‘Work in progress’: Feature piece finalised for Wangetti Trail despite councillors’ claims
Simmering tensions over the Wangetti Trail have resurfaced with debate on the construction of a trailhead and a car park raised by councillors at Cairns Regional Council’s ordinary meeting.
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Simmering tensions over the Wangetti Trail have resurfaced with debate on the construction of a trailhead and additional parking raised by councillors at Cairns Regional Council’s ordinary meeting.
But a Department of Tourism and Sport spokesperson has said a feature to mark the start of the trail will be revealed soon.
Despite the first stage of the 94-kilometre trail from Palm Cove to Ellis Beach scheduled to be completed later this year, deputy mayor Brett Olds said details around parking and a showpiece entrance for the dual-use walking and mountain bike track have yet to be finalised.
Division 1 councillor Brett Moller raised the issue with the northern beaches councillor during the council’s meeting on Wednesday.
“For such a significant trail and planning exercise, you would think you would have a trailhead,” the Division 9 councillor said.
“I don’t particularly want to see the council have to pick up any sort of expense in having to deal with that. It may be a work in progress.”
Mr Olds, who has previously criticised the state government for delays in completing the project, said the council had lobbied for additional parking and a feature piece to mark the $47m trail’s starting point before trekking north to Port Douglas.
“This is one of our advocacy items which is to get an entrance statement to Palm Cove,” Mr Olds said.
“Parking is an issue in the area as it is. We’ve already got that headache.
“We know the walking trail hasn’t actually got an official trailhead where you can imagine people can park and do everything.”
The trail’s entrance will likely create further congestion at the northern end of Williams Esplanade, Mr Olds said.
“So, it officially starts at the jetty,” he said.
“I don’t think they’ve come up with a solution as to where all these cars will park and that’s why we’re asking them to think outside the box.”
A departmental spokesman said a key marker would be erected near the trail’s starting point.
“A trailhead feature will be unveiled when the first stage opens later this year,” the spokesman said.
“No additional car parking will be built for this first stage, but trail users will be able to park at the existing Council spaces at Palm Cove and Ellis Beach.”
Division 8 councillor Rhonda Coghlan said she “can’t wait” for the trail to open, adding the path will increase safety for cyclists in the region.
“I rode in the Grand Fondo from Palm Cove to Port Douglas on the weekend and (I’m pleased) to see that path along the side of the road,” Ms Coghlan said.
“That stretch of highway is so scary. It’s dangerous. Admittedly, you wouldn’t want to be on the trail with a road bike but the path looks pretty damn good.
“I can’t wait for it to be officially opened and, at the very least, in the early stages be able to ride to Ellis Beach and not have to be on the road.”
The Wangetti Trail is scheduled to be completed in 2026 with the second stage from Ellis Beach to Wangetti set to open next year.
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