MVRT - Imbil to Brooloo Restoration Works

trail

 

Gympie Regional Council will shortly be undertaking flood restoration works along the Imbil to Brooloo of the Mary Valley Rail Trail this month.

Sections of the trail were damaged in the 2022 floods. In April 2023, Council reopened the Mary Valley Rail Trail restoring access to sections of the trail however additional restoration works are still required.

Works include:

Significant restoration works at three (3) locations along the trail:

  • Site 1 - close to the forestry access road crossing 
    • Installation of a new drainage pipe and headwalls 
    • Embankment repairs 
    • Track repairs 
  • Site 2 - approximately midway between the forestry road crossing and Brooloo  
    • Installation of a new drainage pipe and headwalls 
    • Concrete batter protection and pavement works 
  • Site 3 - close to Western Creek Road
    • Removal and replacement of damaged and concrete pavement on the top of a multi-cell box culvert
    • Construction of new concrete pavement on the approach to the said culvert 

Closures and Timeframe:

Works are scheduled to commence in late June and will require full track closure of all three (3) sites for the duration of the works. This is due to the nature of the works and the machinery that will be required.

  • Site 1:    23/06/25 - 17/07/25
  • Site 2:    21/07/25 - 12/08/25
  • Site 3:    18/08/25 - 21/08/25

Total potential closure time will be approximately 8 weeks, weather permitting.

Trail

Impacts:

We understand the impact this will have to trail users and appreciate that the closure of the trail presents a disruption however the works are required to ensure the full restoration of this valued community asset.

Milestone updates will be provided to stakeholders and the community as works progress and signage will be placed at either end of the Imbil to Brooloo trail to inform users of the closure.

Funding:

These works are made possible with assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

FAQs

  • Works are scheduled to commence on 23 June 2025 and are expected to be completed by end of August 2025, weather permitting. 

  • The trail will be fully closed for approximately 8 weeks, depending on weather conditions. 

  • Due to the nature of the works and the use of large earthmoving equipment, a full closure is required throughout the project to ensure public safety. 
     
     

  • The timing of these works is influenced by ongoing flood recovery efforts, weather conditions, and the need to meet funding deadlines set by disaster recovery authorities. Unfortunately, this has limited flexibility in scheduling. 

  • No. There will be no thoroughfare along the trail from Imbil to Brooloo.  Please refer to the map for further details.
     

  • Unfortunately, there are no viable detours for the portion of the track being closed. 

  • Access for emergency services and authorised personnel will be maintained where possible, with site managers coordinating safe access as needed. 

  • Yes. Nearby parks and open spaces not directly affected by the works will remain open. However, direct trail access points will be closed during the works. 

  • Updates will be posted regularly on Council’s website at www.gympie.qld.gov.au/recreational- 
    park-facilities    . Notifications will also be shared via social media, local news, and signage at trail entry points. 
     

  • Council has contacted known trail user groups, clubs, and event organisers to notify them in advance. We will continue to work with these organisations to address their concerns and support them in adjusting plans where possible. 

  • Works have been planned to minimise removal of vegetation. Where plants are required to be removed, they will be replaced at a ratio of 5 new plants for every 1 plant removed. The contractor will undertake works in a manner that respects habitats and complies with environmental regulations. 

  • The closure was approved by Council’s project team to ensure public safety and allow for the efficient and timely completion of critical infrastructure works. 

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