FRASER Coast Regional Council is seeking additional funding to further develop the Mary to Bay Rail Trail and enhance the popular recreational route for both residents and visitors.
At its meeting held in late January, Council resolved to request that $9 million in unspent Queensland Government funding—originally allocated for the Bundaberg to Gin Gin Rail Trail project—be redirected to future rail trail developments.
Council will also submit a proposal to contribute $250,000 of the returned funds to a $500,000 project to bring online another undeveloped section of the Mary to Bay Rail Trail.
Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott said securing funding is crucial to continuing the Mary to Bay Rail Trail’s development and creating vibrant community spaces.
“The Mary to Bay Rail Trail is a key recreational asset for the Fraser Coast, providing opportunities for people to walk, run, or cycle through both urban and rural landscapes,” Cr Truscott said.
“The Mary to Bay Rail Trail Advisory Committee has identified priority areas for development, and with this funding, we can progress much needed works to extend and improve the trail, providing more opportunities for outdoor activity and tourism.
“With Bundaberg Regional Council resolving late last year not to continue with the Bundaberg to Gin Gin Rail Trail project, we are keen to ensure the State Government funding earmarked for that project remains available for other rail trail developments.”
Council has also resolved to prioritise forward planning for the design of an interim bikeway connecting Walker Street to Maryborough’s CBD via the Kent Street Principal Cycle Network.
“The Mary to Bay Rail Trail will provide an important link between Maryborough and Hervey Bay, encouraging active transport, enhancing connectivity, and supporting local tourism," Cr Truscott said.
"We are committed to working with our partners to see this project continue to evolve."
The Mary to Bay Rail Trail follows the former rail line that once transported coal and agricultural products from the Wide Bay Burnett region to the Urangan Pier.
Fraser Coast Bicycle User Group has done work on the trail, with an 11-kilometre stretch near Takura opening in August 2023.
The remaining sections will be planned and implemented through a partnership between the Council, the Queensland Government, and the Advisory Committee.
