Outback tourism projects underway in the heart of Western Queensland

March 9, 2022

Minister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt, and Agriculture and Northern Australia Minister and member for Maranoa, David Littleproud, welcomed the start of construction on the Cunnamulla Artesian Hot Springs and Warrego River Walk Experience and the Cunnamulla Pontoon, Jetty and Warrego Boat Cruises Projects.

Minister Keith Pitt said tourism was a growing industry in the area and welcomed the nearly $6 million in investment.

“These projects are expected to deliver more than 20 direct jobs for the region, and help the community capture more tourism dollars – growing the local economy and boosting local businesses,” Minister Pitt said.

“Strengthening the tourism offering in Cunnamulla will attract new and returning visitors to a quintessentially Australian experience.

“Projects such as these being delivered in Cunnamulla are a great example of the value managing our water resources well, can provide communities, economies and the environment.

“Improved amenities for locals as well as economically sustainable tourism assets for the greater Queensland Southern Outback will provide a platform for future tourism growth.”

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia and local member for Maranoa David Littleproud attended the sod-turning event in Cunnamulla.

“The projects create an outdoor space that will allow the community to host events, community functions and family gatherings,” Minister Littleproud said.

“The cruises will amplify the key Cunnamulla themes of ‘live like a local’ and ‘essence of the outback’.

“The geothermally heated hot baths will be a great place for locals and tourists to relax, while the Warrego River walk gives visitors easy access to the river while also providing huge benefits to the local environment.

“It is also anticipated that many of the job opportunities will be filled by local Indigenous people (Kunja) and recognise their culture through artwork along the river walk that tells their story.

“I look forward to the completion of the projects in late November and seeing the benefits they bring to the local community.”

The Cunnamulla Artesian hot springs and the Warrego River Walk have been funded under the Sustainable Rural Water Use for Infrastructure Program ($4.992 million) and the Cunnamulla Pontoon, Jetty and Warrego Boat Cruise Project, funded under Round 3 of the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program ($943,474).