The consultative process in planning for the Ma:Mu Canopy Walk in the Wooroonooran National Park – Wet Tropics World Heritage Area

Abstract

The construction of the Ma:Mu Canopy Walk in the Wooroonooran National Park was completed in August 2008 in culmination of eight years of planning and negotiation with the private sector, the Ma:Mu Traditional Owners and protected area managers. This article examines the attempts to attract a private sector partner to contribute capital to the venture, the process of involving Traditional Owners in protecting cultural heritage places, and dealing with native title rights and interests. The Ma:Mu Canopy Walk diversifies the types of visitor experience opportunities in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The project is the largest single capital works project undertaken by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife in its history.

Keywords:

• rainforest canopy walk
• tourism in protected areas
• public/private partnerships
• Indigenous management
• strategic engagement