A community project has been pulled as Bundaberg Regional Council works to tighten spending.
It has confirmed the Bundaberg-Gin Gin Rail Trail won’t progress due to cost blow outs.
The initial idea to turn an old rail corridor into a 46 kilometre long recreational track was announced in 2017.
It was hoped many would travel to the area to use the facility, especially cyclists.
Finance portfolio spokesperson Cr Deb Keslake says Council’s current financial realities paired with a significant inflation to the project costs means it can 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 says.
“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.”
The Mayor says it’s another “tough decision” as Council tackles a multi-million dollar deficit.
In July, scaled down plans for the Anzac Park redevelopment were announced with the project now being delivered in smaller stages.
