Yesterday I announced the preferred tender for the Cooloola Great Walk, on behalf of Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones.
The contract has been awarded to CABN, Australian experts in eco-friendly, off-grid, nature-based experiences. CABN currently operates in South Australia and Victoria and plans to establish a manufacturing facility in the Noosa hinterland as part of its successful delivery of the Cooloola project.
The Cooloola Great Walk is an opportunity to demonstrate how to share a magical destination without destroying the very essence of why it is so special, and the unique experiences that visitors are seeking.
“It has been heartening to see any concerns being addressed along this journey, and to ensure that the wellbeing benefits for Noosa and all of its inhabitants, furry, feathered or otherwise, has been foremost throughout. I look forward to joining our Kabi Kabi people, the Department and environmentalists on a visit to the sites and hear more on the many exciting aspects and opportunities, including the sharing of traditional knowledge,” Ms Bolton said.
“We need more projects in our community that will create jobs for locals, enhance, protect and educate, as well promote sharing of space that has that special ethos of leaving no trace. The Cooloola Great Walk can be a leading example, and it has been fabulous to have the support from government in understanding how important this is for Noosa.”
Kabi Kabi representative Brian Warner said the Traditional Owners of the land had already had good engagement with the short-listed proponents in the ecotourism process.
“Our links here are over thousands and thousands of years and from now can help better tell that great story to the world,” said Mr Warner.“We look forward to working closely with CABN in allowing more people to enjoy our great country and story.”
“We want to offer an authentic eco-tourism product for local and international travellers to experience one of Queensland’s most environmentally significant and popular tourist areas.
“At the same time we want a minimal impact on the habitat that fosters cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation of the environment”.
CABN CEO Michael Lamprell said that CABN is excited to propose a world class eco-tourism, nature based walk experience, working with the Kabi Kabi.
“CABN is looking to connect people back to nature, create better work-life balance, build off grid first-class facilities and create a positive impact on the wellbeing of all who experience the Cooloola Great Walk,” he said.
Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton said she has been impressed with the level of consultation between all stakeholders including the Department of Tourism Industry Development, QPWS, Kabi Kabi, Noosa Council and Noosa Parks Association throughout this tender process.
“It has been great to see everyone working together to continually improve the consultation and engagement process.”
Construction is likely to be complete in late 2020.
For more information, visit https://www.ditid.qld.gov.au/our-work/qld-ecotourism-trails/cooloola-great-walk
Dear Sandy & Staff, Great that you were involved with this project when it possibly didn’t pose such a heavy impact on the Cooloola National Park’s ecology & environment; despite having not had the sanction of the Dept. of Environment & Science Staff. The ‘Extension Proposal’ has changed considerably & these changes are the reasons this project should not go ahead.
Talking with a retired National Park Ranger, we agree with his thoughts that there are considerable issues to be addressed
that entail everything from Fire Safety, Vehicle Access to & disturbance of sensitive eco systems & interference with their biodiversity levels…
especially to noise levels with extra tourists/guests/clients coming and going from these specific sites. We also consider that this development of 4 of the 5 Nat.Park camping areas tp be, in appearance, contrary to the Traditional Conservation Ethos & Practice of the First Nation People prior to White Settlement, thus betraying their own Principles!
Also, any such ‘expansion’ should be outside the boundaries of the National Park as recommended by our own Qld. National Parks’ Staff. Please see ‘Ecotourism & Qld. National Parks’ information (Aug.2018) for further examples & suggestions.
Thank you Lorraine for your comments. As already discussed last week, for all questions or concerns if you can summarise into one email and send to the office noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and we will obtain the information from the Department.