boonah to ipswich trail

The proposed Boonah to Ipswich Trail (the Trail) is a 76km recreation trail with networks for walking, horse riding and mountain bike riding. It will connect central Ipswich to the centre of Boonah township and is located on existing properties owned by local governments, public roads (which may be formed or unformed) and small areas of state land.

The proposed Trail alignment passes through an extensive, rugged and regionally significant scenic landscape dominated by native vegetation. Major features include Flinders Peak, ridges forming the watershed between Purga Creek, Teviot Brook, Logan River and Bundamba and Deebing Creeks and the site of the proposed Wyaralong Dam on Teviot Brook.

High points along the Trail have views south and west to the Scenic Rim, east to the greater Brisbane area and Moreton Bay and north to the D’Aguilar Range.With the exception of areas managed by Ipswich City Council at Hardings Paddock and Flinders Peak, areas adjacent to the proposed Trail alignment have limited public access for outdoor recreation and few formal recreation trails.

Near the proposed Wyaralong Dam, however, there is potential to connect the Trail to future outdoor recreation facilities planned for the dam precinct.The Trail will provide recreation opportunities for the current and future populations of SEQ, especially Greater Ipswich and the Western Corridor, the planned Ripley Valley development, southern Logan City, Boonah, Beaudesert and the proposed urban centres of Greenbank Central, New Beith, Flagstone and Undullah. These nearby areas are expected to have a combined population of about 640,000 by 2026. Additional users are anticipated from elsewhere in SEQ and from around Australia and internationally.

A total of $2.4 million has been allocated for development of the Boonah to Ipswich Trail including design and construction of the trail and associated infrastructure such as horse yards, toilets, camping areas, water tanks, corridor fencing and gates, car parks, road crossings and safety, information, directional and regulatory signs.

The Boonah to Ipswich Trail Steering Committee had their first meeting on October 15. Chair is Wayne Wendt, MP, Ipswich West and BOSS is represented by Julie Jackson.

Anyone interested in testing the boonah to ipswich trail and giving feedback on what you think, should send an email to melanie.doheny@dip.qld.gov.au to register your interest by November 15 as space is limited. Priority will be given to those being a member of a local community or outdoor recreation organisation.