More than $600,000 in funding will provide new tourism opportunities at Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island in a joint Redland City Council and federal and state government project.
Redland City Acting Mayor Wendy Boglary welcomed $300,000 from the Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program (TDDI), which partially funds a walking trail link between two top vantage spots at Point Lookout.
“Council intends to match this funding dollar for dollar, with the money going towards creating a link between the Snapper Street lookouts over Frenchman’s Beach and the Point Lookout Headland gorge walk,” Cr Boglary said.
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“The Snapper Street Link project will add to the island’s existing spectacular vantage points over the Pacific Ocean and its world-class land-based whale-watching experience.
“With the end of sand mining rapidly approaching, now more than ever, North Stradbroke Island needs investment in infrastructure and this project will provide an additional boost to the local tourism industry.”
Cr Boglary said that while the secured funding would provide a strong start to the project, Council would be seeking additional money to complete the link.
“The TDDI Program contribution is a great start, but there is still a funding gap of $750,000 and we will be looking at additional options from the State Government to ensure the project’s success,” she said.
“The Snapper Street Link project is a great example of what we will be able to achieve for the Island’s future if we have the commitment and investment from all levels of government.”
Division 2 Councillor for North Stradbroke Island Peter Mitchell said the joint investment would ensure the popular gorge continued to be a ‘must do’ tourism attraction.
“The project also provides safe connections for pedestrians away from local roads and will also have significant environmental benefits, reducing erosion and people creating informal trails through the native vegetation.
“We also hope that it in the future it will provide opportunities to promote Quandamooka People’s cultural heritage and educate local, national and international visitors.”
It is hoped works on the trail extensions will begin in the 2017 – 18 financial year.
