Queensland Government invites zip line proposals for Sunshine Coast's Obi Obi Gorge

Visitors to the Obi Obi Gorge in Kondalilla National Park may soon be able to enjoy the experience from lofty new heights with the Queensland Government opening an Expressions of Interest process for a zip line canopy tour.

The Queensland Government is inviting interested parties to submit a first stage concept for the site and to ensure that they will be are able to finance and operate the site responsibly. Shortlisted proponents will then submit more detailed proposals.

Explaining the development, Queensland Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey said Kondalilla National Park could soon be home to a new ecotourism experience and that the plans conformed to the Queensland Government's commitment to the future success of nature-based tourism through ecologically responsible partnerships with the private sector.

Minister Stuckey stated "opening up national parks and protected areas will encourage visitors to stay longer in our regions and ultimately help us achieve our goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to $30 billion by 2020.

"We are committed to ensuring our natural areas are managed in a sustainable way so they will remain an asset for future generations of locals and tourists alike.

"The zipline project will let operators contribute to our vision of making Queensland a world leader in ecotourism by 2020 and I encourage proponents to submit innovative concepts which will showcase this unique region."

Minister Stuckey said the Government had worked closely with the site's Traditional Owners the Jinibara People as well as the wider Sunshine Coast community to ensure the project would maximise environmental, social and cultural benefits.

Also commenting on the plans, Queensland National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said the Obi Obi zipline EOI process would ensure Queensland's ecotourism opportunities were guided by ecologically responsible and sustainable practices.

Minister Dickson added "Queensland is blessed with some of the world's most stunning national parks and protected areas, and we want to share these with the world by making them more accessible.

"The Obi Obi Gorge in Kondalilla National Park provides a unique opportunity to showcase the region's pristine natural environment to all Queenslanders and visitors. Ziplines and canopy walks are a popular drawcard for nature-based tourism throughout the world and we want to capitalise on that."

Detailed information on the EOI process is available at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/tourism/ecotourism/investments.html

Submissions are due by 4.00pm on Friday 28th February 2014.

Zip line image courtesy of Ziptrek Queenstown.

15th February 2013 - QUEENSLAND TO OPEN NATIONAL PARKS TO TOURISM?

3rd December 2009 - ACCOMMODATION PLANS FOR QUEENSLAND NATIONAL PARKS