‘Left a mess’: LNP rules out scaling back of Wangetti Trail
Concern that a major tourism project will be scaled back by the state government has been quashed by a Far North MP, vowing to deliver the $47m trail by the end of 2028.
Concern that a major tourism project will be scaled back by the state government has been quashed by a Far North MP, vowing to deliver a $47m trail by the end of 2028.
Cairns deputy mayor Brett Olds called on the LNP last week to ensure that the 94km Wangetti Trail, extending from Palm Cove to Port Douglas, remained a dual-use track to be used by both mountain bike riders and hikers when completed.
Limiting parts of the track to just mountain bikes would hurt the trail’s potential economic value, Mr Olds said, with the eco-tourism experience expected to generate about $300m for the region.
But Barron River MP Bree James said recent changes, including the appointment of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to manage the project, had not changed the scope of the trail.
“Absolutely not,” Ms James said.
“What we’re doing is making sure that we deliver what the community expects, which is a really great mountain biking and hiking trail that’s world class.
“It’s going to attract tourism from around the globe to our region.”
The first stage of the trail – 7.8km between Palm Cove and Ellis Beach – was completed under Labor in late 2024 at a cost of $22.5m after first being announced in 2018.
“We’ve been left a mess,” Ms James said.
“The analysis of that first 7km has been an absolute disaster. It’s the most expensive footpath in the country, so we have a lot of work to do to get the project back on track.
“We’re consulting with community organisations, locals and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services have taken over the project, which is a huge step forward.
“They do an incredible job and know what they’re doing.”
Ms James said the LNP had chosen to invest in re-opening the Twin Bridges Track, an 18km trek located between Wangetti and Port Douglas, in order to enhance visitors’ experience and provide more options for adventure seekers.
“We need to have respect for taxpayers’ dollars,” she said.
“The Department (of Environment Science and Innovation) weren’t even aware of the Twin Bridges track … that’s what it’s all about.
“Making it even better than what was planned.”
Cairns MP Michael Healy said the LNP had failed to make progress on the second stage of the multi-use track – 21km between Ellis Beach and Wangetti – since being elected last year.
“The government’s piecemeal approach endangers what could have been Australia’s flagship ecotourism trail,” Mr Healy said.
The trail was first announced in 2018 and scheduled to be completed in 2022 at a cost of $21m.
Ms James said she was unaware when the Twin Bridges Track would reopen.
More Coverage
Originally published as ‘Left a mess’: LNP rules out scaling back of Wangetti Trail
