Visitors and locals to the picturesque South Burnett can look forward to running, riding or walking along rejuvenated rail trails following the announcement of $2 million in State Government funding to upgrade the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said that recycling former rail corridors into recreation areas had been a huge success in growing the tourism pillar of the Queensland economy in regional areas.
“Rail trails are shared-use paths created from former railway corridors and they’ve become a magnet for hikers, cyclists and horse riders,” Mr Seeney said.
“This rail trail proposal has been on the books for almost four years but our LNP Government is committed to making it happen.
“This project will complement the South Burnett’s already strong reputation as an attractive bed and breakfast tourism destination for Brisbane residents and beyond.
“Not only is it a great use of state-owned land by Queenslanders, the day-trippers and tourists will generate significant economic opportunities for regional communities along the track.
“This $2 million grant will bring new business and new customers to the corner shops, restaurants, service stations and other businesses in towns along this route.”
The Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail spans approximately 60 kilometres and has the potential to connect to the Brassall Bikeway, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and the Bicentennial National Trail.
“This could mean a continuous trail that connects Ipswich to the Sunshine Coast with a trail that traverses the picturesque regional communities of Somerset and the South Burnett,” Mr Seeney said.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said today’s announcement is exciting news for the entire region.
“This is one of the biggest announcements by our Government for the South Burnett and one which will have a major positive impact on the entire region,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“It shows that we have been listening to the needs of the community and are delivering on a commitment which will make a real difference for local businesses and the community in general.
“I can’t wait to see the Rail Trail open to the public and bringing people to the beautiful South Burnett. This is a fantastic result made possible by the Government’s Royalties for Regions program.”
South Burnett Regional Council Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said the rail trail would reinvigorate several towns and ensure the railway’s history is preserved forever.
“The South Burnett rail trail offers a complete diversity of landscapes and intersecting towns and will cater to a range of recreational pursuits,” Mr Kratzmann said.
“Along the 43 kilometres of the rail trail in the South Burnett, it will intersect the towns of Murgon, Wondai and Kingaroy and four of our region’s villages: Tingoora, Wooroolin, Memerambi and Crawford.
“Our villages in particular have experienced a down-turn since the loss of the railway in the 1980s and 1990s.
“This is why the rail trail project is so exciting – we may not have trains going through our villages anymore, but now we will have people and this will greatly benefit our local businesses and communities.”
Gympie Regional Council Deputy Mayor Tony Perrett said the funding would help boost tourism opportunities and local amenity in his shire.
“We look forward to working with the State Government to ensure we get the best possible use from these unused corridors,” Mr Perrett said.
The Recreational Rail Trails program is being funded from Royalties for the Regions, a key program under the Queensland Government’s RegionsQ initiative to build brighter and stronger regions.
