: News Article

Local Agencies Lobby for Paluma Funding

08/08/2002

Issues regarding the management of tourism facilities at Paluma and other local wet tropics tourism areas have been raised with the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

A delegation of civic leaders, including representatives of the Board of NQ Water, Townsville and Thuringowa City Councils and Townsville Enterprise Limited, met with WTMA Executive Director Russell Watkinson and QPWS Acting District Manager Col Adams today. (8 August)

There was a strong perception that the far north was allocated the lion's share of funding at the expense of the northern region, said Mr Hamilton.

"Local tourism attractions located in wet tropics areas are among the best in Queensland," said Mr Hamilton.

"There’s evidence to show we are being left behind in terms of spending on infrastructure and management and local authorities and volunteer agencies feel, quite rightly, they are picking up the slack.

"For example, NQ Water has allocated in excess of $500,000 to upgrade facilities at Lake Paluma this financial year. We also spend in excess of $50,000 annually in enhancing the recreational opportunities available in the Wet Tropics Area. Very little of these costs relate to water quality, which is our core business.

"In comparison, WTMA spends only $15,000 of its $1.9 million budget to partly fund maintenance of the access road in an area that is entirely WTMA core business."

"While we are happy to do our part in promoting the recreational amenity of the area, we would like a greater commitment from WTMA and the QPWS as lead agencies."

The northern region was looking for equal recognition with the far north, said NQ Water Chairman Ian Hamilton.

"The northern statistical area is bigger than the area of Tasmania and attracts more tourists than the whole of Tasmania," he said. "We should be getting a lot more than a token $15,000."

"The area has enormous natural heritage and historical value, which has yet to meet its potential."
Paluma tourism operators have organised a meeting with WTMA, QPWS and other key representatives on 15 August to discuss these and other
issues.

© 2004 NQ Water