Funding rail trails helps power Queensland economy

Overview

Action 4.1: Invest $14 million over 4 years to develop and implement a program to develop, deliver, and manage rail trails in partnership with local governments on state-owned disused rail corridors.

Lead agency: Department of Transport and Main Roads

Status: Long-term

Achievements

Rail trails across Queensland are being developed into cycling and walking trails from disused rail corridors.

After 2 years of a 4-year program, 6 local governments have already taken advantage of more than $610,000 in Department of Transport and Main Roads funding to investigate the feasibility of rail trails in their communities.

Rail trails included are the:

• Bundaberg to Gin Gin rail trail
• Gayndah to Taragoola rail trail
• Yeppoon Pineapple rail trail
• Mary to the Bay rail trail
• Mareeba to Walkamin rail trail.

Further agreements are being finalised for the Yarrabilba rail trail and the Murgon to Proston rail trail.

The funding has also enabled the rehabilitation of the historic Lockyer Creek Bridge as part of works on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

Rail trails support active, healthy lifestyles and provide a great opportunity for people to enjoy bicycle riding, walking and horse riding away from motorised traffic.

They also support environmental and heritage preservation and bring a host of benefits to regional communities. This includes economic development in towns and communities along the trail, particularly through the growth of hospitality, tourism, and small businesses.

The funding will help to ensure that Queensland’s rail trails are accessible and of high quality, allowing locals and visitors alike to enjoy the beautiful scenery and history of Queensland by bicycle riders for many years to come.

Next steps

We will continue to work with local governments to develop, deliver, and manage rail trails on disused state-owned or local government managed rail corridors, as part of this 4-year investment.