New trail pays homage to town’s historic links

A new trail improving access from Greenpatch Campground to the Gordonvale Town Centre pays homage to the region’s Traditional Custodians, its history and those who have been on a cancer journey.

The Bungara Heritage Trail was completed as part of Round 3 of the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland funding and was officially opened by Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave the Hon Curtis Pitt MP and Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning today.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the trail was an important part of Gordonvale’s Economic Plan providing easy access from the Greenpatch Campground to Gordonvale’s Town Centre. The trail includes a series of interpretive signs which tell the story of Gordonvale, showcasing the rich and diverse history of the area.

“The trail is named after the Traditional Custodians of the area, the Dulabed Malanbarra Yidinji. The trail acknowledges Bungara who was a significant person in the local area.” Cr Manning said.

“The trail was used by the original custodians of the area prior to European occupation, as a means of access between what is now Norman Park and Mulgrave Mill land, the Mulgrave River, coastal areas and the Atherton Tablelands.

“The link provides improved access from Greenpatch into Gordonvale, so visitors can learn about the history of the area while they take an easy 600m stroll into town.”

Mr Pitt said that the project was funded with a $600,000 contribution from the Works for Queensland package.

“The Bungara Heritage Trail links the Gordonvale CBD with the Greenpatch RV campground ground and day use area, which was also funded by a $1.75 million investment from Works for Queensland funding.

“Cairns Regional Council has now received more than $64.5 million in direct funding from the Queensland Government to spend on projects which increase the liveability of our region.

“Formalising the Bungara Heritage Trail will encourage day visitors and travellers to visit the Gordonvale town centre and contribute to our local economy.”

Division 1 Councillor Brett Moller said Bungara Heritage Trail also paid tribute to those who have been on a cancer journey, something which held personal significance for his family following his wife’s battle with the disease.

“We had to travel to Brisbane so she could undergo major surgery and each morning and afternoon I would go for a walk along the Bowen Bridge Heritage trail at Herston,” Cr Moller said.

“The dedication ‘To those who are or have been on a cancer journey, with our love and support’ was in recognition of those who are suffering from cancer but also those family members and loved ones who are there supporting.

“Walking through a beautiful nature/heritage trail like the Bowen Bridge trail allowed me to clear my head and think things through and gather my strength to support my wife when I went up to visit her for the day at hospital and I hope that this trail can provide an outlet for those who may need it.”

The Bungara Heritage Trail is a joint initiative of Cairns Regional Council and the Queensland Government.