In another serious blow to tourism in north west Queensland, the hugely popular Boodjamulla National Park (Lawn Hill) in the Gulf of Carpentaria will remain closed until at least the end of this year.
The temporary closure is the result of severe flooding which devastated the park back in March.
Principal Ranger and CoChair of the Boodjamulla Cooperative Management Council (CMC), David Woods, said the damage was extensive.
“Ranger residences, the visitor centre, building services, the Lawn Hill Gorge and Miyumba camping areas, walking tracks and trails were flooded, and the roads leading to and within the national park suffered damage,” he said. “More than 1.3 metres of rain was dumped in the region in the first quarter of the year.”
The flooding stripped vegetation from the banks river banks. PIC: Queensland DES
Mr Woods said an assessment of the level of structural damage to park assets and a flood study would inform the ensuing reconstruction project.
“The CMC is also looking at building new opportunities that will improve the visitor experience, create awareness of Waanyi culture, and strengthen the existing partnership between Waanyi People and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service,” Mr Woods said. “We understand this will be disappointing for many people, but our number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of our staff and visitors.”
There are fears the park’s closure will put travellers off the area, and places such as Mount Isa, a four-hour drive away, will feel the knock-on effect.
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