Bundaberg Regional Council has confirmed plans for a Bundaberg-Gin Gin Rail Trail will not proceed due to a cost blowout to the project.
The initiative aimed to convert an old rail corridor between Bundaberg and Gin Gin into a recreational trail for walking, cycling, and outdoor activities
Finance portfolio spokesperson Cr Deb Keslake stated Council’s current financial realities paired with a significant inflation to the project costs meant it could no longer be prioritised.
“After undertaking a detailed business case it was estimated a basic level rail trail would be $39.799 million to deliver,” she said.
“With current funding commitments between the State Government and Council sitting at $19.112 million, there was a project funding shortfall to Council of $20.687 million.
“Unfortunately, we are not in a financial position to move forward with the Bundaberg-Gin Gin Rail Trail at this time.
“Our primary responsibility is to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Council, and that means making some difficult decisions about what projects we can realistically deliver.”
Council remains committed to exploring alternative opportunities for community infrastructure as budgetary circumstances allow.
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