By Rachael Smith
The highly anticipated Whitsunday Skyway is set to gain momentum in 2024 and, with firm plans in place, all that remains is to secure the project’s final approvals and finalization of the investment structure. Once this occurs, the Whitsundays could be just two years away from welcoming its largest piece of on-land infrastructure which will completely change the landscape of tourism in the region.
The base station of the Skyway’s cable car structure will be located a short walk from Airlie Beach. It will take guests to a summit within the Conway Ranges where they can marvel at incredible 360-degree views of the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands. Never before has it been possible to give every visitor easy access to one of the best aspects of our region.
With over 600,000 visitors coming to the Whitsunday region every year - many of them on the 100 plus cruise ships that are expected to arrive in 2024 - it is evident that an on-land activity would boost the visitor experience, especially on a rainy day.
It is with this impetus that local tourism pioneer, Elizabeth Hackett, Executive Chair of the Australian Adventure Tourism Group, decided to create the Whitsunday Skyway as a transformational project which will leave an unparalleled legacy for the region, that the AATG Board is determined to bring to fruition.
Set to attract a diverse range of adventure and leisure seekers, the Skyway will offer much more than a cable car ride to the summit.
Guests can choose from a casual two-hour experience or a multi-day adventure experience.
Immerse themselves in the educational and cultural activities at the Summit Station.
Explore the bush tracks, ride down the hillside on the mountain bike trails, take a luge cart ride, or enjoy the challenge of the junior ropes course.
This dynamic and creative offering will bring a wealth of options to the region’s visitors and Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays Rick Hamilton, says he is excited to throw his support behind the project.
"Tourism Whitsundays is a huge supporter of Whitsunday Skyway,” he shared.
“This is the largest piece of private tourism infrastructure we've seen built in The Whitsundays for a long time and the benefits this project will bring to the area are incredible.
“We are all waiting, as patiently as we can, for the day we can finally celebrate the approvals.”
The inspiring driving force behind the project is AATG, chaired by Elizabeth Hackett who has nursed the seed of the idea for the past 25 years, forming a more concrete plan over the last seven years.
“It was Cyclone Debbie that became the catalyst to advance the project,” said Elizabeth.
“The cyclone highlighted to the Regional and State Industry and Government bodies that Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Region is significantly reliant on marine tourism activities.
“When these tourism activities are not able to meet the needs of visitors, the region was left in a vulnerable position.
“A need for a land-based attraction has been repeatedly highlighted by the tourism sector and is strongly supported by stakeholders in the region.”
At this stage the Skyway is in the detailed assessment stage under the Queensland Government’s Exclusive Transactions Framework and a process deed has been signed with the State specific conditions that must be addressed before they consider granting land tenure for the project.
It has taken several years of patient negotiation to reach this stage and Elizabeth is feeling hopeful that permission will be granted this year.
Once all approvals are confirmed, it will take between 18 months and two years for construction to be complete.
During this time 400 full-time staff will be needed for construction and, once the project is complete, 140 new jobs will be needed for operation.
A further 591 indirect jobs are also expected.
The Skyway is projected to bring around $38.4 million of new spending per annum, which would have a net overall impact on the economy of $27.6 million after approximately three years.
It is also anticipated that the Skyway has the potential to lengthen the region’s visitation by between 0.25 and one bed nights per visitor.
Currently looking for sophisticated investors, Whitsunday Skyway is now seeking $5-$6 million to deliver a de-risked project, ready for the final investment strategy to be concluded later this year.
“This will be a benchmark tourist attraction,” explained Elizabeth.
“To date this project has received enormous support from all stakeholders, we look forward to its continued support as the project progresses the approval process.
“On our watch, we will achieve it!”
An aerial view of the Whitsunday Skyway showing the location of the project. Photo supplied
Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays Rick Hamilton, Publicity and Communication Executive of Tourism Whitsundays, Cait Fleming and Elizabeth Hackett, Executive Chair of the Australian Adventure Tourism Group. Photo credit: Jake Greenfield.
