The Moore to Blackbutt, Esk to Toogoolawah, Lowood to Coominya and Fernvale to Lowood sections of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail have been re-opened. The remaining sections of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail are closed until further notice due to the January 2011 floods.

The section from Hardings Paddock to Flinders Peak in the Flinders Goolman Conservation Estate and the section in Mount Joyce Recreation Park of the Boonah to Ipswich Trail are open.

South East Queensland (SEQ) has hundreds of recreation trails, ranging from urban cycle and walking paths to river trails and rugged bush tracks. These trails cover thousands of kilometres. Trails are found on land owned and managed by many different landholders. Trails users are subject to a complex mix of laws, policies, approvals and planning and management responsibilities across all levels of government.

Recreation trail planning, development and management by state government agencies, local governments and community groups in SEQ needs coordination. Aspects of this problem are addressed in the SEQ Active Trails Strategy ( 2.4 MB), which guides future investment in regional recreation trail planning, development and management.

Trail implementation guidelines

Draft guidelines have been developed to assist local governments, trail planners and  community groups to plan and develop a network of regional, district and local trails. The consultation on the Draft South East Queensland active trails implementation guideline 1 ( 1.4 MB) has closed now and submissions are currently being assessed. The final trail implementation guidelines will be made available by the end of 2010.

SEQ Regional Recreation Trails Program

The Queensland Government is investing $8.8 million over five years to develop three new regional recreation trails, which were identified in the Active Trails Strategy, as part of a regional network of trails for South East Queensland. These trails will provide opportunities for residents and visitors to explore and experience some of SEQ’s most scenic landscapes.

The department is developing these trails in partnership with the five local governments - Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Somerset Regional Council, South Burnett Regional Council, Scenic Rim Regional Council and Ipswich City Council.

• Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
• Maroochy River Trail
• Boonah to Ipswich Trail

Why the government funds recreation trails

Access to quality outdoor recreation areas is important for the physical, social and economic wealth of local communities and to our way of life. Outdoor recreation plays an increasingly important role in improving our health. Regional recreation trails are a relatively low cost, but effective way to significantly enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for people across the region.

Regional trails are an important part of the government’s Towards Q2 vision to create a green and healthy Queensland and to manage the impacts of growth. The implementation of the trail demonstrates how the state government through Growth Management Queensland is protecting more land for public recreation and is delivering sustainable outcomes for Queenslanders.

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail grants

The Queensland Government is running a grants program to assist organisations and Brisbane Valley communities to undertake activities and projects that will support the delivery and operation of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Community Partnership Program is open to not-for-profit, incorporated community organisations, local governments and tertiary institutions throughout South East Queensland.