June 28, 2016
The new South Burnett Rail Trail between Kingaroy and Murgon will be officially opened on the October long weekend as part of this year’s South Burnett and Cherbourg On Show festival.
South Burnett Deputy Mayor Kathy Duff, who chairs the festival committee, said plans are underway to hold celebratory events in every town and village along the route.
Proposed activities include a launch dinner, art exhibitions, concerts, tours and an open air movie night at Wondai’s Coronation Park.
A Queensland cycling club will be visiting the region on the October long weekend to hold the Trail’s first “official” cycling event.
And the Wondai Regional Art Gallery will be opening its new cellar door to sell South Burnett wines from Clovely Estate, Moffatdale Ridge, Crane Wines and Kingsley Grove to passers-by.
A large number of visitors connected with the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail are also expected to visit the region during the long weekend to take part in the official opening celebrations.
A recent post about the South Burnett Rail Trail on the group’s Facebook page became its most-viewed item in less than three days.
Cr Duff said plans are also afoot to establish a local group similar to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association.
The new group would oversee the Trail’s day to day operations and provide feedback to the Council on maintenance and upgrade issues.
She thought the Trail would be a “very positive asset” for the region, and could become a focal point for the October long weekend festival in the future.
A draft schedule for this year’s festival is currently being prepared and should be available by early August, Cr Duff said.
The festival will also be launching its own website this year, and this is expected to debut in early August as well.
