Dunk Island deal to bring tourism jobs
ELISABETH CHAMPION DUNK Island Spit is set to reemerge as an adventure tourism mecca creating up to 60 local jobs and attracting tourists from around the world.
At a special meeting at Innisfail this week, Cassowary Coast Regional Council voted to award the spit’s management contract to New South Wales adventure tourism company Experience Co.
Experience Co chief Anthony Ritter said the company looked forward to bringing more adventure tourism to the Cassowary Coast with plans for stand-up paddleboards, jet boats, snorkelling and boat tours as well as a bar and revamped camping facilities.
“We believe in North Queensland, we absolutely believe it’s the adventure capital of Australia,” he said.
“It’s got the Reef, the rainforest, the climate and it’s internationally renowned in the tourism industry as a place to go. So we wanted to be a part of it and Dunk Island is a massive opportunity for us.”
Mr Ritter said the workwould create up to 60 jobs.
Special projects general manager Courtney Butler said the company would be rolling out its plans in three phases.
“Phase one, which we hope to have live by the end of the year, will include a range of water-based activities – sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkelling and an ocean trampoline,” she said.
“We’re also looking at starting up a beach bar, which will offer a range of affordable food and drink options for people.
“It will include rejuvenated camping grounds and amenities to open up those overnight stays for locals and for tourists.
“We are also looking at other activities that we run elsewhere like our jet boat product, glass bottom boat tours and guided snorkelling tours – those activities that we are known for.”
Deputy Mayor Wayne Kimberley said the council was glad to offer the tender.
“For two years now, we’ve been questioned as to why Dunk Island hasn’t been up and activated and it’s been because of the process we’ve had to go through to get to this point,” he said.
“We had a tender process last year, which we didn’t believe was suitable, so we’ve gone through the lengthy process of doing it all over again, and we believe now the result is the best we could possibly ask for the region.”