Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Development Program

At the General Meeting held in Mundubbera on Wednesday, 20 March 2019, the North Burnett Regional Council received the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Final Report, with a recommendation to forward the report findings to the Community.

Acting Mayor, Cr Faye Whelan said that the rail trail development program is a substantial – and complex – project, with many stakeholders, both private and public, all with a strong interest in the project.

Gladstone Regional Council in collaboration with North Burnett Regional Council have been the primary drivers of the current phase of work (with funding provided by the Department of Transport and Main Roads), and have taken a pro-active role in facilitating a Feasibility Study for a potential rail trail from Taragoola to Reids Creek.

Council has identified that it is currently not in a position to fund any potential capital and maintenance costs as identified in the final report, however acknowledges that it will:

• Act as a channel for community groups to access Queensland Cycling Action Plan and Program Funding;
• Support community groups to enter into an agreement with Department of Transport and Main Roads for the Rail Corridor directly and;
• Support community consultation initiatives.

In addition, North Burnett Regional Council has proposed to contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads to request information on current unused rail corridor maintenance programs, and to advocate for 100% funding for trail development and maintenance for any future completed projects.

For further information in regards to the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail development program please contact Acting Mayor, Cr Faye Whelan on email admin@northburnett.qld.gov.au.