Cairns councillor calls out latest ‘minor’ price hike to delayed, over budget Wangetti Trail

Landslides and coastal erosion across Cairns’ northern beaches has forced the Queensland Government to make key changes to a $47 million ecotourism trail with “minor cost escalations” expected.

The Wangetti Trail is a 94 km walking and mountain biking trail will stretch from Palm Cove to Port Douglas. Picture: Department of Tourism

Landslides and coastal erosion across Cairns’ northern beaches has forced the state government to make key changes to a $47 million ecotourism trail with “minor cost escalations” expected.

But a Cairns councillor has called out the latest setback for the long-awaited Wangetti Trail, plagued by delays, major cost blowouts and complaints about the trail’s location.

Cairns councillor Brett Olds says he’s grown frustrated with setbacks to the Wangetti Trail. Image: Stewart McLean

First announced in 2018 and flagged as being worth $300 million, the Wangetti Trail was originally slated to be completed in early 2022 at a cost of around $21 million.

Since then, the project has been dogged by spiralling costs, with the 94-kilometre hiking and mountain bike path now earmarked for a 2026 end date.

Division Nine councillor Brett Olds said he’d grown frustrated with the ongoing challenges with the project.

“I want to stop hearing about labor pains. Show us the baby,” Mr Olds said.

“Let’s get this project going and see this investment in the region.

“There are always going to be delicate issues in high rainfall areas. But these problems have been going on for years.

“I’m a huge supporter of the project but I’m tired of the excuses. These are our tax dollars.

We just want to see it delivered.”

Ellis Beach will be one of several areas featured along the Wangetti Trail upon its completion. Image: World Trail.

A Department of Tourism and Sport spokesperson confirmed changes will be made to the path between Palm Cove and Ellis Beach but added the trail is on schedule to be completed later this year.

Upon completion, the Wangetti Trail will be a 94 km walking and mountain biking trail stretching from Palm Cove to Port Douglas. Image: Department of Tourism

Heavier land treatments will also be used to stop the trail degrading as a result of future weather events.

“Due to landslips and also beach erosion at Ellis Beach associated with Tropical Cyclone Jasper’s impacts, the project team are reviewing some possible alignment changes along the Ellis Beach section of the trail with project stakeholders,” the spokesperson said.

“The current alignment options have been developed to minimise disturbance within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and avoid sensitive environmental and cultural areas identified by ecologists and Traditional Owners.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Michael Healy says the Wangetti Trail will generate jobs and create economic growth for the region. Picture: Brendan Radke

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said seeing the terrain impacted by floods and a cyclone in December meant the finished product will be better as a result.

“One thing we were fortunate with was that the rain event occurred when it did and that the track wasn’t half complete,” Mr Crawford said.

“Hopefully there are some learnings and the track will be more resilient as a result. It’s definitely worth the extra money and effort.

“Once this is completed this trail will be a tourism asset that’s beneficial for generations to come.”

Calls to Tourism Minister Michael Healy weren’t returned immediately prior to deadline.

But last year, the Tourism Minister said the trail will be a world-class asset, featuring camping and eco-accommodation along the route upon its completion.

“With remarkable views, good Queensland jobs and business opportunities for Traditional owners, Wangetti Trail will add a new dimension to the Tropical North’s visitor economy,” Mr Healy said.

No additional changes to the construction of the trail are expected.

Originally published as Cairns councillor calls out latest ‘minor’ price hike to delayed, over budget Wangetti Trail