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| Daintree National Park $1.3 million upgrade Madja Botanical Walk |
The Palaszczuk Government is ensuring visitors will have an enhanced experience in the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, the Daintree, with the reopening of the Madja Botanical Walk.
Attending the official reopening in Daintree National Park today, Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said this $1.3 million upgrade from the Palaszczuk Government was the latest in a series of investments to improve the experience for visitors to National Parks.
“The Daintree Rainforest is truly unique – it is the oldest living rainforest in the world and is an internationally-acclaimed biodiversity hotspot.
“And this is one of the few places where plants representing all stages of the evolution of land plants over the last 400 million years are found.
“Thousands of people visit this special place every year, and this new Madja Botanical Walk through the beautiful rainforest will help enhance their experience.”
Minister Enoch said the $1.3 million investment includes new and upgraded boardwalks, refurbishing the concrete paths, new interpretive signage and a new information shelter.
“This project is a collaborative effort between the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Peoples, who have cared for this special country for thousands of generations, and the Queensland Government,” she said.
“We know places like the Daintree are special and are where people can come and experience the natural environment.
“That is why our Government is committed to enhancing Queensland's national parks, through the $35 million Revitalising National Parks Program.
“Here in Far North Queensland, on top of this funding for the Madja Botanical Walk, the Palaszczuk Government committed $1 million in 2018-19 for walking track upgrades and the replacement of lookout structures in Mossman Gorge.
“An additional $750,000 million was also allocated in 2019-2020 for other infrastructure upgrades in Daintree National Park.
“The program of works is revitalising infrastructure that plays a key role in enhancing experiences of visitors to Queensland’s iconic national parks.”
Local tour operator, Mike D’Arcy praised the State Government’s investment in the area’s future.
“The Madja renovation brilliantly showcases our unique rainforest, mangroves, ferns and relic plants,” Mr D’Arcy said.
“It’s the jewel in the crown of the four cleverly designed QPWS boardwalks here in the Daintree, and is absolutely critical to enhancing our visitor experience, and sustaining both our community and our environment.”