The Madja Botanical Walk in the Daintree National Park has reopened this week after a $1.3 million upgrade that has included new and upgraded boardwalks, refurbished the concrete paths, new interpretive signage and a new information shelter.
Attending the official reopening, Queensland Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said the upgrade was the latest in a series of investments to improve the experience for visitors to National Parks, commenting “the Daintree Rainforest is truly unique - it is the oldest living rainforest in the world and is an internationally-acclaimed biodiversity hotspot.
“And this is one of the few places where plants representing all stages of the evolution of land plants over the last 400 million years are found.
“Thousands of people visit this special place every year, and this new Madja Botanical Walk through the beautiful rainforest will help enhance their experience.”
Minister Enoch added “this project is a collaborative effort between the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Peoples, who have cared for this special country for thousands of generations, and the Queensland Government.
“We know places like the Daintree are special, and are where people can come and experience the natural environment.”
In addition to the funding for the Madja Botanical Walk, the Queensland Government’s $35 million Revitalising National Parks Program includes $1 million in 2018/19 for walking track upgrades and the replacement of lookout structures in Mossman Gorge. The funding aims to revitalise infrastructure that plays a key role in enhancing experiences of visitors to Queensland’s iconic national parks.
An additional $750,000 million was also allocated in 2019/20 for other infrastructure upgrades in Daintree National Park, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest.
Local tour operator, Mike D’Arcy praised the Queensland Government’s investment in the area’s future, concluding “the Madja renovation brilliantly showcases our unique rainforest, mangroves, ferns and relic plants.
“It’s the jewel in the crown of the four cleverly designed QPWS boardwalks here in the Daintree, and is absolutely critical to enhancing our visitor experience, and sustaining both our community and our environment.”
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