RAIL trail advocates are forming an incorporated Bethania-Beaudesert Rail Trail group to strengthen their voice to state and local government.
Local runners, walkers, cyclists and representatives from Rotary and the Scenic Rim Regional Council were among 23 people at the October 11 meeting in Beaudesert.
Inaugural committee volunteers are President David Kenny and Treasurer Rick Gillow (Beaudesert Cycling Club) and Vice President Paul Casbolt and Secretary Stuart Pilling (Logan Bicycle User Group, BUG).
The rail trail push dates back to at least 2009, when there were public meetings to establish a rail trail along the former 43km Beaudesert to Bethania line.
Now, construction on the horizon.
A win for locals
Advocates say local government focus on ‘active transport’ is helping their cause.
“It’s not just about cycling. You can walk, ride your mobility scooter, ride a horse, walk, run, everyone can use it,” said Mr Kenny.
They have the local chamber of commerce on board and say the trail will boost the economy.
“For example, the rail trail goes right behind the Veresdale Hotel – that could be a spot for lunch, supporting local business,” Mr Gillow said.
“I’ve been riding the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail for 10 years and people spend money along it, to the point where the coffee shop opens from the back toward the rail trail now instead of from the front.”
Logan in train
Most of the trail is in Logan and about 8km is in the Scenic Rim.
Logan City Council says construction of the 11.5km Bethania to Logan Village section should occur in 2025.
They on September 3 noted the rail trail design is complete and voted to amend the anticipated project cost to $15.1 million and seek ongoing 50:50 co-funding from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
The Bethania to Logan Village section will link with the 3.5km Logan Village to Yarrabilba Rail Trail to create a 15km off-road path.
Scenic Rim starting
The Scenic Rim Regional Council in June confidentially discussed state funding to construct their section of the trail.
A spokesperson confirmed the project is now in the design phase with construction set to start in the first quarter of 2025.
“Within Council’s capital works program for the 2024-2025 financial year, in partnership with TMR, funding has been allocated for construction works on the first 1.8km section of the Bethania to Beaudesert Rail Trail from Beaudesert to Gleneagle,” they said.
“This includes installation of a deco surface and construction of interim active travel crossings across two creeks. Section 1 starts at Helen Street, Beaudesert, behind Enright’s Sawmill, runs behind the Beaudesert Enterprise Precinct and ends across Waters Creek at The Outlook. Future sections will run to Allan Creek Road and then on to the boundary with Logan City Council at Walker Road.”
A TMR spokesperson said the Department provided $447,000 to the Scenic Rim Regional Council from the ‘closed rail corridor budget’ to construct a rail trail between Beaudesert and Gleneagle.
To get involved with the rail trail, phone David on 0438 705 406.