Turning disused rails into rail trails
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Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is investigating the idea of turning disused rail corridors into multi-use recreation rail trails.
Environment and Community Committee portfolio lead Cr Tim McMahon said Council was undertaking a preliminary feasibility study to explore the potential and consider the viability of the idea.
“A range of disused rail corridors form connections between Oakey and Cecil Plains and Westbrook to Wyreema which may have considerable tourism potential as rail trails,” he said.
“Rather than let them continue to be unused, Council is undertaking some preliminary studies to understand what it could take to turn the corridors into alternate multi-use recreation areas for the public.
“There may be potential for these old corridors to be used for anything from running, cycling, walking through to horse-riding.
“To make sure we take all ideas into consideration, we want to hear from the community about what they think.
“To do this, we’ll be having ‘Open Houses’ to show the community what the rail trail might look like when it’s completed.
“The Open Houses will include a visual display of the proposed rail trail, involving photos of the corridor as it currently is, together with artist’s impressions of what it may look like after construction.”
Open House sessions will be taking place on the following dates:
Tuesday 2 March – Wyreema Hall from 4-6pm Tuesday 2 March – Toowoomba Library Community Rooms from 7-9pm Wednesday 3 March – Mt Tyson State School from 3-5pm Wednesday 3 March – Oakey Community Centre from 6-8pm Thursday 4 March – Cecil Plains Hall from 3.30-5.30pmIf you’re unable to attend the Open Houses you can discuss your issue with the consultants over the phone or by visiting Council’s Your Say page.
For more information visit http://yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/rail-trail-feasibility-studies or contact Council on 131 872.