In addition to making professional promotional videos about our Rail Trail, Fraser McDonald has launched into producing a range of quality T-shirts that feature the map from Maryborough to the Bay, and even some with our ditty on the back. Reasonably priced  as well – order here today.

Fraser has produced an excellent short promotional video of our Rail Trail.  This is a great tool to inform everyone of the many opportunities our recreational Rail Trail presents.  Click here to view.

Fraser then went on, over several weeks, to create a 6 minute documentary about the Mary2Bay Rail Trail, which is also public on Youtube. Show me!

Now, as icing on the cake, Fraser has also provided FCBUG with our own YouTube channel, raising the Group’s professional profile.  Be sure to subscribe to the Channel and like it as well.

Another good movie, featuring local talent and nearby Rail Trails has been made by Andrew Demack from Bicycle Queensland. Very inspiring for growing regions, share with your local Councillor. Click! 

As with any good news, share these videos far and wide. Loads of effort has gone into their production to highlight the value of our Rail Trail, as well as the economic benefits for both cities.

Should anyone wish to volunteer to help out with maintanance on the Trail, contact the Team through our email address frasercoastBUGM2BRT@gmail.com. 

Promotion

Brochures promoting M2BRT have been printed and are available at both Visitor Information Centres and some coffee shops. Pick one up today and share.

29 September 2024     Family Day at Takura Trail Head for first anniversary of Rail Trail

This event proved very popular, and not just for the coffee van and free sausage sizzle. A number of families arrived and others rode from Hervey Bay. All were impressed with the improvements FCBUG volunteers had made since the Trail opened a year ago.

Thanks to Frank Ekin from Wildlife Qld Fraser Coast for setting up a display and for volunteers who signed up to help out with maintaining the Trail.

27 October 2024         A combined Rotary Club of Maryborough and Hervey Bay’s Sunrise hosted their annual  CRoW (Cycle Run Or Walk) event on the Rail  Trail.  It was a fundraiser for ending Polio and had two options for starting – Takura  Trail Head or Churchill Mine Rd Trail Head for a 10km out and back circuit.  A very successful day out and enjoyed by all who attended.  Ambassador Dave McLeod manned a display at Chuchill Mine Trail Head, where a new shelter has been built.

23 February  2025     Another Rendezvous occurred at Churchill Mine Rd Trail Head.  A team of Active Riders from Maryborough,(most without e-bikes) guided by Bob and members (most with e-bikes)  from Hervey Bay converged on the Trail from respective towns, for a gathering. The new gate was regarded with interest, both shelters were gratefuly used and the Marybrough stalwarts rode onto Urangan for a well-earned breakfast, having left in the dark at 5am.  

It was wonderful to see the Trail being well-used, several runners and walkers were also sighted.

December 2024 – February 2025       

Trail Improvements

• Bridge 6 ramps have been completed, Bridge 4 bypass improvements made, 200m before Bridge 6 prepped for surface improvements, drain installed near entrance to Takura Trail Head, site readied for tree planting.
• Interim bypasses at Stockyard and Black Swamp Creeks withstood wet weather, inspected with Council Engineer 24/1/25 to improve (FCRC section), 16.7km rural section now rideable from Piggford Lane.
• Weeds sprayed around bridges, along Trail.

Forward Work Plan

• Work on upgrading surface on section between Takura & Bridge 6 underway. 150T of road base to be spread and compacted next week, with water from Rural Fire Bridge.
• Bridge 6 – renew surface with another layer of Geohex & concrete
• Bridge 4 & 5 ramps to be done
• Bridge 2 – extend ramps
• CMR carpark road base & rock
• Tree planting – tree availability yet to be confirmed, target planning in April
• Takura “new entrance” – install pipe and more road base
• Proposed shelter from Rotary – no confirmation at this stage. Future possibility may need to install at Piggford Lane (will require further discussion once Rotary make a decision).

FCRC M2BRT Advisory Committee Meeting 19 December 2024

• Permanent gate to be put at Churchill Mine Road entrance in March 2025, therefore no public access to that 3.8km section of the Rail Trail for foreseeable future.
• No dates for development to start for Colton Mine development.
• Commitment by Mining Co to do excavation work for Northern Alternate Route around Mining Lease. No date to start or complete. No negotiation held with BNTAC re Native Title implications and costs.
• Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road Design Progress. DTMR advised that consultants have an ongrade solution for crossing HB-M Rd at Nikenbah, mid-Jan for design completion. Crossing at the 80km sign means backtracking about 100m alongside of Rail Museum fence. Proposed for installation in 2025. Opens up Nikenbah to Piggford Lane section for development. DTMR to consider funding.
• No promised new allocation to Rail Trails for 2025/26
• FCBUG Strategy Document – FCRC draft to be distributed for feedback in mid-January. However, Piggford Lane Trail Head to remain as next priority.
• Wide Bay Water to present at next AC regarding new pipe line on acquired private land being appropriate for Rail Trail from Aldershot.

Grant Funding

All grants are running within budget and according to their agreed scope and workplans. There will be a requirement to refund FCRC $41K from the savings made on interim crossings at Stockyard and Black Swamp Creeks, currently awaiting Council’s advice.

Communications

Facebook’s Discussion Group has 4,800 members. Visitor Book at The Depot refreshed, ready for comments.

Other

21/2/25   Meeting with Member for Maryborough John Barounis

24/1/25   Meeting with Member for Hervey Bay David Lee

31/1/25  Meeting with Minister for Environment & Tourism, Minister for Science & Innovation, Andrew Powell in community worksho on Eco Tourism, held at Boat Club