Council to call for EOIs for Castle Hill adventure tourism
Date published: 25 October 2016
Adventure tourism operators will be invited to register their interest in boosting health and fitness opportunities on Castle Hill.
Townsville City Council today resolved to call for expressions of interest from operators keen to operate health, fitness or adventure activities on or around the city’s landmark site.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the move had been prompted by increased interest and community discussion surrounding adventure based tourism and the use of the city’s iconic locations such as Castle Hill.
Calling for expressions of interest would allow council better understanding of the potential viability and type of activity proposed for the hill.
“With our weather and landscape, I see a big future in adventure tourism activities for our city,” Cr Hill said.
“Already we have an operator with approval and a commercial licence for a temporary zip line set up on the top of Castle Hill. Approval has also been given for the Mountain Bike Australian Cross Country Marathon Championships for the next two years.
“These type of activities can potentially attract national and international interest, putting us on the global map for adventure tourism.”
Deputy Mayor and Planning Committee Chairman Cr Les Walker said there had already been keen interest from the community in getting the project off the ground.
“This year in particular, we have been approached by various commercial operators keen to lease land to set up permanent operations on or around the hill.
“An EOI process will allow us to understand the scope of interest that we can then take to invested agencies such as the State Government and the local Indigenous community.
“Castle Hill is the city’s most recognisable landmark and we need to ensure we achieve the right balance between preserving the natural values and beauty of the hill and at same time, provide opportunities for tourists and recreational users.
The EOI period will last for 30 days from the commencement of notification. A report is expected to be ready for review by council in early 2017.
