Anglers, birdwatchers and other tourists to Lockhart River will soon have more accommodation choices thanks to funding from Round 4 of the Palaszczuk Government’s successful $295 million Building our Regions (BoR) program.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said this latest round of BoR will see the state partner with 37 councils on 49 projects.
“This work will deliver vital infrastructure to our communities and will stimulate regional economic growth, while supporting an estimated 657 jobs,” Mr Dick said.
“The $1.018 million Lockhart River Airport Cabins project is receiving $1 million through BoR, with Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council contributing $18,000.”
Lockhart River Ministerial Champion Mark Bailey said four new cabins within the Iron Range National Park, near the town’s airport, will increase tourism beds and help attract more visitors to the region, with three jobs to be supported during construction.
“More than 24 million domestic and international visitors overnight in Queensland each year, and this project will help Lockhart River’s appeal for the adventure tourism market,” Mr Bailey said.
“Every cabin will have a fully equipped kitchen, ensuite bathroom and split system air-conditioning, while a new driveway, drainage, water and electricity supply are all part of the external works.
“The Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council is developing a uniquely Cape York tourism experience, and in doing so are stimulating sustainable community development and economic growth, along with local jobs and business opportunities.”
Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Wayne Butcher welcomed the Building our Regions investment in Lockhart River.
“With the addition of the new cabins we will deliberately expand our target market towards more eco-tourism visitors,” Mr Butcher said.
“This will focus on increasing occupancy at weekends and in the shoulder and off-seasons, as well as providing accommodation for visiting service providers.”
Under previous rounds, the BoR program has allocated $225 million to 174 critical infrastructure projects across the state, generating 1762 jobs and attracting additional investment of $353.5 million from councils and other organisations.
Learn more about the Building our Regions program.
