The LNP will take Airlie Beach tourism operators to new heights if elected on October 26.
An LNP Government will invest $5 million into the Whitsunday Skyway, to get the project off the ground and lift the local economy.
The Skyway project will feature a 1km all-weather cable car ride that soars 430m above sea level, offering visitors 360 degree panoramic views of the Whitsunday Islands and hinterland.
Shadow Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Sam O’Connor, said the project will attract both domestic and international tourists to Airlie Beach.
“Labor’s delays and inaction have left the Skyway grounded for far too long, despite strong demand for tourism experiences on the Whitsunday mainland,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The LNP is committed to delivering infrastructure that showcases Queensland’s natural assets, by driving the development of more tourism experiences.
“The Whitsunday Skyway will do both, providing Airlie Beach with a new and exciting land-based attraction to complement Airlie Beach’s water-based activities.
“An LNP Government will ensure this project operates within strict environmental guidelines, applying strong protections through the approval process to safeguard the pristine natural beauty of the Whitsundays region.”
LNP Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the Whitsunday Skyway will deliver a strong economic impact.
“The Skyway will create 140 new direct jobs on completion, and 591 additional indirect jobs, injecting millions into the local economy,” Ms Camm said.
“It will also deliver major flow-on benefits to other tourism-aligned businesses including accommodation, restaurants, tour operators and more.
“This is catalytic tourism infrastructure that positions Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays as the Heart of the Reef.”
Australian Adventure Tourism Group chair Elizabeth Hackett said the project will take Airlie Beach to the next level.
“The Whitsunday Skyway is a sustainable way to showcase the natural beauty of the Whitsunday region, offering visitors land-based adventure activities and spectacular tropical rainforest experiences, including guided tours,” Ms Hackett said.
“Once formal planning and approvals are in place, we expect the construction timeframe to take between 12-18 months.
“The project has strong support from the Whitsunday Regional Council and local tourism operators and will drive economic growth across the region.”
Amanda Camm said Queenslanders can vote to get the Whitsunday Skyway off the ground and a government that works for them by voting LNP at this month’s election.
“Labor is desperate to hold onto power, but unless we change the government, we’ll continue to get more of the same.
“This is the opportunity for a Fresh Start with the LNP’s Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.”