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Education Events

Rail Trails and Tourism 2024 Conference Launched

Bicycle Queensland are partnering with Somerset Regional Council to host the Rail Trails and Tourism Conference 2024. The conference will take place at the Somerset Civic Centre, Esk across November 6-7, with the two days offering input around building rail trail tourism, and building rail trails themselves. The conference is possible thanks to the support of Somerset Regional Council and the Department of Main Roads.

Day one, hosted by Somerset Regional Council, will focus on tourism and how businesses along rail trails can yield maximum benefits. Industry experts, academics, elite cyclists, community champions and tourism operators will come together to learn and share ideas. After the first day’s conference, a complementary social event will provide fantastic networking opportunities. If you are interested in the business opportunities and tourism market around rail trails – this is going to be a very useful day to attend.

On Thursday November 7, Bicycle Queensland will be delivering sessions about building a rail trail. This day will start with an optional early social ride followed by presentations and discussions with rail trail gurus in a collective effort to build a new “Rail Trail Development Toolkit”. This will be a practical guide for rail trail advocates to help transform ‘that line on the map’ into a tangible trail for all to enjoy. While Queensland has a few successful rail trails, there are more decommissioned rail corridors around the state, and the country, than there are rideable rail trails. The scope for more rail trails is immense.

This day will cover the need to have a vision and drive for the project, how to manage stakeholder relationships, working on planning and funding, and looking at partnerships and events to help make sure the rail trail is marketed appropriately, and maintenance is funded in the long-term.

‘Rail trails are an integral part of the cycling infrastructure around Queensland, Australia and the world,’ said Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine, on the importance of the Rail Trails and Tourism 2024 conference. ‘Rail trail projects have shown to give an extra life to existing transport corridors, serving communities in an economic, social and health and wellbeing space.’

‘I encourage anybody interested in developing a rail trail to come to this conference in Esk. You can hear first hand from the businesses who have made a success of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, and access expertise around managing stakeholder relationships, funding, events and partnerships.’

You can sign up to the free conference via the Somerset Regional Council event page.

For those outside of south-east Queensland who may need assistance with transfers from the train station at Ipswich to Esk, please contact Paul Dalitz (p.dalitz@bq.org.au).

The Rails Trails and Tourism Conference is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.

Categories
Advocacy

Stakeholders meet to discuss further development of Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail

On August 1, Bicycle Queensland met with the major stakeholders for the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail. This included staff from South Burnett Regional Council, Gympie Regional Council, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and members of several users associations involved with rail trails across Queensland. The meeting was facilitated by Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine.

Bicycle Queensland set up this meeting to discuss how the user experience across the length of the rail trail can be improved. Within the South Burnett region, where that section is known as the South Burnett Rail Trail, the trail has removed the need to open gates, and implemented a bitumen surface. Within the Gympie region, gates remain on the trail and the surface is more akin to the original rail corridor, and shows sign of weathering after recent major rain events in the region.

With the popularity of bike riding growing, the potential for increased visitation in both regions are immense with an improved end to end experience. Cycling tourism is valued at approximately $2 billion nation wide, yet only around $200 million of that lands in Queensland.

Who uses the southern end of the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail?

Data from the southern end of the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail (also known as the South Burnett Rail Trail) shows that the trail has a wide variety of users. The South Burnett Rail Trail users association have recorded an increase in overnight stays in the region, regular events who use the trail and attract external visitors, and noted that the sealed surface also attracts adaptive and disabled users, who are unable to experience the majority of off-road rail trails.

This success has come around over time, with diverse grant funding to invest in infrastructure that doesn’t have the same ongoing costs. The trail also connects to other tourism and cycling products – from mountain bike parks to wineries. As such it has diversified the user groups and created greater involvement from the local community and businesses.

The challenges for the northern end of the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail

From within the working group, the challenges can be summarised into a few areas. Firstly, the condition of the trail isn’t as appealing compared to the southern end. While few users would expect bitumen, a surface that can be ridden in entirety is important. There are a few safety concerns on the northern section due to damage from major rain events. While repair is one element, so is ongoing maintenance.

Being a user-friendly experience is also of concern, with numerous gates and steep gullies to navigate, the experience is distinctly different to the southern end. The addition of facilities, and costs involved, is also an issue, with the need for toilets and potentially showers at a key location on the route.

Lastly – the group was concerned about how best to promote the trail, given how well it can connect to other rail trail infrastructure in time, a long-term approach around branding and promotion was highlighted as another priority.

Stakeholder feedback from the meeting

‘This was an excellent day,’ stated Alton Twine, BQ’s CEO. ‘We brought together people from different councils, the community to look at what we can actually achieve with this rail trail now and in the future. If you want outcomes, you have to bring people together, you need to establish a common voice and agree on common goals. And I think we have reached that today. I’m really positive about where this is going to go in the future. It is really good to have passionate people around the table with a clear vision.’

Jason Wyeth, from the South Burnett Rail Trail, was very happy with the meeting.

‘Today has been really powerful, being able to get everyone together to chat about the future of the KKRT. This is a little gold mine at this end of the trail. It is great to see Gympie Regional Council here and have both councils talking to each other. We have a few short term things to fix, and if we can get them fixed as soon as possible, then the future is very bright.’

Andrea Ferris (Kilkivan) was at the meeting representing the Kilkivan and District Community Care Association.

‘It is great that people have finally come together to talk about the trail. A great willingness and enthusiasm towards the future has been shown, with some great ideas.’

Andrea is also an avid horse rider and bike rider, but the benefits for the whole community are the most important.

‘As a community member I see so many benefits for the community and for other rail trails in Queensland too. If we can make a good model here for governance and strategy that can be replicated, maybe more people will develop rail trails as it will be easier to govern and manage it.’

Robyn Davies from the Department of Transport and Main Roads also attended, given their investment in the Queensland Cycling Strategy and the benefit of cycling to the economy.

Perhaps most exciting for a lot of attendees was the future potential, not just for other disused rail corridors, but connectivity in Queensland. There is scope for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail to use the Link Trail to connect through to Kingaroy, then to Kilkivan, Theebine, and potentiall using back roads and stock routes to get to Gympie.

Connecting Wulkuraka to Gympie on one, signposted route? Sign us up!

‘Clearly there are a lot of people in the room today who can see that opportunity. But there are very few of those long, off-road, safe and give a cultural experience of going through small communities in Queensland countryside. Developing something like that, joining the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) to Gympie and connecting via train would be an incredible experience, something that people would come for not just nationally but internationally, if it is a good enough experience.’

The Mary Valley Rail Trail sits south of Gympie, running from Brooloo to Gympie, withy stages to Kandanga and then Amamoor proposed. Chrissy Thompson and Craig Thompson from the Mary Valley Rail Trail were in the meeting. While the rail trail they advocate for isn’t connected to the KKRT, it falls within the Gympie Regional Council region, and a rising tide lifts all boats.

‘Hopefully the Mary Valley Rail Trail will be a 21-22km trail in the future, which makes it a point of difference to the KKRT or BVRT. However, if we can loop up with a major project in south east Queensland around connecting the BVRT to the KKRT and to Gympie, then I think that’s a win for everybody,’ said Craig.

‘It looks like our trail will get to Amamoor,’ Chrissy added, ‘and then there could be potential for it to get from Amamoor to Gympie, which is huge potential for the trail and the region in the future.’

There are key points to action from various stakeholders after the meeting, but with a very positive tone for the day, Bicycle Queensland feels like the future is bright not just for the KKRT, but for rail trails and off-road bike infrastructure throughout Queensland.

By joining Bicycle Queensland, you can support initiatives like this, plus enjoy many membership beenfits.

Categories
Press releases

Bicycle Queensland Celebrates Success of Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Event

From May 3rd to 6th 2024, Bicycle Queensland, assisted through funding from the Queensland State Government, were proud to assist the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Association (BBIRT) in the successful running of the inaugural Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend.  The event saw an impressive turnout of riding enthusiasts from across Queensland and New South Wales, coming together to celebrate their passion for cycling and exploration on the Dawes Range Tunnels section of the BBIRT (Barrimoon to Builyan).

Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.

The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail event offered participants an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, scenic vistas, and thrilling challenges. The event had it all, with a dash of rain keeping the temperatures ideal, and adding a challenge element with some wet conditions. Riders embarked on a variety of rides through picturesque landscapes, traversing the diverse terrain of the rail trail -including the iconic Dawes Range tunnels. Evenings were spent being well fed and entertained with live music, all while camping under the wide Queensland night sky.

Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.

One participant expressed their delight, stating, “Meeting other like-minded people and riding with others in a group while soaking in the fabulous scenery made this event truly special.”

Another attendee shared their enthusiasm, remarking, “The riding, the challenges of the culverts, the venue, food, and drinks – it was all superb. This event brought together a great mixture of riders and bikes, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”

Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.

Each day had planned rides that let riders explore the old rail corridor and the sights it took in, and of course some of the historic infrastructure along the way. With ride leaders on hand, attendees were able to lean on their knowledge of the area and the rail corridor.

The Honourable Glenn Butcher, Member for Gladstone, was in attendance, and clearly impressed by the experience.

“The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail has been one of the pinnacle projects that we have done in the region, utilising an old rail track which was ripped up a number of years ago now, to turn it into what I believe is one of the best rail trails not only here in Queensland, but in Australia.”

“I’m looking forward to what we can do in this part of the world. I’d like to see this end up as Australia’s longest rail trail. From Gladstone all the way through heading south.”

Hon. Glenn Butcher shakes hands with Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.

The BQ Team were in attendance for the weekend, comprising CEO Alton Twine, Advocacy Director Andrew Demack and Grants and Sponsorship Officer Paul Dalitz.

“This weekend has been a great success, in no small part due to the hard work from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Association,” said Alton Twine after the weekend. “The weather threw up some extra challenges, but I think the turn out and positive event experience has illustrated just how popular this sort of infrastructure is. I’m certain the enthusiasm around the BBIRT will continue to grow from here.”

Andrew Demack was impressed by the turn out – but not surprised.

“Bike riders love rail trails because they are removed from traffic. Any time a rail trail is developed – riders will come. The bike riders who visit rail trails are committed travellers, they will spend time in the region and visit local businesses. As such, rail trails are an essential tool for economic revitalisation.”

“Bicycle Queensland are thrilled to have partnered with the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Association, and we look forward to working with them again soon.”

Andrew Demack runs a bike maintenance basics workshop during the BBIRT weeekend. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.

Gladstone Regional Council Mayor, Matt Burnett, had the honour of opening the event on Friday night and was thoroughly impressed by the overwhelming turnout of participants and the dedication from the volunteers to make the event a success. Mayor Burnett commended the organisers for their efforts in bringing together such a vibrant and inclusive event, emphasising the importance of initiatives like these events in promoting the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail.

Bicycle Queensland extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to the success of the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail event. Their passion and dedication have played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant cycling community and showcasing the beauty of Queensland’s landscapes.

With our eyes now set to 2025, we will carry on working with the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Association to deliver another fantastic event experience on the iconic rail corridor in early May, 2025. Make sure you’re signed up to our newsletters for all updates, or follow us on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/bicycle.qld
https://www.instagram.com/bicycle_qld/
https://www.facebook.com/boyneburnettinlandrailtrail

Photo from the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Weekend 2024, supported by Bicycle Queensland. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
Categories
Advocacy Uncategorised

Bridges section of Boyne-Burnett Inland Rail Trail opens

Opening of the Mt Debatebale to Mundubbera rail trail.

The Boyne-Burnett Inland Rail Trail (BBIRT) is a great success story of grassroots actions by communities a long way away from the seat of power. Last weekend a second section was officially opened, 30km of trail from Mt Debateable to Mundubbera.

This is the “Bridges” section of the BBIRT, as the rail corridor runs beside the mighty Burnett River, and crosses the many creeks feeding the river as they run off Mt Gayndah and the Binjour Plateau. The bridges which cross these creeks are listed by Engineers Australia as being of heritage significance.

Unfortunately floods have seen off two of these bridges, Reid Creek and Philpott, making it difficult for the rail trail to run along the corridor the entire distance from Gayndah to Mundubbera. At present, the trail starts 10km out of town in Mt Debateable siding, as the Reid Creek crossing prevents the trail from connecting into Gayndah. However, there is a detour around the site, where the bridge across Philpott Creek once was, adding a few kilometres to the journey.

Like many Queensland rail trails, this is an adventure experience. There are sandy sections, bumpy sections, and a few steep pinches out of gullies. The trail is best suited to a mountain bike (e-mtb is becoming popular too).

But for the adventurous who attempt the Bridges section of the BBIRT, you are rewarded with great views, and several plaques marking historical sites of interest.

Packs and Pedals’ runs a shuttle service on the BBIRT, and they can help you explore either the Bridges section or the Tunnels section from Kalpowar to Ubobo in the Boyne Valley.