One of Queensland’s most popular camping destinations on the Great Barrier Reef has been upgraded, providing greater accessibility and new amenities to enjoy the state’s great lifestyle.

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Member for Gladstone and Palaszczuk Government Minister Glenn Butcher said the $765,000 revitalisation of the Lady Musgrave Island camping area was now complete with the help of Queensland-based companies Be! Building Group and Gladstone Drafting Pty Ltd.

“More than 150,000 people visit Lady Musgrave every year for a very special camping experience that’s right on the doorstep of our spectacular reef,” Minister Butcher said.

“That tourism isn’t just an example of the great lifestyle we have, it also supports good jobs for Central Queensland.

“As international travel recovers and get out and explore their own backyard, this upgrade just makes sense. New amenities and storerooms will make the experience more enjoyable, and accessible for people of all abilities.

“This marks the completion of a two-year upgrade, which forged ahead during COVID-19 and supported local businesses.”

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the upgrade added to a record $262.5 million investment to create and expand national parks across the state.  

“National parks are good for the environment and good for our economy, injecting some $2.4 billion into communities across Queensland. It’s why we’re investing to expand the national park network and upgrade facilities for people to enjoy,” Minister Scanlon.

“This work included the replacement of amenities on Lady Musgrave with a new advanced composting toilet system and a building that is accessible for people of all abilities.

“The design and construction uses low-maintenance materials and installation methods that reduces the long-term impact on the sensitive environment. The zero-discharge treatment system safely manages visitor waste, protecting the fragile coral cay ecosystems.

“The new amenities block also includes an upgraded storeroom, which makes the camping area easier to manage for volunteer campground hosts.”

Sitting about 60 kilometres north-east of Seventeen Seventy, Lady Musgrave Island is one of the more popular islands for campers in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Campground host Sarah Salmon provides advice and support to visitors staying on Lady Musgrave, and said the new facilities benefited volunteers like herself.

“The upgraded facilities here on Lady Musgrave Island will mean us campground hosts can more easily maintain the area, meaning we’ll have more time to give visitors a better experience while they’re here,” Ms Salmon said.

“The upgrades also create a more inviting atmosphere for visitors as they explore this beautiful part of the Great Barrier Reef.”

The works are part of the Reef Joint Field Management Program and delivered in partnership by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

The project was funded by the program and Reef Trust in collaboration with Australia Pacific LNG, QGC, and Santos GLNG.

QPWS contracted Gladstone Drafting Pty Ltd to design the new area and Be! Building Group to carry out the works.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz – 0420 592 078