Indigenous ecotourism project in the Far North progressing
The Queensland Budget recently committed $700,000 to the Mandingalbay Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation (MYAC), to help progress the Mandingalbay Yidinji Eco Cultural Tourism Precinct proposal at East Trinity Inlet between Cairns and Yarrabah.
MYAC’s Indigenous Protected Area Tourism and Infrastructure Manager, Dewayne Mundraby said MYAC was committed to reshaping Far North Queensland Indigenous tourism.
“We’re already delivering three, authentic On Country visitor experiences with our 42-seater commercial vessel and the next step is securing investment for the remaining stages two to six,” Mr Mundraby said.
“The Queensland Government’s $700,000 will help to progress the project to investment ready status,” he said.
Queensland Government funding for the first stage under the Connecting with Asia strategy helped deliver, a jetty, access infrastructure, a spectacular shelter and amenities and assistance to refocus experiences for domestic visitors.
MYAC’s vision for the Mandingalbay Yidinji Eco Cultural Tourism Precinct proposal is a $46.8 million, world-class attraction showcasing Indigenous history, culture and the natural environment for adventure, fun, education and wellbeing.
The business is growing steadily and looking to expand its capacity by recruiting and training indigenous youth from the nearby Yarrabah community.
The recent Queensland Government support is from the $27.4 million Regional Tourism Recovery Program, providing targeted funding for tourism projects that will help Queensland’s visitor economy to continue to recover and grow, post-pandemic.