‘Cultural advice’ pending on major Cassowary Coast tourism drawcard
A visitor centre and cafe at the nation’s highest drop waterfall could deliver this FNQ coast’s premier tourist destination, but traditional owner concerns need ironing out.
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A VISITOR centre and cafe at the top of the nation’s highest drop waterfall has the potential to deliver Wallaman Falls as the region’s premier tourist destination but issues with traditional owners need ironing out before the $2m project can progress.
Traditional owners, the Warrgamay people, had ownership rights to sections of the Girringun National Park including Wallaman Falls, formally recognised in a native title declaration last year.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon in a question on notice last month, asked by Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto, said the traditional owner consultation phase of the project “is progressing” but blamed delays on traditional owners needing “further information prior to providing cultural advice”.
“The considered input of the Warrgamay people will enhance the visitor experience for this iconic site, providing cultural heritage information and contributing artwork for interpretative signage,” the Minister said.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service camping and vehicle permits show that in 2021 there were 6037 people that camped at Wallaman Falls, in comparison to 4221 people in 2019. To date $600,000 has been allocated toward the project but the outstanding $1.4m of a total $2m cost was not earmarked for the project in the 2022/23 state budget.
Mr Dametto said enticing visitors to the spectacular waterfall 40km southwest of Cardwell was key to the creation of new business opportunities and economic growth.
“The region needs some serious investment from the state Labor government to truly unlock Hinchinbrook’s tourism potential,” he said.
“I would like to see the $2m spent on upgrades that would create business opportunities for locals and traditional owners such as a cafe or visitor centre that enriches the tourist’s experience.
“I guarantee if Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall was located in southeast Queensland, the state would have invested in visitor infrastructure and major upgrades a long time ago.”
An onsite briefing at the falls in the coming weeks is expected to provide clarity on the scope of visitor infrastructure upgrades at the waterfall.
Upgrades to the carpark and camping area are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022, weather permitting.
Construction of the larger project is expected to begin in 2023.
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Originally published as ‘Cultural advice’ pending on major Cassowary Coast tourism drawcard
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