THE Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway near Innisfail is set to be given a new lease on life, with the new operators Mark and Judy Evans announced earlier this week.
The ecotourism lease is the first issued since recent changes to the Nature Conservation Act, which delivered on the Newman Government’s promise to increase access and streamline excess and costly regulations on Queensland’s national parks.
National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said the well-known local couple would operate the ecotourism attraction in Wooroonooran National Park from March.
“Mr and Mrs Evans own and run the nearby multi-award winning heritage-listed rainforest attraction Paronella Park, for which they have been recognised by the tourism industry,” Mr Dickson said.
“They also have a focus on promoting local produce and crafts, and using local suppliers and contractors, so this is great for the local economy.
“We hope their impressive track record and extensive local knowledge will help them transform the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway into another must-see attraction.”
Mark and Judy Evans said there were many opportunities at the walkway to expand the tourism product offering and encourage visitors to stay an extra night in the area.
“There is a growing demand for authentic nature and culture experiences and we want to develop strong interpretive experiences around these unique elements,” Mr Evans said.
The $10 million walkway has been operated by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service since it opened in 2008, but a review found it needed extra interpretive services and a café, to reach its full tourism potential.
Member for Hinchinbrook Andrew Cripps said the new operators had a fantastic reputation of hard work and success in the tourism industry and would give the Mamu canopy the best chance of reaching its potential.
“This is an exceptional canopy walk experience, but the Walkway has experienced difficult trading conditions over the past few years,” Mr Cripps said.
“We want to share the beauty of our natural environment with the rest of the world, and I think the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway can become a key tourism attraction for the Cassowary Coast region and Far North Queensland.”
Mr Dickson said the venture was a great example of government and private enterprise working together.
“A great way to draw investment and grow visitor numbers is to bring in commercial management by an experienced private sector tourism operator.
“Commercial success and increased visitors will be a win for all involved – the operator makes good return on investment, the Mamu people get increased revenue from entry and potential for commercial opportunities.”
