$106,000 boost for eco-tourism in Crows Nest to drive bushfire recovery

January 22, 2021

Local tourism in Crows Nest will get a $106,000 boost, as part of $8.9 million in bushfire recovery projects announced today by the Australian and Queensland governments.

Maranoa MP David Littleproud said nine Local Economic Recovery projects announced today to support recovery in Queensland communities hit hard by the 2019-20 bushfires, including two exciting projects in Maranoa.

“In our area, $106,000 will go to the Toowoomba Regional Council for the Crows Nest Mountain Bike Mecca and Escarpment Escape Project,” Mr Littleproud said.

“This project will develop a trail network in the Crows Nest region to boost eco-tourism. The network will cater for bikes, horse riders and walkers.

“Also in Maranoa, the Southern Downs Regional Council will receive $940,000 to improve water infrastructure in Stanthorpe through the for the Smart Water Meters project.

“The devastating effects of the fires have been exacerbated even further by the COVID-19 pandemic, so I am pleased to see this funding flowing to Maranoa communities to aid in their recovery.”

The projects announced today are the third round of projects announced in Queensland and the first for 2021. They come from $36.8 million for bushfire recovery projects under the Local Economic Recovery program, announced by the Australian and Queensland governments last year.

This funding builds on two Local Economic Recovery projects announced for Maranoa last year, including $1.9 million to replace a 3km stretch of wooden poles, susceptible to fire, in a high fire risk area in Toowoomba.

The latest announcement brings the total projects approved under the LER Program in Queensland to 27 with a total value of more than $26 million, with further projects still to be approved.

For more information on the Local Economic Recovery program in Queensland visit www.qra.qld.gov.au/LER

For information on Local Economic Recovery projects funded in Queensland – and across Australia – visit www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au/local-recovery-projects