ROBBIE Katter is calling on State Government to step in and support the Western Queensland economy by committing to funding for a key tourism route in Winton.
The State Member for Mount Isa said sealing the 11 kilometre stretch of unsealed road to the Age of Dinosaurs tourist attraction would boost visitor access.
“The State Government has emphasised it wants to promote and increase tourism opportunities in Western Queensland and the Age of Dinosaurs Road is a great starting point,” Mr Katter said.
“Sealing the road would give travellers another incentive to stay in the town longer and put money through the tills of local businesses.”
Improved accessibility to the attraction would draw more visitors to the region, Mr Katter said.
“The Age of Dinosaurs is one of the most impressive tourist attractions in the Mount Isa electorate and by sealing the road I’m confident it could build on the already 27,5000 annual visitors,” he said.
“Investing in the sealing of the road would mean it’s more accessible and user-friendly for visitors.”
“Tourists shouldn’t be deterred to visit this world-class attraction because of the state of a road.”
Tourists shouldn’t be deterred to visit this world-class attraction because of the state of a road
- Robbie Katter
“They need to be encouraged and given every opportunity to visit the Age of Dinosaurs and that requires sealing the road.”
Mr Katter said investing in infrastructure such as roads was vital for boosting employment and the economies of rural communities.
“The Age of Dinoaurs is a significant economic contributor to Western Queensland and is worthy of government support,” he said.
“I commend Winton Shire Council mayor Butch Lenton for driving this important project.”
“Council has undertaken the design and costing for the road sealing project but as with most rural councils, has limited capacity to fund the project.”
“The State and Federal governments need to commit to Western Queensland by maximising tourism opportunities in a unique and popular part of the country.”
Mr Katter said the three stage project to seal the road would cost approximately $8 million and would offset some of the losses after the popular Waltzing Matilda centre was destroyed by fire last year.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
