Ken O'Dowd (Flynn, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Carnarvon Gorge is located about 720 kilometres north-west of Brisbane in the electorate of Flynn. Hidden in the rugged ranges of the Queensland central highlands, Carnarvon Gorge features towering sandstone cliffs, vibrantly coloured gorges, diverse flora and fauna and Aboriginal rock art.

Last Friday I had the honour of opening the new studio accommodation and the astronomy viewing area at Takarakka Bush Resort. With an average of 54,000 visitors to Takarakka per year, the proprietors of the resort saw a growing demand for exclusive high-end accommodation for visitors wishing to enjoy the area with a little more comfort than the average camper. The new studio accommodation is situated adjacent to natural bushland and the sounds of Carnarvon creek running nearby.

Also newly added is the 'Taka Tardis' for astronomy viewing. This astronomy viewing space has been built entirely of recycled materials from the property and finished with state-of-the-art astronomical equipment. With an economic downturn Australia-wide, it is pleasing to see that the Takarakka Bush Resort has taken a risk and established over $1 million worth of new infrastructure.

I thoroughly recommend a visit to Carnarvon Gorge. It is a truly magnificent national park and I am proud to say it is located in the seat of Flynn. I congratulate the managers— (Time expired)