Whitsundays Great Walks

_{16 April, 2008}

Ms JARRATT (Whitsunday—ALP) (11.37 am): I was delighted to host the Minister for
Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, in my electorate earlier this month,
and like any good guest he came bearing a gift. The minister came to the Whitsundays to announce the
Bligh government’s plans to commence work on four new Great Walks for Queensland. The new walks
at Conondale Range, Cooloola National Park, Carnarvon National Park and the Whitsunday islands will
add to the six existing walks and allow Queensland to showcase its beauty and diversity to visitors from
around the world.

The new walk in the Whitsundays is to be known as the Ngaro Sea Trail in recognition and honour
of the traditional owners who have a long history and rich cultural relationship with the islands and
seaways of the Whitsundays. The Ngaro Sea Trail is more of a hop than a walk as it leads people
across and around three Whitsunday islands, taking in iconic views across Hill Inlet and Whitehaven
Beach, as well as an opportunity to view ancient Aboriginal rock art, climb rugged headlands for
spectacular views across turquoise waters and sail or kayak between beautiful tropical islands. Using
either private vessels or commercial options, the trail will lead visitors through a series of short walks of
varying degrees of difficulty on Hook, Whitsunday and South Molle islands. Camping spots are available
for those who want to enjoy the trail at a leisurely pace.

This will be the second Great Walk for the Whitsundays and I am pleased to say that the existing
walk is growing in popularity as word spreads about how good it is. I am particularly pleased to know
that the walk is being used by groups of schoolchildren whose teachers have recognised the great
educational opportunities inherent in the walk. I place on record my enthusiastic support for the
expansion of the Great Walk program. I believe it is a great way to encourage people to re-engage with
our national parks and reap the benefits of physical activity in a way that also has benefits for the soul. I
look forward to welcoming the minister back to the Whitsundays next year to officially open the greatest
walk of them all—the Ngaro Sea Trail.

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