Works wrap up on heritage-listed railway station

The almost $1 million in works included repairs to the railway building and a new shared path linking a missing connection in the Capricorn Coast Pineapple Rail Trail.

Yeppoon Historical Society member and former railway worker Nigel Hawke, "selling tickets" to former relief station master Uncle George James, with Livingstone Mayor Andy Ireland and Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga. Picture: Contributed

Works on the heritage-listed Station Quarter in Yeppoon have wrapped up.

Member for Keppel and Assistant Education Minister Brittany Lauga said the almost $1 million in works included repairs to the railway building and a new shared path linking a missing connection in the Capricorn Coast Pineapple Rail Trail.

The station was closed in 2004 due to disuse.

Ms Lauga said the works, which were carried out by Landbrook Building and Construction, included the replacement of the roof and footings, and repairs to the railway platform columns, along with the refurbishment of the original parcel room joinery.

She said the works, which were delivered under the Growth Area and Regional Infrastructure Investment Fund initiative, created three jobs.

“We are really proud to restore this iconic railway station, which means more jobs for locals,” she said.

“The completed works provide a renewed optimism for the region to attract private sector investment opportunities at Station Quarter and to Yeppoon.

She said the construction of the 400m shared path by Eureka Landscapes offered a safer route along the popular recreational and commuter trail to the foreshore.

Livingstone Shire Council Mayor Andy Ireland said the recent completion of works were a fantastic outcome for the community and visitors, who could enjoy further connectivity while enjoying the Capricorn Coast’s shared pathways network.

“Council’s first stage of future works at the Railway site will include site repatriation and drainage works, and if council is successful in obtaining funding for further development of the site, more detailed plans will be prepared,” Mr Ireland said.

Silverstone Developments has acquired the western 1.5 hectares of the site.

Development manager Wade Fraser said Silverstone was currently working on a master planned urban renewal precinct in consultation with Livingstone Shire Council, with an aim to meet market demand and provide beneficial outcomes for the community.

“We are excited about the project and anticipate strong growth in the region,” Mr Fraser said.

Council is investigating future community uses for the rest of the site and suitable repurposing options for the station building.