Longreach Regional Council is currently embarking on a major new community and tourism project along the banks of the Thomson River. The project provides a rare opportunity to plan for the future of one of the most loved and valuable natural assets for the region.
Master planning for the future potential of the precinct will help to guide Council, the community, and industry in making strategic decisions that will further enhance the value of the river while connecting it back to the Longreach community. The master plan has two key objectives:
• Provide new and improved recreational activities for the local community; and
• Attract more visitors to Longreach by enhancing the tourism potential of the river.
Central to the master plan considerations will be ensuring the river can be managed in a way that respects its environmental value and long term sustainability. The master plan seeks to create a more accessible and enhanced tourism and leisure precinct along the riverbank of the Thomson River.
Potential outcomes of the project will include nature walk paths, enhanced access to the river for swimmers, more picnic and public toilet areas, as well as a variety of camping options. A series of larger catalyst projects are also being tested with the community that focus on creating a unique tourism experience that will drive visitations and build upon the broader network of outback experiences.