As part of the feasibility study for a proposed Bundaberg to Gin Gin Rail Trail, residents were invited to meet the consultants, receive a briefing on the initiative and, importantly, to contribute their ideas.

Bundaberg Regional Council Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Cr Helen Blackburn said Open House meetings were held at three locations to allow affected landholders and interested community members the opportunity to contribute to the evaluation process.

“A rail trail is a multi-use recreation trail running on a disused rail corridor (public land) for non-motorised recreation. They are an extremely popular venue for recreation with well over 100 sites established across Australia” Cr Blackburn said.

“This is an exciting initiative for the Bundaberg Region as rail trails offer huge potential for numerous recreational activities from hiking through to bike rides and have potential as an economic driver.”

With recently appointed trail consultant Mike Halliburton , Bundaberg Regional Council hosted a number of ‘Open House’ sessions.

“These Open Houses were very visual and designed to show the community what the rail trail might look like when it is completed,” Cr Blackburn said.

“Artist impressions and photos of constructed rail trails were featured as well as the opportunity to chat with Mr Halliburton about solutions for perceived problems, drawing on successful rail trails elsewhere in Australia and New Zealand.”

The feasibility study is expected to be completed by January 2019.

Enquiries to: communications@bundaberg.qld.gov.au

Adapted from Bundaberg Regional Council