What is a rail trail?
A rail trail is a multi-use recreation trail constructed on a disused railway corridor (existing public land).
Rail trails typically offer safe off-road connections for people of all abilities.
What is the Bethania to Logan Village Rail Trail project?
It’s a Logan City Council and Queensland Government initiative that will transform 11.5 kilometres of historically used rail corridor into a destination for Logan residents and visitors to enjoy.
Why is Council constructing the Rail Trail?
The rail trail will help deliver a range of benefits including:
- increased walking, running, bike riding, skating horse riding and other forms of active
- a safe and family friendly environment
- a boost to the local economy by attracting visitors and connecting them with businesses and services along the rail trail
- more opportunities for car-free journeys across South East Queensland by connecting into the rail network and principal cycle network at Bethania Station.
This section will join with the existing Yarrabilba to Logan Village Rail Trail, creating a 13.5 kilometre route, from Bethania to Yarrabilba.
By extending and improving our bike riding and walking facilities, we are building a healthier and greener city.
How much is Council contributing to the cost?
Logan City Council’s 2022/23 budget committed $3.5 million towards the $7 million Bethania to Logan Village Rail Trail project.
The Queensland Government in its 2022/23 budget committed $3.5 million to match Council’s funding commitment.
The latest project estimates have indicated that the cost of the project is likely to increase. Once the detailed design has been finalised and the project cost refined, relevant approvals will be sought for budget amendments where required.
What has happened to date?
A feasibility study was undertaken in 2021, to examine the project’s benefits, costs and opportunities.
Funding confirmation allowed the project to proceed to design and construction:
- From August to October 2022, Council engaged the Logan community to help with the design of the trail.
- The design stages of the project began in late 2022 and are expected to finish late 2023.
- Construction is expected to start in 2024, pending design.
Has the rail trail corridor been selected? Does it need to connect to Bethania Station?
The Bethania to Logan Village Rail Trail has now been endorsed by Council and will follow the route of the historically used rail corridor from Bethania Station to Logan Village.
Options for alternative routes / starting points were considered as part of the feasibility study undertaken in 2021.
The feasibility study found the following project benefits will be realised by connecting Bethania Station to Logan Village:
- The trail will be easily accessible for recreational users who can travel by train and will help to attract visitor numbers.
- The length of the trail (Bethania to Yarrabilba) will be maximised which is an important element in attracting users, especially bike riders.
- The trail can perform a meaningful commuter function connecting the suburbs and villages en-route to Bethania Station and the rail network beyond.
The feasibility study recommended the rail trail be built within the already publicly owned rail corridor from Bethania Station to Logan Village and the funding has been agreed on this basis.
Who owns the land where the rail trail will be constructed?
The State of Queensland owns the land that will be used for the Rail Trail. This parcel of land has been leased to Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR).
DTMR have committed with Council to progress a rail trail.
How did Council engage with the Logan community?
To help inform the design phase of this project, Council invited the community to participate in a Have Your Say survey.
The survey was open from 31 August 2022 to 12 October 2022.
To view the results please see the project webpage.
We will be back in touch with the community in mid-2023 with a draft design.
What is the timeline for design and construction of the rail trail?
Our Design Team has commenced designing the rail trail route from Bethania to Logan Village.
The Design Team is still in the early stages of design.
A project timeline can be found at Bethania to Logan Village Rail Trail Have Your Say.
Have my comments from the Have Your Say survey been considered?
Thank you for providing your feedback. The design team has received all survey responses and is considering your comments to inform elements of the design.
How can I stay up to date with the project?
You can stay up to date with the latest project information on the project webpage.
The Bethania to Logan Village Rail Trail Have Your Say page will also be updated as the project progresses. To access this page please see Bethania to Logan Village Rail Trail Have Your Say.