Ministerial Statement: HELP TO GET THE RAIL TRAIL ON TRACK

[ozbob]

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
10/09/2007

HELP TO GET THE RAIL TRAIL ON TRACK

September 7, 2007

The Queensland Government is seeking input from the public as it builds Australia's longest recreational "rail trail," Deputy Premier Anna Bligh said today.

The 148km trail, to be built in sections over five years, will breathe new life into disused Brisbane Valley Railway, opening it up for walkers, horseriders and cyclists to enjoy the rural landscape, native and plantation forests and country towns.

It will follow the old railway line along the western side of the Brisbane River between Ipswich and Blackbutt.

"Trails not only are a great place to exercise in an interesting environment but best of all they are free," Ms Bligh said.

"Access to the great outdoors is integral to our way of life and, as importantly, helps to improve health and activity levels across all ages."

Ms Bligh said the State Government had allocated $8.8 million over five years to construct regional trails in the Brisbane Valley, between Boonah and Ipswich and along the Maroochy River.

"One of many reasons people are moving to Queensland in their droves is our outdoor lifestyle and access to diverse open spaces - beaches, national parks and the rural hinterland," she said.

She said the Government last year made an election commitment to capitalise on this by developing the SEQ Active Trails Strategy."

"The strategy has been developed in partnership between State and Local government and the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation. It provides a range of trail options for SEQ and will improve recreation and health opportunities for people across the region," Ms Bligh said.

The Esk Shire Council will hold a free community information session about the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and the new section between Linville and Moore on Monday 17 September from 6pm - 8pm at the Moore Soldiers Memorial Hall .

For further information contact the Office of Urban Management on 1800 021 818 or visit the website at www.oum.qld.gov.au