Cape York leaders meet to offer clarity on Cape lockout

An emergency meeting has been called to provide clarity on lockouts at the Tip of Cape York after traditional owners decided to block access to the iconic location.

AN EMERGENCY meeting has been called to determine the future of Cape York access following plans by traditional owners to block visitors from travelling to the Tip.

Last week, native title land holders the Gudang/Yadhaykenu Aboriginal Corporation brought the gate down on travel to the continent’s most northern point.

However there has been widespread confusion surrounding the exclusion zone and intention to close the area north of the Croc Tent on Pajinka Road.

Sign at northern-most tip of Australian continent at Cape York Peninsula. Picture: Queensland Travel

MORE NEWS

How online videos saved Weipa man from croc

Missing adventurers’ one regret after rescue

Heartbreak over death of turf club larrikin

Croc Tent souvenir shop owner Dale Mears was anxious for clarity on the closure, under which he expected his business to “suffer enormously”.

“Within four hours of the story being published I had one guy say he lost $40,000 in lost bookings,” he said.

“They can still get to Punsand Bay but our business will suffer enormously if people can’t get past.

‘LOT OF STUFF TO DO’: MOST OF CAPE STILL OPEN

“I have spoken to some people that’s think it’s a wind up, I personally don’t know what to believe.”

Mr Mears said he backed whatever call traditional owners made but if they remained committed to the closure, the financial fallout would be a bitter pill to swallow.

“I do ultimately support the traditional owners to become financially independent and for them to benefit from tourism,” he said.

“On the precipice of what is being talked about as the biggest season ever, it’s the perfect time to leverage government.”

A decision on access restrictions is expected to be announced on Tuesday.

Originally published as Cape York leaders meet to offer clarity on Cape lockout