The Queensland Government, Redland City Council and Logan City Council will jointly fund stage two planning of the Redland Logan Adventure Trail Network for bush walking and mountain biking.

A $75,000 contribution from the State Government is being matched by both Councils to plan the next stage of the network of cycling tracks and walking trails.

The Redland to Logan Adventure Trail Network is one of six pilot projects being rolled out in the Queensland Government’s $750,000 pilot Outdoor Tracks and Trails Planning Program announced in January this year.

Redland City Council recently completed the first stage with a concept design and preliminary feasibility study, in consultation with RATs Cycling Club and local business and community groups, into expanding the region’s existing network of multi-purpose trails to a circuit extending over 200 kilometres.

The Network involves developing 32.5 kilometres of new and upgraded infrastructure through existing corridors, to enhance Redland and Logan’s reputation as a mountain biking and hiking destination.

The Queensland Government’s trailblazing Tracks and Trails pilot is an investment in the future development of six known trail concepts including in the Redlands/Logan, Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, Cardwell, Mackay, and Townsville/Hinchinbrook local government areas.

The Outdoor Tracks and Trails Planning Program aims to deliver genuine ecotourism experiences, unlock new income streams for the preservation and management of parks, and support long-term environmental, economic and social benefits.

The Queensland Government is working collaboratively with Redland City Council and Logan City Council, mountain bike groups and other key stakeholders to undertake considered planning and due diligence to roll out the pilot Program.

The Outdoor Tracks and Trails Planning Program has the opportunity to support the more than 100,000 Queenslanders who are regularly mountain biking and the 424,000 Queenslanders who take part in bush walking.

Quotes attributable to Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni:

“We’re taking our concept for what could become one of Australia’s longest trail networks for mountain biking, walking and horse riding, to the next level.

“The Miles Labor Government has struck a deal to partner with two local Councils to finalise planning for the trail which will be a world class asset.

“Today we are announcing a tripling of the funding commitments, plus consideration to including a state of the art pump track at Underwood Park for users of all abilities. 

“This project started with locals like RATs Cycling Club and Redlands Chamber of Commerce coming together to progress a vision and is gathering strong support from Government at multiple levels, and we are all so proud.

Quotes attributable to Redland City Council Mayor Jos Mitchell:

“This is an exciting next step in Redland City Council’s shared vision with Logan City Council to establish our region as a leading adventure and lifestyle destination offering a range of diverse eco-tourism experiences.

“By showcasing the region’s natural features and nearby attractions, we can potentially attract new and returning visitors to the Redlands Coast and Logan, and in turn grow the local visitor economy. The project would also provide more outdoor adventure options for our residents.

“I am advised the initial assessment of the Redland Logan Adventure Trail proposal points to a clear need for the project based on an unmet demand for high quality eco-tourism products”.  

Quotes attributable to Logan City Council Mayor Jon Raven:

“The City of Logan is home to an amazing range of natural areas including rainforests, bushland reserves, waterways and wetlands. We know that people love experiencing and enjoy our natural areas. It makes so much sense to connect our trails with the Redlands so that people can enjoy both of our green and welcoming cities.

“We’re already popular with day trippers and mountain bike enthusiasts, and this trail network will encourage more people to experience our city’s diverse food offerings and support our local businesses.”

Quotes attributable to RATS Cycling Club President Lonnie Toia:

“This funding is a vital step to ensure our local network of trails meet all the requirements for mountain bikers, horse riders, bushwalkers and ultra marathon runners as well.

“The proposed connections of the trail network promises to fill the missing piece in Redlands and Logan which as many as 500 RATS Cycling Club members ride at least once every week.

“Linking our local trails means we can minimise time spent driving between different trail locations and trail users will be able to enjoy a whole day of non-stop adventure on the one incredible continuous trail.”