Toowoomba Regional Council considers recreational trails in old railway corridors, community sessions to be held

The Toowoomba Regional Council is considering a plan to turn the region’s old rail corridors into multi-use trails. Find out how you can have your say.

The Toowoomba region’s disused rail corridors could be turned into recreational rail trails, under a plan by the council.

The TRC is investigating the idea of turning old rail corridors into multi-use trails and will hold open sessions with the public to get feedback on the plan.

Environment and community portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said the council was undertaking a preliminary feasibility study to explore the potential and consider the viability of the idea.

“A range of disused rail corridors form connections between Oakey and Cecil Plains and Westbrook to Wyreema which may have considerable tourism potential as rail trails,” he said.

“Rather than let them continue to be unused, the council is undertaking some preliminary studies to understand what it could take to turn the corridors into alternate multi-use recreation areas for the public.

“There may be potential for these old corridors to be used for anything from running, cycling, walking through to horseriding.”

Cr McMahon said the open house sessions would show the community what the rail trail might look like when it’s completed.

“The open houses will include a visual display of the proposed rail trail, involving photos of the corridor as it currently is, together with artist’s impressions of what it may look like after construction,” he said.

If you’re unable to attend the open houses you can discuss your issue with the consultants over the phone or by visiting the council’s Your Say page.

For more information visit http://yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/rail-trail-feasibility-studies or contact the council on 131 872.

Open house sessions:

Tuesday 2 March – Wyreema Hall from 4-6pm

Tuesday 2 March – Toowoomba Library Community Rooms from 7-9pm

Wednesday 3 March – Mt Tyson State School from 3-5pm

Wednesday 3 March – Oakey Community Centre from 6-8pm

Thursday 4 March – Cecil Plains Hall from 3.30-5.30pm