Submit your comments:- Cairns Bicycle User Group
RAILS TO TRAILS
Public corridors such as disused railway lines should be preserved for future use. They should be protected by Acts of Parliament just like other public assets. Flora and fauna, heritage buildings, wetlands, rainforests etc are protected by law but not our old railway lines. Look what happened to the Brisbane to Southport line. What a disaster and bad decision making by our polititians and beaurocrats.
We are now seeing the railway line from Millaa Millaa to Kairi gradually being disposed of by Queensland Transport. People are being denyed access to Millaa Millaa falls by a scenic, short, level route to the falls for pedestrians and cyclists. This corridor also protects the tree kangaroo and provides access to exotic flora and native wildlife viewing along two scenic reserves. Another scenic reserve has already been leased to local business. Located on the Atherton Tablelands near the Millaa Millaa Falls, this area has the potential for tourism, recreation and alternate business interests. At the same time the environment will benefit as will the amenity for locals and visitors. People are diversifying their business opportunities and disposing of public lands is not in the best interest of the whole community.
Queensland Transport and Queensland Rail should preserve public land for future use. The big picture and long term perspective that was inherant in our pioneers must be brought forward again. We need to think of the future as well as the present and plan sensitively for the sake of future generations and the future of our land.
Home