Pedestrians and cyclists in Yeppoon are set to benefit from a $455,000 extension to the Pineapple Coast Rail Trail thanks to funding from the Palaszczuk Government.
The 429m shared path will connect the rail trail to the Yeppoon Foreshore, and will complement an additional $475,000 investment from the state for much-needed maintenance works to the heritage-listed former railway station building.
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga welcomed the announcements, saying it's important to preserve local heritage while building the communities of tomorrow.
"This is a great outcome for Yeppoon and will support business in our city centre and foreshore precinct," Mrs Lauga said.
"Securing this funding is the result of productive meetings held earlier this year with the State Development Minister, and I thank him for his commitment to our region.
"Linking Braithwaite Street to our coast will guide people through our heritage precinct to the foreshore, shining a spotlight on our past and present.
"These projects will also help to encourage new investment as part of an overall redevelopment strategy centred around the Station Quarter."
Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) will construct and landscape the path, which will begin from the corner of Braithwaite and James Street, and will deliver the railway station building maintenance works.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said connecting the Pineapple Rail Trail to the revitalised Yeppoon Foreshore would boost recreation and economic activities in the region.
"These works will generate more cycle and pedestrian traffic along James Street, with construction to support four local jobs," Mr Dick said.
"The rail trail extension and maintenance to the station building will also help attract a private partner to transform the building for its next productive use.
"Our government's coordinated approach to delivering infrastructure is benefitting all Queenslanders and is creating more Queensland jobs.
"Brittany Lauga is a tireless champion for the people of Keppel, and the Palaszczuk Government has listened and is acting to deliver new infrastructure for Yeppoon."
Livingstone Shire Council Mayor Bill Ludwig said the extension of the Pineapple Coast Rail Trail was a welcome investment by the state.
"Our council's Active Livingstone Strategy documented a strong desire among locals to connect the Pineapple Coast Rail Trail with the Yeppoon Foreshore," Mayor Ludwig said.
"The state's investment brings us a step closer to realising that vision, and will also support the case for extending the rail trail between Yeppoon and Rockhampton."
"Council is has committed to investigate additional linkages to the rail trail to further enhance the community's connectivity."
The Palaszczuk Government has also provided $225,000 to Livingstone Shire Council to plan an extension of the trail between Yeppoon and Mount Chalmers.
Learn more about the Palaszczuk Government's infrastructure policy and investment.
