Group to guide the Mary to Bay Rail Trail's development

Six community members have been appointed to a Fraser Coast Regional Council advisory committee to help guide the ongoing development and management of the Mary to Bay Rail Trail.

The appointed community members of the Mary to Bay Rail Trail Advisory Committee are:

·         Harry Usher;

·         Rob McLaren;

·         Max Voigt – Fraser Coast Bicycle User Group;

·         Andy Riley;

·         John Williams – Wildlife Preservation Society, Fraser Coast Branch;

·         Desley O’Grady – Rail Trails Australia.

Cr Lachlan Cosgrove said the Mary to Bay Rail Trail stretches from Maryborough to the Urangan Pier, following the disused rail line that once connected the coal mines and farms of the Wide Bay Burnett to the pier.

“Residents and visitors can walk, run or ride through two distinct sections – the urban area of Hervey Bay, and the rural section through beautiful forest areas between Nikenbah and Maryborough, which is progressively being developed,” he said.

“Council endorsed the Mary to Bay Rail Trail Development Plan in 2019 and has worked with Fraser Coast Bicycle User Group volunteers and the Queensland Government to refurbish sections of the trail with a new 11-kilometre stretch opening around Takura about a year ago.

“The advisory committee provides a platform for community members and user groups to make recommendations to Council on issues including future development, operations and maintenance, marketing and promotion, as well as events and grant opportunities.”

The committee includes three Fraser Coast Regional Councillors: Mayor George Seymour (Chair), Cr Paul Truscott and Cr Lachlan Cosgrove. It also includes Council staff, and representatives from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, and Fraser Coast Tourism and Events.

The appointed community members will serve on the advisory committee for a two year term, starting from November 2024.