Cyclone helps keep canopy walk costs down
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The Queensland Government says its latest ecotourism attraction has come in under budget, partly thanks to Cyclone Larry.
The Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walk, near Innisfail in the state's far north, includes 340 metres of elevated walkway in a two kilometre forest track.
Queensland Sustainability Minister Andrew McNamara says the $10 million project used natural clearings from the cyclone.
"We've used the devastation of Cyclone Larry, and where Cyclone Larry knocked down trees and cleared the way, we've used those lines in an attempt to keep costs down and this project has come in under budget," he said.
Mr McNamara says traditional owners have strong earning potential from the new ecotourism attraction.
He says the Mamu people will earn at least $150,000 a year.
"They have an opportunity in terms of some of the money that is collected for visiting the site will flow through to them - $1 per head for every visitor, and then there are also very strong opportunities to be involved in providing the cultural interpretation, providing food and beverages," he said.
