Far North Queensland will soon be home to an iconic tourist attraction with a spectacular glass viewing platform to be built over the edge of the Barron Gorge.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said Skyrail’s Rainforest Development Project would offer dramatic views directly to the face of the waterfall and also stunning views down the Barron Gorge.
He said the federal government will contribute $1.8 million towards the $2.5 million project.
“The Rainforest Development Project will be a welcome addition to the region’s tourism experiences,” Mr Entsch said.
“The curved glass flooring over the edge of the Barron Gorge will be a real ‘nerve tester’ for tourists and will become a massive drawcard and asset for our region.
“This stunning piece of tourism infrastructure will further enhance and grow Far North Queensland’s attractiveness to international and domestic tourists and provide broader economic flow-on benefits to the local economy.
“It is estimated this project when completed will inject $8.4 million into the wider economy in its first year growing to $14.7m in its fifth year.
Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said this new addition at Barron Gorge will provide an economic and tourism boost to Cairns, while also adding to the bucket-list of tourist destinations located in Tropical North Queensland.
“This is exciting news for Cairns and the local tourism industry and gives people another reason to visit this beautiful region and take in the breathtaking views of Barron Falls,” Mr Birmingham said.
“It is projects like this that will help ensure Cairns remains a popular tourist destination with some 2.8 million people visiting to the region annually, contributing $2.2 billion to the local economy.”
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway managing director Craig Pocock said the new tourist attraction will become an valuable asset or the business and the region.
“Since our inception we have taken great pride in the contribution we make to the region’s tourism economy and we are confident this latest project will give our destination a boost in what is becoming an increasingly competitive industry,” Mr Pocock said.
“Most importantly, the new lookout, which is being delivered with the generous backing of the Government, will entice an increasing number of visitors to engage with the story of the globally significant rainforest of the Wet Tropics.
“Ultimately, that is what Skyrail is all about.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said this project was part of the Liberal and Nationals’ Government’s commitment to unlocking economic potential in the regions.
“We are building strong and resilient communities, as well as creating local jobs by investing projects which drive our regional economies,” Mr McCormack said.
“Local tourism projects such as this, make our regional communities even better places to get a job, or to visit, grow up in and raise a family.”
