- The Crisafulli Government is delivering world-class walking trails for Palm Island to boost ecotourism opportunities in North Queensland.
- The project is on track, delivering the first steps of the $4.9 million Palm Island Tourism Masterplan.
- The walking trails will be an essential part of the Destination 2045 45 x 45 eco-tourism pillar.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start, and a plan for Queensland's future.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future by partnering with the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council to deliver the Palm Island Tourism Masterplan, delivering a key election commitment.
Construction will soon begin on the first of five walking trails – marking the first step in Palm Island's tourism masterplan – which will provide a unique visitor experience and help cement Queensland as the world's leading ecotourism destination.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering $4.9 million to the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council to support construction of up to 70 kilometers of walking trails across the island.
This monumental step forward is a breath of fresh air for a State that endured a decade of decline under the former Labor government, which approved just three ecotourism projects in ten years.
The Crisafulli Government's Destination 2045 blueprint is delivering world-leading outdoor and ecotourism experiences to reinforce Queensland as a premier tourism destination.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said unlocking the tourism potential of Palm Island was exciting for both locals and visitors.
"Palm Island is a tropical paradise with great potential to typify everything people dream of in a Queensland holiday," Minister Powell said.
"The Crisafulli Government is committed to delivering breathtaking experiences in our unique natural environment.
"The start of construction on this first trail marks an incredible milestone, and we're proud to be supporting Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council to put this island on the map for those seeking culturally enriching and sustainable ecotourism experiences."
Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Alf Lacey said this project is just the beginning for Palm Island.
"We're excited to see the Palm Island Tourism Masterplan Walking Trails moving along, aligned with our vision of long-term visitation and visibility for the region for people seeking sustainable Indigenous tourism experiences.
"After extensive community consultation in 2023 to ensure we're delivering what the region needs, we're excited to continue progressing the masterplan, and we thank the Queensland Government and local member - Townsville MP Adam Bailey for his ongoing support.
"By investing in Palm Island walking trails, we're not only backing tourism for the region, we're also upskilling our people with hands-on experience in construction – tools they can use to explore future employment opportunities – a real game changer for our people, our economy and our future generations."
Member for Townsville Adam Bailey said the trails would help put Palm Island on the map for visitors.
"We know tourists and locals are looking for unique and meaningful experiences when they visit our beautiful region," said Mr Bailey.
"Imagine being guided along these trails by the Traditional Owners, who can explain where you're working with additional information about the local flora and fauna."
