Mount Morgan to become lively once more
Published on 23 February 2018
‘I must conclude this letter by simply remarking that our party returned profoundly impressed with their visit to Mount Morgan.’
These words, written in 1886 by a journalist at the Brisbane Courier, are among many which reflect the explosion of interest in Mount Morgan following the discovery of gold and the township which quickly grew around it. Fast forward 132 years and Mount Morgan is on the verge of another influx of visitors, as new plans from Rockhampton Regional Council – including a Lively Morgan Street programme - promise a goldmine of tourism opportunities.
Mayor Margaret Strelow said she was particularly excited about the launch of Lively Morgan Street.
“The Lively Quay Street programme has been a huge success, bringing markets, performances, and sporting events to Rockhampton’s stunning Riverbank.
“Council is now going to bring that success and excitement to Mount Morgan, with funding and in kind support available for festivals, installations, pop ups and public classes, as well as recreational and creative activities.
“There has been over $2 million of recent investment in Mount Morgan, including for the stunning new streetscape, development incentives, and fishing opportunities at the Dam.
“Council is also continuing our major push for the Fireclay Caverns – a truly unique tourist attraction with international significance - to be reopened.”
Grant Cassidy, Managing Director of the Cassidy group and a member of Council’s Economic Development Advisory Committee, said the tourism potential in Mount Morgan could not be overestimated.
“Advance Rockhampton, Council’s in house economic development team, is today launching Advance Mount Morgan to ensure the historic town can make the most of recent and future investment in the area,” Mr Cassidy said.
“The rich history here, including the mine, the railway, museums and beautiful architecture, provides a wonderful foundation from which to forge the town’s future as a thriving tourist destination. As well as the Lively Morgan Street programme, Advance Rockhampton is working on other strategies and campaigns to make this happen.
“The new Explore Rockhampton Destination Guide will include the top ten experiences in Mount Morgan, we will be collaborating with Mount Morgan Promotion and Development to refresh their online presence, and Advance Rockhampton will provide opportunities for local businesses to take part in an exclusive and subsidised Small Business Management Program.”
Council will consider applications of up to a maximum of $5,000 cash (+GST if registered) and $3,000 of in-kind support in the form of road closures, marketing assistance, and traffic control.
Expressions of Interest to be submitted via email to advancerockhampton@rrc.qld.gov.au