Further $10m announced for troubled 94km Wangetti Trail
Despite a slew of Wangetti Trail approvals yet to be resolved, a “positive announcement” in the progression of the beleaguered track is “weeks” away, five years since the project’s inception.
Cairns
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Despite a slew of Wangetti Trail approvals yet to be resolved, a “positive announcement” in the progression of the beleaguered 94km biking and walking track is “weeks” away.
The bush trail connecting Palm Cove to Port Douglas has been on the drawing board since 2018 and was originally scheduled for completion later this year, however only a bridge across the Mowbray River has been built.
As reported by the Cairns Post, sources close to the project blamed state government infighting for ongoing delays and the project being two-and-a-half years behind schedule.
In May Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe explained in a question on notice that the trail spanning a World Heritage Area, three native title claims, two local government areas, and three national parks were reasons for major delays on the project.
Of the lengthy list of approvals required to progress the trail, Cultural Heritage Management Agreement and Indigenous Land Use Agreements with the newly-formed Djabugay Nation Native Title Claim Group sat at the top of the list.
However Conservation Act approvals, two sections of the Wet Tropics Management Plan, and Nature Conservation Act sign-offs were required.
Douglas Shire and Cairns Regional Council Land Act approvals, as well as a green light on the Coastal Protection and Management Act were also needed.
Division 5 councillor Amy Eden described the finalisation of a deed of indemnity during a closed session of Cairns Regional Council on Wednesday as a win for the city ratepayers.
“We will become a part of the project but won’t be liable if someone has an accident and we wouldn’t be responsible for the maintenance, which is really great,” she said.
“Local councils didn’t feel they were in a position as far as maintenance costs and this guarantees that, which is a very good outcome.
“(The trail) is very much wanted by the community.”
Quizzed about the trail on Wednesday Cairns MP Michael Healy said a new Cairns-based team is now working with five traditional owner groups to progress the trail and $10.4 has been set aside in the 2023/23 budget of a total $47.1m spend.
“This will be paid in instalments as we move forward, so that money’s there, it’s ready to go,” he said.
However Mr Healy wouldn’t be drawn on exactly when the build will begin.
“We’re getting very close,” he said.
“There are a number of parties that we need to bring together before we can start making announcements but I’m confident we’ll be able to see a very positive announcement in the coming weeks.”
Mr Healy said the Palm Cove up to Ellis Beach section of the trail will be first to be built.
Revealed in a recent development application lodged with Cairns Regional Council, when the trail is built, hikers and cyclists can expect a scenic Ellis Beach detour.
Planning documents show a proposal for a pedestrian refuge on the Captain Cook Highway to make the road crossing safer just south of the Cairns Yacht Club building.
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Originally published as Further $10m announced for troubled 94km Wangetti Trail
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