Look out for Bunya Mountains lookout improvements

Visitors to the Bunya Mountains can sit back and enjoy the spectacular outlook from new viewing facilities completed with $600,000 from the 2017-19 Works for Queensland Program.

Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe said a new 350 square metre elevated viewing platform provides a better vantage point to appreciate the beauty of the mountains and provides safer access for more visitors.

“Works also included upgrades to the well-known J.S. Fisher Lookout, with the construction of a new walkway, with vegetation conservation and renewal delivered through collaborating with the Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation Murri Rangers,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“This wonderful lookout will be valued by the local community and travellers to this beautiful part of the world for years to come.

“I congratulate Councillor Paul McVeigh, Mayor of Western Downs Regional Council, and the Murri Rangers for the work to deliver this superb lookout for locals and travellers alike.

“The JS Fisher Lookout upgrade and new outlook viewing platforms will no doubt be a drawcard for grey nomads to visit and spend more time in the region which can only be good news for the local economy.

“An aspect of this upgrade I especially like is the partnership between the council and the Murri Rangers to protect the high cultural and environmental values during the upgrade.”

Over the three rounds of Works for Queensland, Western Downs Regional Council has been allocated $7,800,000. Council advises in the first two rounds 294 jobs were created or supported and in the third round council estimates a further 80 jobs will be created or supported.

Western Downs Mayor Paul McVeigh thanked the Minister for the important Works for Queensland program.

“The Bunya Mountains are a popular destination for both locals and our regional visitors. The Works for Queensland funding has enhanced the overall site experience, safety and accessibility and is complemented by the new designated adjoining car park funded by council,” Mayor McVeigh said.

“I am especially proud of the efforts and care taken in the planning and delivery of this project to minimise and conserve the environmental and cultural impacts, which included a threatened species of bluegrass.

“The plants were relocated, and seeds collected to preserve the species, a great outcome.”

Works for Queensland is a $600 million program to support regional councils to undertake job creating maintenance and minor infrastructure work. Since Works for Queensland began eligible councils have reported that more than 17,436 jobs have been created or supported.

For more information see https://www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/local-government/grants/works-for-queensland.