GLEN INNES will literally have its head-in-the-clouds once its latest tourism development is complete, with a $2 million State Government grant giving flight to a spectacular ‘sky-walk’ at the Centennial Parklands and Martin’s Lookout.

Mr Marshall was in Glen Innes recently to make the announcement, from the government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program, and inspect plans to construct an 80-metre long board-walk around the edge of the Centennial Parklands, ending at a tree-house lookout overlooking the town.

“The sky is the absolute limit for tourism opportunities in Glen Innes with this innovative and exciting new sky-walk project,” Mr Marshall said.

“Not since the Australian Standing Stones were officially opened in 1992 has this culturally significant piece of parkland seen such a major development.

“The sky-walk will run along the side of the hill parallel to Watsons Drive until it reaches the area known as Martin’s Lookout.

“Raised board walks, as utilised in most NSW National Parks, will provide smooth access for pedestrians of all level of mobility.

“A number of viewing platforms are proposed at different vantage points along the path, providing visitors with uninterrupted views of the rolling Glen Innes landscape and township.

“This is an incredible project to reinvigorate the Centennial Parklands and create new avenues to build on the Australian Celtic Festival.

“This sky-walk will enhance the Glen Innes visitor experience while also encouraging Glen Innes locals to reengage with this beautiful part of own.”

Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Carol Sparks said the sky-walk was a well-thought out project for which the community has demonstrated support through council’s community consultation process.

“This sky-walk will adds to the diverse range of attractions we already have in Glen Innes,” Cr Sparks said.

“I want to congratulate council’s planning department on reducing its development assessment processing times from 46 days down to an average of 6.5 days over the past six months, helping council to secure this major State Government investment.

“The improvements to council’s DA processing times is a significant development which demonstrates council’s capacity to provide service for the benefit of our local economic development.”

Glen Innes Severn Council Manager Economic Development Margot Davis said the sky-walk project would create jobs during construction and provide long-term economic stimulus.

“The sky-walk project during construction will provide local jobs and the community will benefit from flow-on supply chain effect in terms of local purchases of goods and services representing a total of seven jobs,” Ms Davis said.

“The iconic sky-walk will be delivered as part of the Centennial Parklands Master Concept Plan.

“Signage explaining Celtic and local Ngoorabul Aboriginal culture will be incorporated into the elevated walk.

“The ongoing benefits to the community will be seen through increasing visitors to the area and having more ‘things to do’ to encourage longer stays and greater spending.”