Approval of a planned $100 million cable car project for Airlie Beach is to be fast-tracked by the Queensland Government.
The government has given the Whitsunday Skyway Project ‘prescribed’ status to streamline the approvals process and is separate to $5m that the government gave it in 2024.
Deputy Premier and Planning Minister yesterday (June 3) claimed the project will “showcase the natural beauty of the Whitsundays in an innovative way”.
“By streamlining approvals, we’re helping the consortium get shovels in the ground sooner,” he says.
The first stage of the project will feature a 1.8km cableway from Airlie Beach to the summit of Conway National Park (about 430 metres up), a luge ride, dining and events venues, and bushwalking tracks.
A second stage involving mountain bike trails is also planned.
Government says the project will create up to 390 construction jobs, at least 80 operational jobs and attract more than 250,000 visitors annually.
‘TIMELY’ APPROVAL FOR PROJECT
State Co-ordinator General Gerard Coggan says the declaration of the project’s new status will ensure it “progresses efficiently” through the approvals process.
“Our role is to ensure that all necessary approvals are achieved in a timely manner, providing a single point of whole-of-government co-ordination and a clear pathway through complex approvals,” he says.
“Prescribed Project status enables us to work closely with all stakeholders, including the proponent, local councils, and regulatory bodies, to ensure the project moves forward without avoidable delays.”
The project is the brainchild of Australian Adventure Tourism Group and executive chairwoman Elizabeth Hackett says the status declaration is a game-changer.
“This status gives us the assurance we need to continue working with our partners and stakeholders to deliver this transformative project.”
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell claims the Whitsunday Skyway is exactly the type of new tourism project that his government wants.
“We said Queensland needed more world-class experiences that give people another reason to visit … the Whitsunday Skyway was identified as one of the first projects because it has the potential to become an iconic new experience.”
Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm claims the project will showcase the region’s beauty, calling it “game-changing eco-tourism infrastructure”.
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