Falls may be new lure for tourists

ADVENTURE and eco- tourism at Wallaman Falls could be added to the North’s tourism arsenal after Hinchinbrook Shire Council committed funds to a master plan project.

The council has allocated $ 15,000 in the 2015- 16 budget for new eco- tourism development opportunities.

Mayor Rodger Bow said the project would focus on the sustainable development of the falls area to facilitate private sector investment into commercial activities such as adventure tourism, walking trail development and enhanced facilities for day visitors.

He said the project was intended to be collaborative with traditional land owners and other key stakeholders.

“This will not be a shortterm plan and any work associated with the plan will take some time to implement,” Cr Bow said. “It is not something that will have the groundwork to go ahead this year but it is a step in the right direction in creating a master plan for the way forward and negotiating with key stakeholders.”

Cr Bow said the council had already taken steps to improve access to the site with the Wallaman Falls Rd project.

“Access to the falls is one step in encouraging further visitors to the area,” he said.

“Council considers the Wallaman Falls Master Plan project of importance in improving our shire’s tourism.”

The council last year submitted its Wet Tropics Ecotourism Recreation Master Plan and Infrastructure Project for Wallaman Falls to the former LNP assets sale Strong Choice Investment Program.

Hinchinbrook MP Andrew Cripps said the council’s move to develop the master plan would encourage investment.

He said the council’s development of an eco- tourism project within the National Park area at Wallaman Falls was now possible after the LNP Government made changes to the Nature Conservation Act.

“For years I’ve argued there is a great opportunity to develop a world class eco- tourism destination at Wallaman Falls that could boost the local tourism industry,” he said.