Upgraded road to Taroom area national park and forest now open

The Coorada to Reedy Creek road that leads to Presho State Forest and Expedition National Park north of Taroom has been upgraded and is now open, safe and usable in dry weather.

Environment Minster Lindy Nelson-Carr said the $363,000, four-month project was a 2006 election commitment that was delivered by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

“QPWS has completed the road works so locals and visitors from further afield can have safer access to the State forest and Robinson Gorge section of Expedition National Park,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“The road was originally constructed for transport of timber from Presho State Forest.

“Improved drainage, road re-surfacing and stabilising causeways across erosion-prone gullies were some of the major works.“

Ms Nelson-Carr said that it was important to note that access was still classed as an improved 4WD standard.

“When doing works such as these in remote places, it’s essential to maintain the character of those places.

“Landscapes with very little infrastructure are becoming increasingly scarce and it is important that these parks and Forests are maintained for both their conservation and aesthetic values.

“A recent visitor survey by QPWS at Expedition National Park reinforced this for us — no respondents wanted improvements to road standards within the Park.”

The Robinson Gorge section of Expedition National Park features rugged gorges with sandstone cliffs up to 100m high and colourful wildflowers in late winter and spring.

For more information about to the Expedition National Park area, contact the Taroom QPWS office on 4627 3358 or go to www.epa.qld.gov.au


Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Lisa Gilby 3336 8002