COUNCIL plans to squeeze state government arms to get more funding for North Stradbroke Island tourism projects.
Redland City acting mayor Wendy Boglary said a $300,000 federal government boost announced by MP Andrew Laming was a good start for work at Point Lookout’s Gorge Walk but a $750,000 funding gap remained on projects.
Council wants to link Snapper Street lookouts over Frenchman’s Beach with the Point Lookout Headland gorge walk.
“The ... 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.
More than $600,000 in funding will boost tourism at Point Lookout, in a Redland City Council, federal and state government project.
Cr Boglary said the $300,000 from the federal Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program partially funded a walking trail link between two top vantage spots at Point Lookout.
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“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.
“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.
“...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 was a great example of what could be achieved for the island if all levels of government committed to the island.
Cr Peter Mitchell said the tourism projects would ensure the gorge continued to be a must do tourism attraction.
He said the projects would ensure safe connections for pedestrians and reduce erosion caused by people creating informal trails through the scrub.
It is hoped works will begin before June next year.
