Part of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Reopens (QLD)

State Member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt has thanked volunteers for their hard work to reopen a key section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

Mr Wendt said every section of the 161km trail had been damaged by the January floods and this was an important step in the recovery process.

“Some sections of the trail won’t be open for months so it’s important the 30kms between Moore and Blackbutt is now open to the public and bringing people back to the region.

“This section runs alongside the D’Aguilar Highway just two hours from Brisbane and is the historical gateway to the South Burnett – it’s one of the most scenic and popular sections of the trail.

“Although it runs alongside the upper reaches of the Brisbane River it wasn’t too badly damaged and thanks to the volunteers it’s now open and ready to be enjoyed by the public again.”

More than 25 volunteers from the local community, Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Ambassadors, Bushcare Services, staff from SEQ Catchments and the Department of Local Government and Planning and members of the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association participated in a working bee on Friday 18 February.

The most important work they completed was to clear the Boundary Creek crossing and plant more than 200 seedlings and trees to stop further erosion at the creek crossing, while the South Burnett Regional Council has also carried out extensive restoration works to damaged causeways across Blackbutt Creek.

Mr Wendt said reconstructing and repairing the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail would help restore the great economic and tourism benefits it brings to the local region.

“The trail has been a catalyst for renewed business confidence, focus and action in the communities along the trail over the past three years,” he said.

“With an estimated 30,000 users every year, it’s bringing much needed tourism dollars into the region.”

BVRT community partnership grants (www.dip.qld.gov.au/bvrt) are still available.

Grants of between $2000 and $10,000 (GST exclusive) are available for projects supporting and promoting the trail. Deadline for grant submissions is 11 March 2011.

Wayne Wendt MP

State Member for Ipswich West