Key steps have been taken towards establishing a trail between the hinterland and the beach on the Sunshine Coast.
A community Joint Working Group is optimistic the Nambour to Coolum Beach recreation trail will become a reality, after “constructive” meetings with state and local authorities.
The Queensland Government could provide funds, reportedly of up to $500,000, if the figure can be matched by the local council, to investigate and design sections of the trail between Nambour and Bli Bli.
Meanwhile, investigations and designs have already started on parts of the trail between Bli Bli and Coolum Beach.
JWG secretary Fiona Hughes said the track would benefit walkers, runners and riders.
“This is potentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something really, really positive for our region and our community. It should not be missed,” she said.
“Our objective is to have the N2C Trail built by the 2032 Olympics, which would be an amazing legacy for all to enjoy.”
The JWG held a meeting with state government officials, which Ms Hughes said led to a commitment of $500,000 by Tourism Minister Andrew Powell, on the condition that the figure be matched by Sunshine Coast Council.
The JWG then held a meeting with Sunshine Coast Council to discuss funding.
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Ms Hughes said they were “really constructive” talks.
“Our focus at present is getting the necessary funding to allow detailed route investigation and planning to occur,” she said.
“There are several route options, and these require detailed assessment by professional engineers.”
Ms Hughes said work is underway on investigations and designs between Bli and Bli, via funding from the South-East Queensland City Deal (involving federal, state and local governments) which includes $5 million for tracks and trails within the Blue Heart.
The JWG stated that a recreation trail could boost the economy of Nambour and allow access to environmental assets like the Maroochy Valley and the Blue Heart, which is a preserved floodplain. It could also help celebrate the history of the area and promote healthy lifestyles.
The main trail could be about 20km long but there could be multiple branches off it, extending the total project to about 50km.
Ms Hughes said there was significant support for the initiative.
“The JWG is not aware of any people or groups directly opposed to the trail,” she said.
“There are a few who have withheld specific endorsements until they see the precise location of the routes, and some have expressed doubts as to whether it will be built.
“But almost everybody concedes that, if built, the trail will be a terrific community asset.”
The Nambour to Bli Bli section could also include a connection to the 2032 Olympic mountain biking site at Parklands and could expand to other areas.
“The trail has enormous potential for new extra routes and branches almost on a spoke and wheel basis,” Ms Hughes said.
“This includes considerations of an easily accessible canoe trail down the Maroochy River.”
The route, which could feature a variety of surfaces, could traverse private properties.
The Maroochy Farmers and Land Owners Association has representatives on the JWG, as does the Nambour Chamber of Commerce, Coolum Business and Tourism, Yandina and District Association and Coolum Residents Association.
“Other rail trails across the country, and globally, show the possible tourism-related benefits to landowners and villages of an active trail,” Ms Hughes said.
Councillor David Law expressed his support for the trail and said he will work with the mayor and other councillors “to see if we can find matching funding in our budget”.
“I’m extremely keen for this recreation trail to get up and running,” he said.
Cr Law said the trail could connect to the coastal pathways network, essentially linking the hinterland to all beachside towns and suburbs.
“You’d be able to compare it to any type of recreation trail across South-East Queensland,” he said.
“It would mean people from Brisbane could take their bike, jump on a train and go to Nambour, then cycle along the trail, and by 2029–30, you could also access the Olympic mountain bike venue and course.”
He also said the trail would help address an “urgent need to reduce the number of vehicles on the road”.
Cr Law said the investigations would determine the “sensible and logical route” before discussions are held with landowners.
Meanwhile, Mr Powell said the state government was eager to do its bit for recreation and active transport.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to delivering a better lifestyle for Queenslanders, including creating more opportunities for people to enjoy everything our state has to offer,” he said.
SCN contacted the council for comments and was directed to Cr Law.
