Newsroom

August 15, 2024

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto and Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) candidates are calling on the Townsville City Council to bring forward the next stages of the Mount Louisa walking tracks in a bid to open up more local, recreational outdoor spaces in the Townsville area.

KAP is calling on the Townsville City Council (TCC) to reveal when they plan to progress with the next stages of the Mount Louisa Open Space Masterplan (Masterplan). The current tracks were built as Stage 1 of the Masterplan and were completed in 2020 with no suggestion within the last four years as to when the next stages would be constructed.

The calls stem from Townsville’s large community of outdoor enthusiasts who are keen to gain access to more publicly available outdoor recreational and hiking areas. Additionally, locals are expressing their frustration with the lack of maintenance on the current tracks which are falling into disrepair.

Townsville local and regular track user, Ms Arabella Robinson, said that the current Mount Louisa tracks were an incredible fitness and workout space that was free to the public.

“At the moment, the track does require some maintenance. There is a build-up of dead debris that could become a slip hazard to users,” Ms Robinson said.

“Overall the walking tracks contribute to the physical, mental and social wellbeing of our community. It would be great to see further commitment from our local council as promised, with the support of KAP and the State Government.”

Margie Ryder, KAP Candidate for Townsville said that opening up the next stages of the Mount Louisa tracks would support one of the TCC’s goals under their operational plan by providing a sustainable destination that was safe, flexible, and accessible for those who work long hours and would still like to enjoy nighttime exercise.

“With the support of the State Government, TCC can to continue to grow the opportunity for everyone  to participate in sport or some sort of recreation in a safe place.”

KAP Candidate for Mundingburra Michael Pugh, who is also the founder of the Townsville Hike and Explore Group, said that as an avid outdoor enthusiast who was involved with the official opening of the Mount Louisa tracks in 2020, he had watched this trail become increasingly popular year on year.

“However unfortunately the maintenance, upkeep, infrastructure and state of the tracks in general isn’t keeping up with the increase in usage,” Mr Pugh said.

“The tracks have been closed after rain events due to landslips, is often overgrown and to put it bluntly, leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to maintenance and upkeep in line with current usage.

“The Mount Louisa tracks are used by thousands of fitness fanatics every week, and given the location, design, and amazing viewpoints, it is popular with families, kids, groups and those of all fitness levels and abilities.

“That said, I’ve personally been involved in two serious incidents on the trail, which required me to call 000 for users that had succumbed to the heat. An exposed trail such as this one, used all year round and over the hot summer months should have water available at the summit.

“In a city where we want to promote health and wellness, what price do we put on the safety and wellbeing of the end user? The demand is there and the installation of water, toilet amenities and lighting would boost the usability of this area even more.

“I’ve been passionate about the outdoors even prior to becoming a state candidate, and if the local council promised to deliver this project, then if I were elected in the seat of Mundingburra, I would promise to do any work necessary to assist with locking in the funding for this worthwhile project.”

KAP Deputy Leader Nick Dametto said that Stage 1 of the Mount Louisa walking tracks had been fully embraced by the Townsville community and were very well utilised.

“The user demand clearer demonstrates that expanding the Mount Louisa walking track would be a worthwhile community investment,” Mr Dametto said.

“It’s clear that the Townsville City Council intended to follow through with the entire Masterplan.  With the current demand for outdoor recreational spaces being so high, now is the ideal time to reveal what will come next for the Mount Louisa area.

“Projects like this rely heavily on State Government funding. No one expects Council to foot the entire bill here, but if they are willing to make a commitment to continue with the next stage of the project, then the KAP will also commit to doing whatever is necessary to secure the state funding necessary to progress the project to the next stages.

“People decide to live and move to places like North Queensland because of the extensive outdoor activities that we have on offer. The State and Local governments must continue to invest in these spaces to keep up with population growth and demand.”

Photo: Nick Dametto MP, KAP candidates and local Townsville hiking enthusiasts.