Brisbane’s Mt Coot-tha eco-adventure zipline is a step closer with Lord Mayor Graham Quirk announcing the successful tenderer to construct, operate and maintain the new high-adrenalin tourist attraction.
Cr Quirk said West End-based Zipline Australia had been endorsed for a new Mt Coot-tha zipline, in a plan that would deliver two separate zipline adventures as well as a tree-top suspension bridge.
“Zipline Australia will build the longest treetop canopy zipline tour in Australia, with a 1,500 metre course weaving through the Mt Coot-tha forest,” Cr Quirk said.
“An additional 1,400 metre megazip experience will offer up to six adventurers the chance to zip side-by-side while taking in incredible views of the Brisbane cityscape.
“The company will also construct the longest pedestrian suspended bridge walk in the Southern Hemisphere, a 300 metre walk through the treetops above JC Slaughter Falls.”
Cr Quirk said the Mt Coot-tha zipline would offer a unique outdoor tourism experience within minutes of the inner-city.
“Not only will this be a great experience for the city’s seven million tourists each year, but a great addition to the leisure and lifestyle activities available to residents,” he said.
“Council will contribute $1 million to the construction of the zipline, as part of a wider $15 million investment into the Mt Coot-tha precinct over four years, while Zipline Australia will make a multimillion-dollar investment into new infrastructure and operations for the ziplines.
“Zipline Australia has proven experience in Australia and overseas, and is a family-owned Brisbane company.”
Zipline Australia Managing Director Matthew Thompson said the company was excited to be entrusted by Council to deliver an iconic tourism and zipline recreational experience at Mt Coot-tha.
“Our vision is to deliver a signature visitor experience that reflects the unique opportunity that Mt Coot-tha offers, with respect for the site’s environmental values and cultural heritage,” Mr Thompson said.
Cr Quirk said that due to the high level of interest in the project, Council had undertaken a two-phase shortlisting process, after an initial expressions of interest process in late 2016.
Construction is expected to commence in late 2018, with the treetop zipline to be open to the public in 2019, and the megazip and suspension bridge opening in 2020, subject to permit and planning approvals.
