Trail longer than it looks

Extra 15km added to Wangetti

THE Wangetti Trail biking and hiking track along the Far North Queensland coastline is shaping up to be a full 15km longer than expected.

Cook MP Cynthia Lui said detailed planning and engineering on the proposed ecotourism experience had led to the course being replotted to be longer with more stops and rest areas for visitors.

“Initial engineering and design works are complete,” she said.

“The next step will be to en gage with potential market operators considering the project.

“Subject to approvals, and funding, construction could start late this year or early next year.”

Ms Lui said the State Government had been working with traditional owners including a “metre-by-metre examination” of the proposal.

“The Wangetti Trail’s new alignment is now 94km,” she said.

“The refined trail includes bridges, campsites and has links to Ellis and Wangetti beaches.

“Following detailed ecological investigations and engagement with industry, the new trail alignment will have five campsites for a six-day hike”

Construction on the Mowbray pedestrian bridge and Trail North (north of the Mowbray Bridge to Port Douglas) could start as early as September this year and be completed by March 2020.

The next section, Trail South (the remainder of trail – south of Mowbray Bridge to Palm Cove), would start in April next year and be finished by March 2022.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones has called on locals to give their opinion of the new alignment by the end of May.

“The Wangetti Trail is a game-changer for Tropical North Queensland,” she said.

“Once it’s complete, the Wangetti Trail will create 150 jobs and offer up to $300 million of benefit over the life of the project. We’re committed to working with locals to get this project done.”

The trail will run from Palm Cove to Port Douglas.