20/11/2023
I have just been sent this article by a friend in cairns.
Just for the record, as an operator, I am aware of what is going on when it comes to ‘work’ being applied to the Thorsborne Trail.
I wish to make it very clear that when Nick Dametto implies that he has spoken to operators, rest assured, he never spoke to me.
However, the department of Environment and Science have.
All work that is happening has been agreed to by the Bandjin and Girramay people of hinchinbrook island as per requirement for it to happen.
The small amount of work being conducted was explained to me as an operator by the department of Environment and science many many months ago.
Extra toilets, larger campsite layouts and a larger pontoon area at the northern access boardwalk has been approved and work has begun.
Rest assured, there has been no mention of an extension of the trail for many years as Cape Richard’s is no longer a resort location.
I would like to add, cape Richard’s to Nina bay would be a distance of 24km with no natural water source for hikers.
Putting in a water source such as a tank and structure to catch water could be ‘deemed’ as infrastructure and therefor a development which could set a precedent for future development aspirations.
Nobody is falling for that old chestnut.
I would say the survey question relating to it was not removed from the survey and the journalist has reacted to it.
We would like the journalist to know that our indigenous custodians of hinchinbrook Island are aware of everything that is happening in this space as are the operators because the department of environment do not make decisions regarding the island on their own.
I would like to point out that the last attempt to develop Hinchinbrook was brought about by the tourism department, not DES and although the same government, I’m sure it is clear now which department is in partnership with the island custodians and operators.
I have no idea what Nick is trying to say but I feel informed enough to know that the island is being looked after to the best practises and the stake holders do communicate any issues that could be detrimental to cultural or natural heritage as well as clientele numbers and local lifestyles.
There is ‘NO’ trail of secrets when it comes to the Thorsborne Trail.
