Private walking tours could be given exclusive access to the soon-to-be-completed Ngaro Track on Whitsunday Island.

 

The QLD Government has collected expressions of interest from private companies to operate multi-day walking tours on the World Heritage-listed Whitsunday Island – home to the famous Whitehaven Beach.

The EOI period for operating private walking tours on the under-construction Ngaro Track ended a month ago. It has reignited the debate over commercial projects being developed in national parks – areas intended to preserve and protect, not for commercial profit.

Wildlife Queensland Scientific Advisor, Sonia Underdahl told ABC Radio this week, ‘The average person who funds the national parks is looking for open, free access with a focus on conservation of biodiversity’.

What is proposed on the Ngaro Track?

The 32km Ngaro Track – which is currently under construction using public funding – will provide a rare opportunity for a multi-day hike in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

The plan for the trail is to connect the pristine Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet in the Whitsunday Islands National Park – part of the World Heritage Area, and the traditional land and sea Country of the Ngaro People.

The QLD government has promised boutique camping platforms and communal shelters, along with ‘loos with views’ along the new track, which is expected to be completed in December 2024.

Projection of architecturally designed communal shelter

Supplied by Lat Studios

It’s expected that if a private company is allowed to run guided walking tours it’ll have exclusive use of these new premium campgrounds, facilities, and the Ngaro Track in general, with self-guided walkers only having access to use the less-scenic existing campsites.

Conservationists and locals fear this will not only push out the general public, but also threaten the fragile ecosystem.

Locals Win Similar Fight on Sunshine Coast

The QLD government has abandoned similar national park development plans on the Sunshine Coast after community backlash.

The Cooloola Great Walk Eco-Tourism Project was set to include eco-cabins at five sites along the 102km Cooloola Great Walk in the Great Sandy National Park.

However, a spokesperson for the QLD Department of Tourism and Sport said last week that the project has essentially been cast aside. While they couldn’t confirm the reason why, it’s suggested the significant community opposition to the project may have stopped it from progressing.

Time will tell if a similar result will occur in the Whitsundays.

 

Feature image by Monique Vincent

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