The eco-tourism project would include a new suspension bridge across the Purling Brook causeway, a visitor centre, new car park, new toilet facilities and improvements to walking trails as well as more signage.
“It will further enhances the natural beauty of a really special part of the Gold Coast … and it will drive people to stay a little longer,” he said.
Mr Crisafulli said he hoped the cableway would form part of project.
“I know council is keen for it to happen,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“I think we do have to be ambitious about these types of projects and I do think they can be done with minimal environmental impact.”
But addressing Mr Crisafulli, Pam Hall from the ‘Springbrook Voices’ said it would be “impossible” to build a cableway without minimal environmental effects.
“It can’t be done with low environmental impact, I’m sorry but it’s impossible,” she said.
“Do you think pylons are a good idea at this view?
“We don’t believe a cableway is the answer.”
Ms Hall said the plan was dividing residents, with some supportive and others against.
Mr Crisafulli said Springbrook was not the only area on the Gold Coast going to receive upgrades as part of the tourism plan but did not specify what that could entail.
“We have the most amazing combination of the green hinterland and the gold beaches,” he said.
“I want to see respectful development done.”
Mudgeeraba MP Roz Bates said between 2000 and 3000 people visited Springbrook National Park every weekend.
“If you’re local, you know how congested the traffic is here on the weekend,” she said.
“Construction of a suspension bridge across the Purling Brook causeway is something that is needed.
“We’ve had quite a few people have accidents when they’ve tried to take selfies on the rocks.”
Crisafulli shines green light on Springbrook cableway
The Crisafulli Government is set to fast track the controversial plans for a cableway in a new 20-year tourism vision.
On Monday, the Government outlined its ‘Destination 2045 plan’, which will kick start 45 new eco-tourism experiences including upgrades of day use areas in the Springbrook National Park.
Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate applauded Premier David Crisafulli and said they were on “the same page” for eco-tourism.
The City in January spent $10 million on buying Eaglemont Estate, a 63.17ha site next to the national park, because it aligned with council’s nature tourism program.
“That gives us the opportunity for long term projects like the cableway,” Mr Tate said.
“We know that with this blueprint on eco-tourism, one would say the green tape on cableway at the State Government level would be a lot smoother to get approval.”
But Mr Tate said the Crisafulli Government’s announcement opened up options for the City after investing in the Estate, which was located about 600 metres from the Purling Brook Falls, the landing point for a cableway.
“For me, it’s such a large parcel. It gives you so many options,” he said.
Glamping, horse riding and indigenous education centre could feature on the site.
“If you are going to land a cableway, well there is another option to land there because we already own the property there. It has enough room to for parking as well. I’d say to everyone, when Springbrook gets going, it will be hard to stay away,” Mr Tate said.
Under the plan, glamping facilities could open up South Stradbroke Island and The Spit.
“People would be able to enjoy five star camping facility at the same time having a singalong, fireplace, looking up in the sky, and really enjoy what we have to offer, listening to the waves,” Mr Tate said.
The trail walk through national park was expected to be upgraded with signs for bird watchers.
The Mayor was not concerned that few Gold Coast projects were mentioned in the strategy and said the City was able to build on Olympic venues, despite only a handful being announced.
“We will slip in there. I don’t have any problem with the initial list there, because I believe in that have-a-go spirit. Our product is here ready to go,” he said.
Part of the tourism plan includes the new Connecting Queensland fund which will support international and domestic aviation routes and bring more tourists to Queensland
“The conduit between India and Australia is paramount. As late as three weeks ago, I had my meeting in New Delhi with Air India,” Mr Tate said.
“We are looking for Air India to do a direct flight. And using India as the hub on the way back. That means the airline will be full each way.
“Indians will be flying to Brisbane, and Aussies will be flying back to India on the way to London and Europe. The only part impinging that is aircraft availability. We have to work together as southeast Queensland.
“Whether tourists from India land in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, it makes no difference. It’s the same destination as far as I'm concerned. It’s really Team Queensland and that’s how we are going to do it.”
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