Mount Louisa users demand council action on next stage of development

Regular users of the Mount Louisa walking tracks are demanding Townsville City Council stop dragging its feet and get cracking on the next stages of upgrades to the much-loved nature spot.

Regular users of the Mount Louisa walking tracks are demanding Townsville City Council stop dragging its feet and get cracking on the next stages of upgrades to the much-loved nature spot.

It’s been six years since the council first trumpeted plans to redevelop Mount Louisa with new walking tracks, viewing platforms, and barbecue areas back in 2018.

They delivered the first stage of the project masterplan — a 3.5km walking track and a stunning summit lookout — in 2020.

But since then work on the project has stalled, leaving residents frustrated and questioning when the masterplan will be completed.

A series of proposed connecting walkways around the mountain remain unfinished, along with a proposed road that would allow vehicles to drive up to the summit, similar to Castle Hill.

The overall masterplan also promised more infrastructure and amenities, including an outdoor performance venue, children’s playground, cafe, adventure camp space, and a bush chapel, with an estimated completion window extending from 2020 to 2030+.

Townsville local Arabella Robinson is urging the council to stick to its word and begin the next stages of development of the Mount Louisa walking tracks. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Arabella Robinson, a regular track user, emphasised the importance of the current Mount Louisa tracks and called for the council to follow through on what was promised.

“At the moment, the track does require some maintenance. There is a build-up of dead debris that could become a slip hazard to users,” Ms Robinson said.

“Overall, the walking tracks contribute to the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of our community.”

Adding pressure to the council, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) is now demanding that the council disclose when they plan to advance to the next stages of the masterplan.

KAP has vowed to work with the state government to rustle up the funding needed and get this project moving, stressing how crucial outdoor spaces like Mount Louisa are for the community’s wellbeing.

KAP Candidate for Mundingburra Michael Pugh pictured with Townsville local Arabella Robinson, who is urging the council to stick to its word and begin the next stages of development of the Mount Louisa walking tracks. Picture: Shae Beplate.

A Townsville City Council spokesman said the future stages of the Mount Louisa Walking Trail have not been identified within Council’s current budget for 2024/2025 financial year.

“At this stage, council has no plans to proceed with the next stages as the current walking trail provides a suitable level of recreational activity for Mount Louisa and Townsville,” he said.

Originally published as Mount Louisa users demand council action on next stage of development