Federal funding appeal for trail

TOURISM Minister Kate Jones has called for the Federal Government to urgently commit funding to the worldclass Wangetti Trail.

Earlier this month, the State Government agreed to fund the first section of the $21 million mountain biking and walking trail which will connect Port Douglas and Palm Cove.

Their $5.7 contribution will see the section between Port Douglas and Mowbray River completed.

Ms Jones said the trail was a potential “game-changer” for Cairns and needed federal support.

Federal Labor candidate Elida Faith has committed to provide $5 million in funding.

Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said he needed to see a proposal and would consider backing it, but Ms Jones said there needed to be assurance.

“Warren Entsch is the only person standing in the way of this project,” she said.

“This Wangetti Trail could create 150 jobs in Far North Queensland and pump $300 million into the local economy in years to come.

“That’s why, if elected, Labor will invest $5 million to partner with the State Government to deliver this project.”

Works on the northern section are due to begin in September.

It will involve repurposing the Old Mowbray River bridge, a visitor carpark and upgrades to the Captain Cook Highway, a crocodile viewing platform, a 2.25km mangrove boardwalk and a 5km trail to Four Mile Beach and Flagstaff Hill.