| THE AIRLIE Beach Skyway project has made another step forward. The Crisafulli Government announced on Tuesday (November 19) that it would inject a $5 million investment into Skyway, Airlie Beach, to assist with the key eco-tourism project. Once operational, cable cars will take visitors 430 metres above sea level for breathtaking views of the Whitsundays mainland and islands, with a visitor centre at the top where people can walk around. Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell joined Whitsunday Skyway project proponent Elizabeth Hackett, from Australian Adventure Tourism Group, for a sneak preview of the new attraction destined for Airlie Beach. Standing at the site of the proposed midway station, Minister Powell said visitors would be awestruck by the views. “This attraction is exactly the sort of showcase we need to give tourists and locals alike a real understanding of the incredible natural beauty of the Whitsundays,” Mr Powell said. “We know visitors are looking for these unique experiences, and I’m confident this will be a world class facility. “The Crisafulli Government is pleased to commit $5 million to the project and will work with Ms Hackett to make sure the approval process is as efficient as possible. “We know the right environmental protections need to be in place, because the major drawcard is the nature at its finest here in the Whitsundays. “We also need to make sure that operators are getting their projects assessed in a timely way,” Mr Powell said. Australian Adventure Tourism Group chair Elizabeth Hackett welcomed the Government’s commitment. “We are thrilled with this support for our venture,” Ms Hackett said. “We want to get cracking with this amazing project so that locals win in the construction phase with jobs, and then visitors win with the completion of the Skyway with access to the best views in the world.” The Skyway will create a land-based attraction, providing an incentive for visitors to stay longer and spend more money in the Whitsunday region. The project will create 400 construction jobs, with an additional 140 jobs ongoing, once the Skyway is completed. The $100 million project is undergoing approvals at State and Federal levels before construction can commence. |
New heights ahead for tourism with Airlie Beach Skyway
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