Palaszczuk Government saves the mighty Mary Valley Rattler

The historic Mary Valley Rattler will charm the Gympie region once again following final approval of $4.7 million in funding through the Palaszczuk Government’s $200 million Works for Queensland program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Jackie Trad recognised the revival of the much-loved tourism drawcard will boost jobs immediately and drive the local economy.

“’This funding will not only restore vital infrastructure on the Mary Valley Heritage Railway track, Gympie Regional Council estimates it will generate 22 much needed local jobs,” Ms Trad said.

“Council has worked hard with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to get this project off the ground and I’m pleased to say work can now kick off.

“I look forward to seeing the benefits of the renewed Mary Valley Rattler flow to the Gympie community.

“The Works for Queensland program is perfect to support this fantastic revival as it provides funding for community infrastructure projects that may have been derailed or in need of a boost to get across the line.”

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Cr Mick Curran said that this was an incredibly important project for the region.

“This is fantastic news. It now means that we can get on with delivering this project for the wider community. With extraordinary tourism results over the past 12 months, the Rattler will add another quality tourism product to what is already available in the Region,” Cr Curran said.

“I congratulate the Queensland Government on the Works for Queensland program as this allows opportunities for regional Queensland to be more sustainable.”

The funding is part of $5.9 million in Works for Queensland funding going towards four projects in Gympie which council estimates will create or support a total of 55 jobs.

The Works for Queensland Program is part of the State Infrastructure Fund. For more information visit: www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/works-for-queensland

ENDS

Media contact: Anna Jabour 0429 890 942