May 17, 2021
South Burnett Regional Council has deferred a decision on the future of the proposed Proston-Hivesille Rail Trail.
At last Wednesday’s meeting, Councillors decided to accept a recommendation from officers to conduct workshops to review documentation about the project.
The workshops will also formulate an assessment process and consultation plan to help Councillors make an informed decision.
The two parties which have made deputations to Council about the proposed rail trail – the South Burnett Rail Trail Users Association (SBRTUA) and Gympie solicitor Gavin Hansen – will be advised Council will not be able to provide a response “until further consideration of the project has been made”.
A report will then be presented to a standing committee meeting at some point in the future.
Officers noted Council currently holds a 30-year sub-lease over the former Murgon to Proston rail corridor from DTMR which was entered into by the former Wondai Shire Council in 2007.
A professional feasibility study on a rail trail was completed in 2019 but no commitment on the development of a rail trail has been made.
Council officers also noted there were currently no funds allocated for the scoping, development or construction of a rail trail.
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- Farmers Seek To Lease Rail Land
- Trio Seeks Support For Rail Trail
- Grants Sought For Rail Trail, Saleyards
- Council Receives Rail Trail Report
- Trail Feasibility To Be Examined
- Council To Study Proston-Murgon Trail
- Call To Extend Rail Trail To Proston
[Disclosure: Dafyd Martindale is president of the SBRTUA]
Why would the Council want to build and maintain another rail trail (Proston to Hivesville) when they cannot maintain the one they have now.
….and why do they neglect an existing asset (the railtrail) that brings many visitors and tourists in the region who leave a lot of money? Because they assume that extravagant streetscapes, mainly in the towns, will attract tourists! Large budget amounts are allocated to such “beautification” projects therefore no money is available for the maintenance and expansion of the very popular railtrail network. To postpone the realisation of the Proston-Hivesville section may be a wise decision since Council has so much debt at the moment, but – please – don’t abandon it forever. Railtrails are really sought after and frequently used. Those in our region are close enough to Brisbane and see a lot of users. Just ask local business owners in the hospitality and food industry.