Funding vital to tap into wetlands’ tourism potential

YOLANDE Cozijn’s letter ( TB, 20/ 6) regarding the Wongaloo Wetlands at Cromarty deserves response.

Yolande rightly describes these wetlands as a natural wonder with an incredible abundance of birdlife and a place that has the potential to be a major tourist attraction for Townsville.

Many people who know Wongaloo will agree 100 per cent with her sentiments.

Yolande also asks a couple of pertinent questions regarding access to the place and the lack of amenities and services.

It is my understanding that planning of the facilities and services she identified as necessary for Wongaloo to reach its full potential as a tourist facility ( such as an edu- cation centre and guided tours) is well in hand.

I also understand the provision of infrastructure and services cannot realistically commence until there is a safe crossing of the railway corridor. It runs in a roughly northsouth direction through the property and must be crossed to gain access to the wetlands.

Additionally, I believe the issue is one of funding which the park trustee, being a totally volunteer/ not- for- profit organisation, does not have.

Wongaloo deserves a leg up funding wise.

As a viable unique natural wetlands showpiece within 30 minutes of this city, Wongaloo would enhance Townsville’s and NQ’s reputation as a tourist destination by adding to the already impressive list of places for local, interstate and international visitors to enjoy.

That applies irrespective of whether they arrive by vehicle, train, plane or as passengers of the ever- increasing number of cruise ships that now regularly dock at Townsville Port’s Quayside facility. NORM RAINS, Alligator Creek.