Gondola at tops of the wish list

DESTINATION Gold Coast chairman Paul Donovan says he will keep pushing for new attractions, with a gondola in the Hinterland topping the list.

But Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said although she would entertain a proposal for a gondola or skyrail, she is yet to receive any.

Mr Donovan, speaking ahead of Gold Coast Tourism Week’s launch lunch yesterday, said a major focus for the city tourism offering needed to be new attractions.

“One of the big things we have been working with the council on is walking tracks. We have 640km of walking tracks in the Hinterland and if we can get a good three-day walk, connect it with a skyrail to meet the walking trails, some adventure tourism like they have in Queenstown with ziplines, downhill mountain biking, then that’s what we need to do.

“We need to keep recreating ourselves, add value.”

Ms Jones said she would be “happy to sit down with any proponents to look at any new tourism product.”

We will go into it with an open mind. There are ways you can deliver tourism projects and get the balance right to ensure the long-term protection for rainforest.”