Call to leap at Falls deal
Mayor wants public- private partnerships for Wallaman bungee jump
THE State Government needs to allow public- private partnerships in national parks to develop Wallaman Falls as an eco- tourism site for bungee jumping, Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo says.
Cr Jayo was commenting on his council’s ideas for Australia’s tallest single- drop waterfall, which include having a glass cafe suspended over the cliff face, eco- cabins and a bungee jumping platform for tourism.
“It is an awe- inspiring location,’’ he said.
“If we are going to open up our national parks, this is the first place in the state we should do a low- impact ecolodge.
“Bungee jumping into the ravine would be a huge drawcard.”
The 268m falls near Ingham – almost the height of the Eiffel Tower – would rival some of the world’s scariest and most thrilling plunges.
Cr Jayo said he wouldn’t be jumping but that he was “quite happy to push someone”.
As well as that he said he would be increasing pressure on the Queensland Govern- ment to make a decision and join other states to allow development in national parks.
“We are not here to rape and pillage. We understand it has to be done sustainably but we have to do it, not just talk about it,” Cr Jayo said.
The Hinchinbrook Mayor said the idea would require tenure in national parks – leases – so the council could engage with entrepreneurs who were willing to invest in projects.
“People have contacted us but at the end of the day the Government needs to be able to provide certainty if we are going to pursue this,” Cr Jayo said.
He said the ideas were part of the council’s plans to diversify the shire’s economy.
Sport and recreation, agricultural diversity and tourism were part of that plan.
“We are looking to capital- ise on the natural attributes and resources we have,” Cr Jayo said.
“Wallaman Falls is our standout.”
Ingham born- and- bred Opposition tourism spokesman David Crisafulli, who last month called for a discussion on eco- tourism to capitalise on the “selfie generation”, said Wallaman Falls was a prime location.
“We only have to look at places like Tasmania and New Zealand to realise we can balance economic opportunities with environmental protection,” Mr Crisafulli said.
BUNGEE JUMPING INTO THE RAVINE WOULD BE A HUGE DRAWCARD. HINCHINBROOK MAYOR RAMON JAYO