Come and see the rail thing - adventure trail a reality

Australia’s longest continuous hiking, cycling and horse riding trail is now a reality with completion of the final stage of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail through scenic South-East Queensland.

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said the Palaszczuk Government had contributed $1.8 million towards works to complete the final link of the rail trail between Toogoolawah and Moore.

“This completes a long-standing vision for a continuous 161 kilometre trail delivering a unique and exciting recreational experience for bushwalkers, cyclists and horse riders,” Mr Madden said.

“This innovative recreational trail follows the disused Brisbane Valley rail corridor from Wulkuraka, west of Ipswich, to Yarraman, west of Kilcoy.

“Thanks to the imagination and commitment of the local community and the support of all three levels of government, we now have a trail which would rival the Otago Rail Trail in New Zealand and the Great Victorian Rail Trail in Victoria.”

Assistant Minister for State Development Julieanne Gilbert said the funding was delivered through Transport and Main Roads, which oversaw the completion of the Toogoolawah to Moore project, as well as having responsibility for the ongoing management of the rail trail.

“Somerset Regional Council was approved $1.8 million from the Queensland Government to complete the rail trail upgrades between Toogoolawah and Moore with further federal and council contributions bringing the total project cost to $3.354 million,” Ms Gilbert said.

“Project works which started in 2017, included major crossings at Ivory Creek, Emu Creek and Wallaby Creek and several road crossings across the D’Aguilar Highway and the Brisbane Valley Highway.

“Further works included various minor road and creek crossings, refurbishment of Jimmy Gully Bridge, grids, gates and signs.

“There is no question the effort and expense will be worth it for all South East Queensland, providing recreation and tourism benefits along with economic development opportunities throughout the region.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the government is committed to further develop other sections of the rail trail to ensure it is a world-class tourism asset and major drawcard for national and international visitors to the region.

“This includes a $4.5 million refurbishment of the heritage-listed Lockyer Creek Railway Bridge.

“The historic bridge is a key feature of the trail and once restored will provide an important link and further enhance this major tourist attraction for the region.’’

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann said Council was proud to have completed Australia’s longest rail trail with this new section from Moore to Toogoolawah now open.

“The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail will be a generator of jobs across the entire 161 kilometres linking towns and benefitting business in Wulkuraka, Fernvale, Lowood, Coominya, Esk, Toogoolawah, Harlin, Moore, Linville, Benarkin, Blackbutt and Yarraman,” Cr Lehmann said.

“We thank the Australian Government and Queensland Government for their financial support to Council which has helped make the 161 km trail a reality.”

“Council’s main objective with this project has been to increase the economic activity of Somerset, bring new business and life into the region and support active and healthy communities through outdoor activities.

“We are excited about the tourism potential that this new asset will have on our rural community and the increased employment and economic development opportunities it will create.”

ENDS

Media contact:           Tim Auguston 0417 768 626