Eco-tourism visitor hub wins support

A VISION to develop an eco-tourism visitor hub for the Wangetti Trail and create local jobs has received inprinciple support from Douglas Shire Council.

The “Trail Hub” would be on the western side of the Captain Cook Hwy at Wangetti and could include cafes, shops, camping, visitor information services, an arts display and other features complementary to adventure tourism, such as a mountain bike assembly area.

Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu (above) said the trail hub would be an arrival and drop-off area for the adventure tourism trail.

“Developing the trail hub is a really critical step towards balancing out the trail,” she said.

“We know eco and adventure tourists have a marked impact on the places they visit and we expect interest in the Wangetti Trail to be significant.

“This hub will form a key part of the Wangetti Trail experience as it taps into the rapid growth in walking and mountain biking tourism.”

The hub is expected to create jobs and opportunities for cultural activities for traditional owners.

“This will bring great benefits for our local economies by generating economic and social benefits and creating resilience through sustainable employment opportunities,” Cr Leu said.

“The flow-on effects can be compared to the hugely positive impact the Mossman Gorge Centre has had for our local indigenous population.” Funding is being sought through the Federal and State Governments.