Gympie Regional Council has released its feasibility study into the proposed 16k extension of the Mary Valley Rail Trail (MVRT) from Imbil to Amamoor, finding 92 per cent of survey respondents in favour of the project.
The MVRT currently runs 4.7k from Brooloo to Imbil (Stage 1). Council has also given a commitment, a construction timeline and proposed a $19 million budget for the extension from Imbil to Kandanga (Stage 2) and Kandanga to Amamoor (Stage 3).
Council says the extension project is ‘subject to funding’. The Pineapple understands council is seeking funding from Queensland Hydro and state and federal governments.
MVRT Association President Craig Thomson said his committee were pleased by the commitment from council.
‘They’ve always been supportive of the concept and they want it to happen.
MVRT President Craig Thomson. PHOTO: Brea Martin
‘We’re pretty thrilled. The feasibility survey results back up our overall vision that an extended MVRT would be good for the local economy and visitors’.
‘This a reasonably big project and outlay and people should remember the budget includes amenities like toilets, drinking water points, picnic shelters, car parking and rubbish bins at each hub at Imbil, Kandanga, Amamoor,’ Mr Thomson said.
‘Old railway infrastructure, including bridges at Kandanga, Melawondi and Imbil would be preserved and restored.’
Railway infrastructure including the Imbil Rail Bridge would be restored under council’s plan. PHOTO: Brea Martin
The multi-use recreational trail would be accessible to walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and wheelchairs.
Council’s construction timeline allows for a design phase in 2025, construction phase in 2026-2028 and opening of the extended MVRT in June 2028.
Design features include:
- Conservation of heritage assets
- Scenic viewing points
- Heritage and Indigenous interpretive story telling
- Trail Head Amenities – Imbil, Kandanga and Amamoor
- Rest and shaded areas
- PWD accessible
- Sustainability focused design
The council study says its business case found the extended MVRT would bring tourism and economic benefits of $2.4 million per annum with an estimated 46,000 annual rail trail users and increased day trips and overnight stays.
The feasibility survey results have been released ahead of an expected council announcement of the draft plan for streetscape revitalization of Imbil including pedestrianising the Rail Bridge and upgrading the Rail Park.
PHOTO of Dad, kids and dogs on the MVRT at top of story by Brea Martin.
