Queensland Government Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Steve Dickson has announced a new project to build a suspension bridge across the gorge below Purling Brook Falls in the Springbrook National Park.

Mr Dickson said that the bridge will be an instant World Heritage tourism icon, boosting the local economy, as well as providing an outlet for Gold Coast families to get fit and healthy in the great outdoors while enjoying the beautiful scenery at the national park.

The project is expected to deliver on the Newman Government’s promise to grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the economy and make Queensland a top nature-based tourism destination in Australia.

The suspension bridge will have a single span of about 25 metres, around seven metres above the creek and approximately 200 metres of new track will be laid amongst sub-tropical rainforest and along the banks of the Little Nerang Creek.

The bridge will allow visitors to complete a circuit to view the falls for the first time in more than two and a half years since a section was closed due to landslides and ongoing maintenance problems.

Mr Dickson explained that Purling Brook Circuit being one of Queensland’s most popular national park tracks, the Government had to find a solution to keep it open as maintaining the existing track was expensive.

The Government has also conducted a feasibility study and geological mapping to determine the location for the bridge and track, which will be positioned downstream away from possible rockfall and erosion.

Member for Mudgeeraba Ros Bates said Springbrook was an important drawcard for tourists and locals, adding that the suspension bridge will provide a complete view of the beautiful 100-metre drop Purling Brook waterfall, and downstream to smaller falls and Little Nerang Creek.

Daniel Gschwind, Chief Executive, Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) also welcomed the investment, observing that the Gold Coast is a major attraction for visitors to Queensland; by creating diverse and innovative experiences for visitors to venture into the hinterland, economic benefits will flow into the region.

Tenders for the bridge construction will be called in August 2014.

Architecture & Design Team

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