Pineapple Rail Trail rolls closer to Yeppoon Foreshore

Pedestrians and cyclists in Yeppoon are set to benefit from a $455,000 extension to the Capricorn Coast Pineapple Rail Trail thanks to funding from the Queensland Government.

The 429m shared path will connect the rail trail to the Yeppoon Foreshore, and will complement an additional $475,000 investment from the state for much-needed maintenance works to the heritage-listed former railway station building.

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga welcomed the announcements, saying it is important to preserve local heritage while building the communities of tomorrow.

“This is a great outcome for Yeppoon and will support business in our city centre and foreshore precinct,” Mrs Lauga said.

“Securing this funding is the result of productive meetings held earlier this year with the State Development Minister, and I thank him for his commitment to our region.”

“Linking Braithwaite Street to our coast will guide people through our heritage precinct to the foreshore, shining a spotlight on our past and present.”

“These projects will also help to encourage new investment as part of an overall redevelopment strategy centred around the Station Quarter.”

Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) will construct and landscape the path, which will begin from the corner of Braithwaite and James Street, and will deliver the railway station building maintenance works.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said connecting the Pineapple Rail Trail to the revitalised Yeppoon Foreshore would boost recreation and economic activities in the region.

Livingstone Shire Council Mayor Bill Ludwig said the extension of the Pineapple Coast Rail Trail was a welcome investment by the state.

“Our council’s Active Livingstone Strategy documented a strong desire among locals to connect the Pineapple Coast Rail Trail with the Yeppoon Foreshore,” Mayor Ludwig said.

“The state’s investment brings us a step closer to realising that vision, and will also support the case for extending the rail trail between Yeppoon and Rockhampton.”

“Council has committed to investigate additional linkages to the rail trail to further enhance the community’s connectivity.”

The Queensland Government has also provided $225,000 to Livingstone Shire Council to plan an extension of the trail between Yeppoon and Mount Chalmers.