Nature is calling tourists

COMMENTARY by new Tourism and Events Queensland Chairman Brett Godfrey that our national parks could be opened up for tourists, potential eco-resorts, accommodation and attractions, is heartening for spectacular rural Cairns, especially our southern corridor for towns such as Gordonvale and Babinda and their surrounding communities, nestled amongst rainforest mountain walk- ing trails, waterfalls and pristine creeks and rivers, Eubanangee Swamp and Bramston Beach.

Our offerings south of Cairns equally match what the Daintree and Tablelands have all within an hour of Cairns City, providing further diverse marketing options and alternatives to the traditional Reef and rainforest destinations.

Adventure and nature eco-tourism opportunities have been identified for Gordonvale and Babinda in our council economic development plans for these towns and we will peruse with the State Government, TTNQ and the tourism industry. Cr Brett Moller, Division 1 the ear splitting noise of a chopper skydiving the beach.

There were 35 landings and take-offs starting before 9am and finishing at 5.30pm. The helipad needs to be moved. We rented on the Esplanade 10 years ago and bought recently. The flights were far fewer 10 years ago. Since the Chinese tourist boom they have doubled and helicopters need to leave from the airport not from residential areas.Tourists need to take to the boats and get in the water to really experience the Reef. Lois Raynor, Cairns