Sunshine Coast Council says it remains committed to a recreation trail that could connect the hinterland to the coast.
The planned Nambour to Coolum trail was endorsed seven years ago, but details on the proposed route have been scarce since.
The track would likely go from Nambour through Rosemount and Bli Bli to Coolum Beach, following sections of the old cane train line.
The project was announced in 2017, after community consultation showed strong support from local residents, mountain bike clubs, cycling groups and canoe paddlers.
Planning and implementation of the trail was included in a 15-year Recreation Trails Development Plan, but very little movement has been made.
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A council spokesperson told Sunshine Coast News the trail was still expected to go ahead, and they outlined the next steps.
“We are moving forward with the trail, but it’s a complicated and multifaceted project that is interconnected with other projects in the area,” the spokesperson said.
“We are preparing to undertake detailed planning over the next 18 to 24 months, which includes further community involvement in the process.”
They said the trail would be of great benefit to locals and tourists.
“The proposed Nambour to Coolum trail is an east-west recreation trail that will connect the hinterland to the coast and encourage even more people to head outdoors and enjoy our great environment,” the spokesperson said.
“It will offer more walking, running and cycling opportunities for our region and provide a unique opportunity to access a diversity of recreational, natural and historical experiences.
“It will potentially be made up of a network of up to 50km of trails with a core route between Nambour, Bli Bli and Coolum.”
Other projects that could impact and/or interact with the route include the Blue Heart (critical areas of floodplain), the planned Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade and the proposed Olympic mountain biking facility at Parklands.
Members of community group Coolum Residents Association were eager to see the trail become a reality.
Vice-president John Fuller said they wanted it ready before the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.
“The sooner the better,” he said.
“CRA is very supportive of the design and construction of the council-endorsed Nambour to Coolum rec trail, in time for the 2032 Olympics,” he said.
“We have a subcommittee which is currently advocating for the trail by raising the awareness/agenda with, and seeking commitment from, councillors and state reps, and also linking with other community groups (including the) Nambour Chamber of Commerce.”
He said the trail could promote active transport.
“It would be good for reducing traffic, good for community health and can connect all users with the local environment and history,” he said.
Mr Fuller said the route could enlighten and entertain those who traverse it.
“Art and history should be included to enhance the journey by creating local story connections. Some innovative water crossings along the trail could be inspirational and fun,” he said, before adding the route should “seek to help and preserve the environment through which it passes”.
The CRA, via a rec trail information presentation, said the trail would “almost inevitably” traverse sensitive habitat and vegetation, which would present challenges in selecting and constructing appropriate routes.
But the group said these challenges could be overcome and wildlife habitats could be part of the “compelling attractiveness” of the trail, with features like bird hides, koala habitats and grazing areas.
The CRA said the route could acknowledge the region’s cane industry and tourism heritage, and it could acknowledge locations that are of particular significance to the Indigenous residents of the region, including at Maroochy River, Mount Ninderry, Mount Coolum, Dunethin Rock and Petrie Creek.
The CRA said the trail, which could start at Nambour Train Station, could accommodate people from Brisbane and bring significant economic benefits to the area, particularly towns like Nambour, Coolum and Bli Bli.
The CRA also hoped that funding from the SEQ Cities Deal could help get things started.
The CRA has conducted several information pop-up sessions at Coolum and will hold a public meeting at Coolum Bowls Club on March 5 in relation to the trail project.
But Mr Fuller said he was concerned by the “lack of awareness and the lack of funding” for the proposal.
SCN asked council how much it could cost and how it could be paid for, but was not provided with a response. SCN also asked council whether the trail could go through private land and whether any discussions had been held with landowners, but was not provided with a response.
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