Redland City Mayor Karen Williams has welcomed an announcement by Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey that the popular North Stradbroke Island Gorge Walk will receive a $600,000 upgrade.

Cr Williams said the joint Council and State Government funding as part of the Queensland Government’s Scenic Lookout Upgrade Program was great news for local tourism.

“North Stradbroke Island is one of Queensland’s most beautiful natural wonders and the Gorge Walk provides a beautiful vantage point to view the natural wonders of the island and Moreton Bay,” she said.

“People from all over the world visit this popular boardwalk and today’s announcement will mean even more reason for it to be included on tourist’s itineraries.”

Redland City Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said Council would match the State Government’s $300,000 in funding, with the project to include a new viewing deck for whale watching at the beginning of the Gorge Walk.

“Straddie is the best land-based whale watching location in Australia and the new viewing platform to be built as part of this project will ensure it continues to attract people from all over the world to view the local marine life,” he said.

“The project will also include upgraded toilet facilities, information and interpretive signage and seating at the trail head, ensuring the Gorge Walk is as educational and informative as it is enjoyable.”

Cr Williams said projects like the upgrade of the Gorge Walk were critical as Straddie transitioned from sand mining to tourism.

“Tourism is vital to the future of the island and investment from all levels of government through projects such as this is critical to building a strong economy,” she said.

“I congratulate and thank Minister Bailey and the Palaszczuk government for their commitment to the Redlands and I look forward to further initiatives to ensure the Straddie community successfully transitions away from sand mining.”

Cr Williams said the project would complement Council’s recent works to improve public access on North Stradbroke Island.

“The Straddie Gorge Walk is a $2 million project jointly funded by Council and the Federal Government over three stages with the final stage completed last year,” she said.

“Council also completed a $500,000 upgrade of Headland Park last year.  This upgrade is expected to commence next financial year and will add to the existing infrastructure that is already considered a world-class boardwalk.”