Community celebrates the Big Rig Tower and Tree Walk opening
The Big Rig Tower and Tree Walk is set to open to the public on Saturday, 21 May 2022 with fun activities planned over the weekend to celebrate this significant milestone.
There is free entry to The Big Rig Oil Patch Museum, which includes The Big Rig Tower and Tree Walk, from 9am-4pm on Saturday 21, Sunday 22 and Monday 23 May 2022.
On Friday evening there will be a twilight function for the funding partners and those directly involved in the construction of the project and local and regional tourism and hospitality partners.
Mayor Tyson Golder said that a catalytic tourism project of this magnitude takes a significant number of partners from conception to completion.
“Friday evening will be an opportunity for all those directly involved in the project to recognise the conclusion of this collaboration.” Cr Golder said.
On Saturday morning at 6.30am local runners are invited to Run The Rig, with the weekly Park Run to commence immediately afterwards at 7am on the Adungadoo Pathway. Beck’s Chopping Board will be open from 6am to 3pm on Saturday, 21 May to ensure everyone has sufficient fuel to climb the 195 stairs and enjoy the panoramic views from the 40m observation tower.
At 12noon Council is hosting a Long Lunch for all volunteers across the Maranoa Region. Local volunteers can enjoy a delicious lunch on the grassed area behind the NOGI Building as part of the community celebration. The Big Rig Parklands will also come alive at midday on Saturday, 21 May as the whole community gathers to celebrate the opening of this new attraction.
“We have gathered local musicians, including Travis Holland, Stephen Brown and Maggie Caskey to perform throughout the afternoon, plus local market holders and food trucks as well as local favourites Roma Highland Dancers and Ripper Skippers to all help us celebrate” Cr Golder said.
“There will be face painting, jumping castle and the miniature train plus the playground to keep the little ones happy. Community members are encouraged to bring along a picnic rug and enjoy a lovely afternoon in the Parklands”, Cr Golder stated.
The Big Rig Tower and Tree Walk is Stage 1 of a five stage Big Rig Master Plan, and the new attraction and overall project will continue to build on Roma and the Maranoa’s reputation as a must-do destination in Outback Queensland. Visitation to the Roma Visitor Information Centre and The Big Rig is projected to increase immediately as a result of the new Big Rig Tower and Tree Walk which will inject millions of dollars into the local regional economy.
Funding of the Big Rig Tower and Tree Walk has been provided by RCAT and Maranoa Regional Council with the Queensland Government contributing $2.87 million through the Outback Tourism Infrastructure Fund and Building our Regions program.