This is a picture of four people at the the location of the future rail trail.

United effort gives Logan a trail to success

The City of Logan will reap the benefits of a $6.4 million State Government funding injection aimed at rejuvenating local economies.

Three shovel-ready projects will share in the Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package, including Logan City Council’s Logan Village to Yarrabilba Rail Trail.

The State Government has allocated $2 million towards constructing the 3.5km walking, hiking and riding trail, which will be built on a disused railway line corridor.

Another $2.4 million has been given to the Loganlea Road Healthy Street Project and a further $2 million has been allocated to improving the streetscape of the Beenleigh CBD and to provide a shade solution for the Town Centre.

The Rail Trail project received allocated funding while the other two were subject to a competitive application process.

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said the projects would provide excellent community benefits.

“Yarrabilba is a growth area with lots of young families and this Rail Trail will provide an important and healthy link to the businesses in Logan Village,” Cr Power said.

“This outcome is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when our two levels of government work together to benefit the entire community.”

He said Logan faced intense competition from other Councils for a slice of the funding.

“The Loganlea and Beenleigh projects were the subject of a competitive process to obtain funding and they managed to beat many other worthy applications from across the state,” Cr Power said.

“These projects will create jobs as they progress but most importantly they will better connect the city and create even more quality destinations for residents and visitors.

“The Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package is designed to keep Queensland’s economy moving forward and I have no doubt we will see a huge benefit here in Logan.”

The Loganlea Road Healthy Street Project is an outcome of the Meadowbrook Summit.

It aims to create a ‘healthy street’ through an off-street active transport link and greening the streetscape along with a new pedestrian crossing on Loganlea Road.

Construction on all three projects should start before Christmas.

This is the second round of funding that Council has received from the State Government for COVID 19-related relief.

The Kingston Butter Factory redevelopment received $6.57 million earlier this year.

Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe said the Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package would help councils build new and upgraded infrastructure and give their communities’ economies a boost.

“From Noosa to the Gold Coast and from Toowoomba to Moreton Bay, councils estimate more than 1500 jobs will be created or supported through 63 projects for the communities,” he said.

“Our councils have also been doing it tough with the closure of services, provision of community support concessions and reduced revenue, including rates and charges revenue, all while leading their communities.

“This program is allowing the councils to fast-track new infrastructure and community assets, and in doing so, helping to get the communities back on their feet faster.”