Toowoomba Region Trails Network Strategy 2016

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Strategy A1: Focus available resources at key existing trails and identified Key Trail Activity Areas (refer Figure 14), including the Bicentennial National Trail (national-level trail) and Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (regional-level trail).

Rationale: In the shorter term, trail development focuses on the Key Trail Activity Areas, enhancing linkages between existing trails within these areas and the key existing trails of the Bicentennial National Trail and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Priority: HIGH

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Strategy A2: Enhance and develop the existing trails and support infrastructure within Jubilee Park, and promote as an integral part of a wider trail network

Rationale: Jubilee Park currently offers a range of trail experiences including multi-use trails and the region’s only recognised network of single track mountain bike trails. Additional trail infrastructure is required to service the current users of this park, including upgraded facilities at Bridge Street, which will also service users of Redwood Park, and potentially any new use for the quarry site. The re-naming and assigning/identification of a purpose for individual trails, plus the installation of additional interpretation will assist in clarifying the nature of the trails within Jubilee Park. The mountain bike trail network crosses other trails at multiple locations and it recommended that additional signage is installed at key location to highlight these locations.

Priority: MEDIUM

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Strategy A3: Enhance and develop the existing trails and support infrastructure within Redwood Park, and promote as an integral part of a wider trail network.

Rationale: Improving connectivity to and circulation around Redwood Park will build on the successes of recently completed projects around the trailhead adjacent to Warrego Highway, including infrastructure upgrades and the Rainforest Circuit. The challenging terrain of Redwood Parks means that relatively few people would likely tackle many of the longer trail loops that are currently available; the reinstatement of Fern Tree Gully Circuit would provide a shorter but still challenging loop trail experience.

Priority: MEDIUM

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Strategy A4: Enhance and develop the existing trails and support infrastructure within Picnic Point Park, and promote as an integral part of a wider trail network.

Rationale: Picnic Point Park is a key attraction and destination within the region, offering excellent facilities, access to the escarpment and stunning views over Mount Table Top and the surrounding landscape. As such, trail infrastructure should be progressively upgraded and maintained to high standards. As with the other escarpment parks, improving connectivity within and into the park will be a priority.

Priority: MEDIUM

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Strategy A5: Enhance and develop the existing trails and support infrastructure within JE Duggan Park, and promote as an integral part of a wider trail network.

Rationale: JE Duggan Park benefits from several short walks around a relatively small area of notable environmental value. Of note are localised areas of relatively flat land (rare within the escarpment parks network) that offer the potential to establish trails with universal access, and provide accessibility for all trail users. This trail network is currently isolated from the other trails networks along the escarpment and would benefit from upgraded infrastructure.

Priority: HIGH

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Strategy A6: Enhance and develop the existing trails and support infrastructure within Glen Lomond Park, and promote as an integral part of a wider trail network.

Rationale: Hell Hole Track is a well-known destination within the local community, with a large grassed clearing at the end of the track. However existing trail signage is confusing in terms defining overall distance, and the ultimate destination is far from clear on the ground, with a second track leading off from the grassed clearing and continuing downhill. This second track eventually to end halfway down the escarpment, with no clear route through, although it is understood that locals are aware of an informal route that leads down to Upper Flagstaff Creek Road.

Priority: MEDIUM

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Strategy A7: Clarify Mount Table Top as a site of significance to the local Aboriginal communities, by providing sufficient information for visitors to make informed and respectful choices regarding accessing the summit of Mount Table Top and completing the Mount Table Top Walk; and based on the condition/standard of the track.

Rationale: Mount Table Top is an important site for the local Aboriginal community. As an area of cultural significance it is recognised in the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register and is protected under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003. There is the view by many, that climbing to the summit is not to be encouraged. At the same time, Mount Table Top is also well-known feature of the region and popular with the local community and visitors to the region. Currently the informal track is not actively promoted, nor managed/ maintained by Council, resulting in potential safety concerns for those who do climb to the summit. Future discussions must involve the local Aboriginal communities and will be informed/ guided by the existing Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA).

Priority: HIGH

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Strategy A8: Building on the existing trails network at Mount Peel continue to develop the reserve as a destination for walking, horse riding and mountain biking (beginner level)

Rationale: Mount Peel Bushland Reserve currently has a network of clearly defined trails / firebreaks that is used by walkers, horse riders and, to a lesser extent, mountain bikers. Proximity to the growing residential population at Westbrook means that there will be increasing pressures for recreational use of the Reserve (both authorised and unauthorised). Additional trail infrastructure is recommended to improve accessibility and navigation around the Reserve, as well as addressing unauthorised use of the reserve.

Priority: HIGH

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Strategy A9: Investigate the potential to develop and formalise the existing informal trails and firebreaks network

Rationale: At the time of the development of this Strategy and the undertaking of the existing trail audit Cranley Escarpment Park was inaccessible, with temporary barriers in place at the main access points to the park. However, it is understood, through on-ground observations and the consultation process, that there exists a network of informal trails and firebreaks used by the local community. The nature of these informal trails, together with the challenging terrain and degraded environmental values of the park require careful consideration to deliver a network of sustainable trails.

Priority: MEDIUM

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Strategy A10: Continue to develop Highfields Falls as a bushland reserve destination for locals and visitors to the region

Rationale: Highfields Falls provides a natural bushland setting in close proximity to Highfields. There is significant potential to improve wayfinding and interpretation and the overall trail experience through additional trail infrastructure. There are also opportunities to promote Highfields Falls to visitors to the region as a short walk destination.

Priority: MEDIUM

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Strategy A11: Continue to develop and build upon the existing trails network in Crows Nest, incorporating Bullocky’s Rest, Applegum Walk and Hartmann Park

Rationale: There has previously been investment in upgrading Bullocky’s Rest as a stopping point for visitors to the town, with links into the adjoining Hartmann Park via Applegum Walk. Additional trailhead and wayfinding is required to promote the existence of these trails to visitors and clarify the trail alignments/distances/grade on the ground.

Priority: MEDIUM

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Strategy A12: Enhance and develop sustainably located and designed existing trails at Lake Cressbrook, including development of additional infrastructure.

Rationale: Lake Cressbrook currently includes significant infrastructure suitable to support land and water based trail activities including campground, toilet/shower amenities, boat ramp and wayfinding signage. A priority is to improve navigation around the inlet and connect the main car park with the campground and the lakeside trails. Future opportunities might include investigation of extending the lakeside trail further around the lake, in collaboration with Somerset Regional Council.

Priority: MEDIUM

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Strategy A13: Maintain sustainably located and designed existing trails at Lake Perseverance.

Rationale: There is currently limited trail infrastructure accessible to general public around Lake Perseverance with the exception of the lookout, which involves a short walk through a picnic area up to an elevated lookout point.

Priority: LOW

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Strategy A14: Enhance and develop sustainably located and designed existing trails at Lake Cooby, including development of additional infrastructure.

Rationale: Lake Cooby includes significant infrastructure suitable to support land and water based trail activities including car parking, toilet amenities, boat ramp and wayfinding signage. There is an 8km return walk trail adjacent to the lake, however, trail information on the ground is limited, poorly located and inconsistent. In addition, part way along the trail the alignment becomes unclear/unpassable, with limited wayfinding signage to confirm the route between the main car park and the dam wall.

Priority: MEDIUM / LOW

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Strategy A15: Enhance connectivity between Yarraman town centre, the sports reserve, Heritage Centre and Station Park to promote the existing formal and informal trail network

Rationale: Connectivity between the town centre and the existing formal and informal trailheads is currently limited due to an absence of appropriately located signage.

Priority: MEDIUM

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Strategy A16: Continue to support the Munro Tramway Historical Group to implement current upgrade projects and consider future enhancements to the existing trail

Rationale: Munro’s Tramway is a significant historic route for the Toowoomba region, which joins the localities of Palmtree and Hampton. The tramway was a private investment from the Munro Family in the late nineteenth century to transport produce from their flourishing timber sawmill at Palmtree to the main railway at Hampton. In 2015 the Munro Tramway Historical Group Inc. was formed to support the development of this route as a walking track with interpretive signage. The alignment of the tramway is on a combination of private land and road reserve.

Priority: MEDIUM

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Strategy A17: Continue to maintain other existing trails around the region, and upgrade in line with the actions detailed below, with projects prioritised where there is demonstrated community support, and where Council resources are available.

Rationale: There are a number of other trails across the region that would benefit from the address of current management/maintenance issues, additional trail infrastructure or upgrade of trail tread to improve and maximise accessibility.

Priority: MEDIUM / LOW