Toowoomba city’s escarpment parks are set to gain new and upgraded bushwalking and biking trails thanks to State Government funding of $2.7 million. The funding is part of the Building Our Region program.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio welcomed the announcement of State Government funding that will aid Council’s plans to unlock the tourism and recreation potential of Toowoomba’s escarpment park trails. “Securing funding allows us to advance project plans that are outlined in our Destination Toowoomba: Escarpment Tourism Summit Project. Council is allocating $4.5 million to the project, which is scheduled to be carried out in stages to June 2021,” says Mayor Antonio.
Council intends to construct new trails and upgrade existing multi-use trails at sites including Redwood and Jubilee parks. Additionally there are plans to upgrade mountain bike facilities to fit with the Council of Mayors South East Queensland proposal bid for the 2032 Olympic Games and Lockyer Valley Regional Council is contributing more than $200,000 to seal Amos Road allowing better access to the mountain bike trails at Jubilee Park.
Toowoomba Regional Council Tourism and Events portfolio leader Cr Geoff McDonald said the plans would raise the area’s already impressive profile, especially for sports tourism. “Our existing mountain bike trails have hosted club, state, national and Oceania title races and I’m positive any improvements will ensure we have the facilities to host bigger and better events, with an eye on the ultimate goal of the 2032 Olympic Games,” Cr McDonald said. An inter-connected series of escarpment trails will allow for more outdoor recreation activities, attracting more visitors also benefiting accommodation and restaurant operators. “The trails are important natural assets and appropriate, unobtrusive upgrading or the establishment of new multi-use trails will expand recreation options for residents and visitors,” Cr McDonald said.
The improvements will adhere to the area’s heritage values and not detract from the natural parklands setting. Other improvements include a range of interpretative and way-finding signs, seating and picnic facilities, new lookout and inter-connected walkway.
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