RFT2024-25 011 - River to Rail and Imbil to Brooloo Rail Trail

Summary and scope

The Gympie Region experienced intense rainfall events in January, February and May 2022 which led to extensive flooding resulting in damage to essential public assets. In response to this damage to essential public assets, Council successfully sought activation under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Imbil to Brooloo Rail Trail Overview The Imbil to Brooloo Rail Trail, a 5.0km recreational path along the old Mary Valley Railway Line, was significantly damaged by the 2022 Gympie rain and flood events. The damage included loss of trail material, plantings, creek crossing failures, silt deposits, and signage loss. Initial cleanup and minor repairs have been completed, but three specific sites require further restoration and resilience works. These works include trail surface restoration, weed management, replanting, stormwater pipe replacement, erosion control, and bank stabilisation to ensure the trail’s long-term usability and safety. River to Rail Trail Overview The River to Rail Trail, a 7.8km recreational path along the Mary River and Deep Creek, was significantly damaged by the 2022 Gympie rain and flood events; with a 3.5km section heavily impacted. The damage included loss of trail materials, plantings, and signage, as well as creek bank instability and heavy deposits of sand and silt. Council undertook the initial clean-up of the trail to remove flood debris. Restoration efforts will involve realignment of a short section of the trail, planting destabilised areas, and installing signage.