: News Article

Paluma Project Precedent

23/06/2003

Groups wanting to enjoy the greater Townsville region now have the option of a top class venue at Lake Paluma.

Work to expand camping and recreational facilities at Lake Paluma is the result of collaboration between NQ Water and local traditional owners.

The new venue, which caters for groups of up to 45 people, features a communal fireplace, an eating area with tables and seven campsites.

School, community and cultural groups are encouraged to enjoy the new facilities. Demand is expected to be high from scouts, guides and bird watching groups, among others.

NQ Water contributed more than $20,000 to the group campsite which covered the cost of materials, design, and project supervision.

Traditional owner groups in the area, the Nywaigi (pro. Now-are-Ghee) and Gugu Badhun (pro. Goog-goo Bad-hun) provided the labour, which was partially funded through a Townsville-Thuringowa Community Development Employment Project.

The concept was born from consultation with stakeholders said NQ Water Chairman Ian Hamilton, who noted it was proof that collaboration between agencies could work for the benefit of the whole area.

"NQ Water has been advocating for along time now that the appropriate agencies need to play a more active role in the management of Lake Paluma," Mr Hamilton said.

"They include the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Wet Tropics Management Authority and local shire councils.

"It is quite possible that over the next twelve months, you could see a gang of six or eight CDEP or Green Corps employees working in the Paluma/Hidden Valley area on various projects.

"That could be includes track maintenance, facility development, environmental and water monitoring and management, work with endangered species and feral animal and weed control."

The group area is separate from other public campsites and facilities that NQ Water recently developed at Lake Paluma at a cost of more than $300,000.

The facilities are open for public use and bookings can be made by contacting NQ Water on 4726 0000.

© 2004 NQ Water