Ministerial Statement: RECREATION TRAIL FUNDING

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Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Paul Lucas
03/06/2008

RECREATION TRAIL FUNDING

South East Queensland residents and visitors will be better able to explore the region's great outdoors thanks to Budget funding of $2.3 million to further develop the region's network of recreation trails.

"Each year people in South East Queensland undertake 170 million outdoor recreation activities worth an estimated $1 billion to the region's economy," said Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas.

"With the region boasting some of Australia's most scenic landscapes, it's important we provide good access to public open spaces and better facilities for everyone to enjoy."

"Last year the Bligh Government committed $8.8 million over five years to the development of three Regional recreation trails: the Boonah to Ipswich Trail, Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, and Maroochy River Canoe Trail.

"The development of the three trails is already underway and another $2.3 million will be spent this financial year developing them further.

"Two of the recreation trails will reward and challenge people looking for great walks, horse riding, cycling and mountain biking opportunities, while the third trail caters for canoeing and kayaking.

"Locals and tourists are already taking advantage of the 148 km Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, 30km of which has been completed to date.

"Regional trails are important outdoor recreation infrastructure, providing social, tourism and health benefits to residents and visitors in rural and urban areas.

"They also contribute to the economy by encouraging tourism and recreational businesses and help preserve the region's cultural and natural heritage."

Boonah to Ipswich Trail
This 76 km trail will run across the Grampian Range, linking the rapidly growing Ipswich area to the township of Boonah. The Boonah end of the trail will be the first to open, in September 2008. This section will join up with an existing network of local walking trails, providing locals and tourists with 20 km of recreation trails close to Boonah. The total budget for the trail is $2.4 million for measures including:

    * Trailheads, campsites, track construction through hilly terrain;
    * possible road underpasses; and
    * creek crossings.

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Based on the disused Brisbane Valley Railway Line, it will provide a 148-kilometre multi-use recreational trail from Ipswich to BlackButt. A new section, from Moore to Linville, was opened in November 2007. This section and the already completed Linville to Blackbutt section provide a 30km rail trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders at the head of the Brisbane Valley. When completed, it will be the longest rail trail in Australia. The total budget for the trail is $3.6 million for measures including:

    * restoring and refurbishing historic railway bridges;
    * designing and building new bridges; and
    * constructing trailheads with facilities including horseyards, carparks and amenities.

Maroochy River Canoe Trail
This 28 km trail is being delivered in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. The trail will wind its way from Yandina to Nambour and Maroochydore. An investment of $500,000 will improve public access to the Maroochy River and its tributaries through:

    * new pontoons; and
    * upgraded ramps and associated park facilities.

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