It was billed as a grand initiative to highlight the stunning landscape of the Sunshine Coast but, 17 years later, a proposed aerial attraction still hasn’t taken flight.
A proposed skywalk, skyrail or cable car was one of 10 “catalyst projects” identified in a Sunshine Coast Regional Tourism Investment and Infrastructure Plan in 2008.
The plan was developed by Tourism Queensland in consultation with local government and key Sunshine Coast tourism stakeholders.
Then-Minister for Tourism Desley Boyle said it presented “an exciting opportunity for the Sunshine Coast” that “opens the door to a whole range of new possibilities”.
Among the projects listed was a hinterland skywalk and/or skyrail or cable car attraction, which was intended to showcase the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
But it never really got going.
Scroll down for a full list of ‘catalyst’ tourism projects identified in 2008
Sunshine Coast News understands the proposal basically slipped down the list of priorities.
At the time, the Queensland Government was working with Tourism Queensland on proposed destination management plans, tourism opportunity plans and regional tourism infrastructure investment plans.
These plans encompassed a broad range of projects, many of which progressed.
However, given the long-term horizon of 10-plus years for some of the initiatives, it was always understood that evolving priorities could mean certain projects would not move forward.
Tourism Queensland and the state government had worked with a range of local stakeholders to identify a range of major projects based around the themes of nature-based experiences, adventure, event facilities and tourism precincts.
Ms Boyle said at the time that the plan “aimed to identify new tourism product and investment opportunities and the infrastructure needed to support them”.
Her comments came off the back of a $2 billion boost from domestic and international visitors to the region in 2007-08.
“Tourism is a major industry for the Sunshine Coast … for the destination to continue to prosper we need to identify new opportunities and this plan looks at what is already there, and lists some catalyst projects, or ‘wish list’ ideas, for new initiatives,” she said.
Public and private investors were to be sought from 2009, after the plan’s official release.
Some of the 10 initiatives, including a sports complex at Stockland Park and a Great Walk at Conondale, gained traction, while others were largely forgotten.
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Then-Tourism Sunshine Coast chairman Graeme Pearce said that the plan would provide the framework for a sustainable tourism industry in the region.
“We are a proud partner in the production of the RTIIP (Regional Tourism Investment and Infrastructure Plan) and strongly support the 10 projects identified in the plan,” he said.
“The emphasis on attractions and nature-based tourism opportunities demonstrates that the plan will add significantly to the wide range of quality tourism experiences already available to our visitors.”
The minister said 186 investment opportunities had been identified in the plan and its implementation would create a range of investment and employment opportunities.
Plans were also being developed for other tourism regions in Queensland.
‘Catalyst’ tourism projects identified in 2008
- A convention, exhibition and performing arts centre, possibly in the Maroochy CBD.
- A hinterland skywalk and/or skyrail or cable car attraction to showcase the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
- The Stockland Park Regional Sports Complex including a new 12,000 capacity outdoor multi-use stadium.
- An attractions and adventure park precinct to connect existing attractions such as Aussie World and Australia Zoo, expanding existing attractions and creating new attractions such as a new water theme park.
- A hinterland eco-lodge incorporating nature-based and Indigenous experiences for visitors.
- A hinterland nature-based tourist drive, linking the Glass House Mountains and towns such as Maleny, Montville and Mary Valley with a similar profile as the Great Ocean Road route in Victoria.
- Coastal green trails including a new Great Walk in Conondale and the development of a shuttle bus system to link existing walks.
- Rainbow Beach Eco Resort to establish itself as a major eco-tourism and resort destination for Australia.
- Implementation of initiatives relating to the Noosa Biosphere Reserve including tourism opportunities.
- Special tourism precinct masterplanning for Hastings Street, the Maroochydore town centre, Caloundra CBD and Mooloolaba Spit.
