$300,000 for Whitehaven Beach walking track

JUNE 28, 2016: I MET with representatives of the marine tourism industry in Airlie Beach this morning to announce that a re-elected Liberal National Government will invest $300,000 towards a walking track at Whitehaven beach.The construction of a hardened circuit walking track and a lookout deck at the southern end of the famous Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays would help to address issues of overcrowding at the popular tourist destination.This is one of the most photographed parts of Australia, and every tourist visiting our country wants to visit this natural wonder.We want to enable those opportunities but we also need to protect the area for overcrowding because Whitehaven’s popularity is leading towards issues of overcrowding at the northern end.The construction of another walking track and viewing platform which will provide views over the full length of Whitehaven and surrounds at the southern end will provide a better experience for our tourists and help protect that beautiful natural environment.I thank the Environment Minister Greg Hunt for his attention to this issue and I am happy to announce that a re-elected Liberal National Coalition Government will provide $300,000 for Stage 1 of the circuit track under the Improving Your Local Parks and Environment Programme.I call on Queensland Government to match our contribution towards this project.The investment is part of the Coalition’s policy to support our local communities and environments by investing in parks, nature reserves, coastal and river areas.The Improving Your Local Parks and Environment Programme supports local councils, community groups, environment groups and others to undertake revitalisation, maintenance, management and improvement works at local parks, nature reserves, rivers, coastal areas and community facilities, and build awareness to reduce littering and marine debris.“We will work with local government, local residents and community groups on the final design of the project,” Minister Hunt said.“George Christensen is a great local member who recognises the benefits of looking after and improving access to the local environment. He should be congratulated for advocating so strongly for this project in Dawson.”