Skyride set for revival

Tourism Minister asks to see business case

PLANS for a cableway over the stunning Gold Coast Hinterland are set to be revived, with Tourism Minister Kate Jones keen to see the business case for the tourist drawcard.

A cableway has been mooted for Springbrook National Park for more than a decade but the latest proposal, by Gold Coast Skyride, has been marred by controversy over the involvement of Mermaid Beach MP Ray Stevens.

The group is keen to separate Mr Stevens and his infamous “chicken dance” antics from public discussions about their plans, although his company Ruray remains a shareholder.

Gold Coast Skyride chairman Terry Jackman said the project still had the potential to be one of the most important pieces of tourism infrastructure proposed for the Coast.

“We’d still love to do it – we’ve got the money to do it, it won’t cost the government a cent,” he said. “The council, mayor and the tourism authority are all in favour of it.

“We haven’t got a current application in but we will – it won’t be long.”

Ms Jones ducked a question on Mr Stevens’ involvement but said she would listen to any ideas that enhanced the city’s tourism offerings.

“Queensland’s natural attractions are some of our greatest assets, so it’s important that we get the balance right to make sure they stack up economically and environmentally,” she said.

“We need to look at these on a case-by-case basis.

“Skyride are yet to put their business case to the Government – that’s why the project has not progressed.”

The 9km Skyride project plans to use helicopters to lower the poles required to support the treetop cableway into the forest, avoiding having to construct access roads.

Mr Jackman said the group expected to encounter some opposition from green groups but the project would take cars off Hinterland roads and add depth to the city’s tourism image.

“I understand the green perspective – the Hinterland has to be protected,” he said.

“If the greens had their way today there would be no Sea World and there would be no Sheraton Mirage Resort. We hope there’s a compromise.”

EDITORIAL: P56-57