Cooee Bay to Wreck Point walking trail to be built on Capricorn Coast

Tenders have opened for a project involving a shared pathway being built into a rocky cliff face along a busy Capricorn Coast stretch.

The walkway will be built into the cliff face.

A walking trail is to be built into the rocky cliff face between Cooee Bay and the Wreck Point lookout along Matthew Flinders Drive on the Capricorn Coast.

The 495 metre long trail will include a pedestrian bridge and will form part of the walking trail between Cooee Bay and Lammermoor Beach.

Livingstone Shire Council has now opened tenders for the work and they are due to close on January 23.

Tenders will be evaluated by price at 60 per cent, program 12 per cent, project understanding and methodology 12 per cent, previous experience and key personnel 12 per cent and local content four per cent.

The successful tenderer is expected to be announced in February with works to start at the end of 2023.

Works will be limited to between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Friday with no work outside these hours or on weekends or public holidays unless agreed.

Construction plans for the pedestrian walkway between Cooee Bay and Wreck Point.

The shared pathway will be constructed of block retaining walls, a 30 metre long pedestrian bridge, elevated boardwalks and concrete pathways on the ocean side of the road.

The project also includes stairways, rest areas, widening of naturally formed goat tracks, improved beach access and coastal vegetation planting.

The trail will be suitable for most ages and fitness levels, with some short, steep hill sections, some obstacles, rough surfaces and many steps.

The works have been funded by $500,000 from the federal and state governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding arrangements through the Queensland Bushfires Local Economic Recovery Program and $260,000 from council.

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the new walking trail would make the iconic lookout more accessible for locals and tourists.

“The beautiful shores of our region are a major draw point for tourists, and it’s what makes the lifestyle for locals so good,” Ms Lauga said.

The monument Selina was constructed at the Wreck Point lookout in 2018, depicting the ship that was wrecked and found there in 1848, and after which the location was named.

The 62-tonne trading schooner drifted crewless for 2600 nautical miles, having disappeared the year before with a load of cedar logs bound for Sydney.

The story emerged 100 years later in a book by ex-harbourmaster Frederick Rhodes.

The Australian coastline was surveyed by Matthew Flinders in 1802, hence the name of the road.

Along Matthew Flinders Drive where the pathway will be constructed.

Mayor Andy Ireland said the well-renowned historic landmark attracted thousands of locals and tourists each year.

“The addition of these walking trails aims to increase day tourism and economic activity in the local precinct, and add another element to our Livingstone experience,” he said.

Healthy and Inclusive Community portfolio holder, Councillor Pat Eastwood said the project aligned with the Livingstone Community Plan: Towards 2050 goal to support healthy living at any age.

“These trails will provide another great way for residents and visitors to unwind, get fit and connect with nature,” Mr Eastwood said.

“I have no doubt the trail will become a popular experience.”

Councillor Pat Eastwood and Mayor Andy Ireland on the new Neuron e-scooters.

And adding another mode of transport to the shared pathways in the region, e-scooters were launched in the Yeppoon area on November 10.

Neuron is carrying out a 12-month trial with 150 e-scooters available for hire to ride across Central Yeppoon, Farnborough Beach and Rosslyn Bay Harbour.