Gympie floods: Mary Valley Rattler shut after tracks damaged

The iconic Gympie tourist attraction has been sidelined indefinitely after floodwaters caused massive damage to parts of the track, a development that has delayed another shock development.

The iconic Mary Valley Rattler played a key role in helping those cut off by the devastating February 2022 floods, and now it is need of some help itself.

The popular tourist venture has been shut temporarily after floodwaters submerged almost 5km of its 27km track, causing landslips and littering it with vegetation.

Train services have been suspended as crews begin to assess the damage; a job that will take weeks.

The Rusty Rails Cafe at the historic Gympie station will remain open, but Rattler team members working on the railway line have been stood down.

Rattler Railway Company chair Ian McNicol said that the floods could not have come at a worse time, with train services just beginning to return to normal as state and international borders reopened.

“It is hard to estimate the damage at this point, or the length of time the trains will be out of operation, but the damage is considerable,” Mr McNicol said.

The Rattler’s Deep Creek Bridge kept its head above floodwaters in February 2022, as shown in this picture captured by Infinity Flights Photography, but 5km of the track went under.

“Our team have begun inspecting tracks, bridges and the surrounding landscape, and we will bring in expert assessors shortly, but it is clear that substantial longer term remediation work will be required.”

The shutdown comes amid news of the sudden departure of general manager Micheal Green due to ill health.

Mr Green’s retirement has been delayed to provide continued stability for the Rattler during its repair period.

“Given the challenges of the situation and the expertise required, we have asked general manager Micheal Green to stay on in his role, despite the fact that ill health has forced him to retire from the leadership position,” Mr McNicol said.

The shock retirement of Rattler general manager Micheal Green has been postponed as a result of the floods.

“His dedication to the Rattler has been evident since he played a key role in returning the Rattler to the tracks back in 2018, and he has agreed to remain with us for the near future.

“At which time we hope to have secured a replacement who can guide a new phase of the Rattler’s impressive story.

“Mike will also return after he has a recuperative period to work as an adviser to the Rattler Railway Company.”

Mr Green said he looked forward to bringing the Rattler back for a second time.

“Gympie and the Mary Valley bore the brunt of the floods, but I’ve already been involved in bringing back the Rattler to full operation in the past, and with our incredible team and volunteers, we will do it all over again,” Mr Green said.