Traditional Owners

We acknowledge the Giabal people, the traditional custodians of the land and waterways on which the rail trail is built.

Development Background

The rail trail is supported by the Toowoomba Regional Council which is applying for funding to construct the trail in the near future.

The conclusion of the Feasibility Study conducted in May 2021, determined that a rail trail on the 5.5km disused rail corridor between Westbrook and Wyreema is technically feasible and a worthwhile project. The report found that the limited number of issues raised during consultation (fencing required on both sides and two, mostly dry, water crossings) can be overcome with good design and at a relatively low cost. The corridor remains in public ownership and links the rapidly growing Toowoomba western communities of Westbrook and Wyreema.

In 2017 TRC identified Westbrook as Toowoomba’s next major growth area which will hold a population of  30 000 people by 2050. New schools have been planned and approved. The proposed rail trail is a critical off-road link, primarily for recreation though it may have some active transport value as Westbrook develops (for school children and workers). Providing a safe off-road route for residents and those looking to travel further afield was seen by the Consultants as a major positive outcome. No such route is provided at the present time in the two centres. Critically, this section provides a missing safe north-south link as the nearby road option (Toowoomba Karara Rd) is very unsafe for cycling.

A rail trail would add yet another outdoor recreation activity for cyclists and walkers, joggers, trail runners, people in wheelchairs, people in mobility scooters (gophers), parents pushing prams, school groups, clubs and families. The corridor would also provide a revegetation opportunity by establishing a ‘green’ corridor linking the two growth centres providing shade with tree species endemic to the area and which are now largely missing due to long term agricultural practices.

Toowoomba Regional Council, in accepting the recommendations of the Report, has indicated a preparedness to budget for the construction of the trail.

(The trail will cost in the order of $1.472 million to construct. Major cost contributors are trail surfacing (a sealed trail surface is proposed at $467,500), 2 new bridges (with a total span of 65 metres) at $390,000, and allowance for double fencing to provide separation between trail users and adjoining cropping land at $138,000. )

Railway History

The original railway from Brisbane to Sydney branched off the main western line at Gowrie Junction and headed through Westbrook to Wyreema then onto Warwick and NSW’s New England region. It opened way back in 1869.

However in 1915 a more direct line from Toowoomba to Wyreema was opened and the Gowrie Junction to Wyreema line eventually closed in 1959. The railway from Toowoomba to Wyreema and Warwick is still in use for freight.