Hit the new Trail at Maleny

A special attraction for Maleny was officially opened today, giving residents and visitors the chance to get up-close to one of the Sunshine Coast’s most scenic areas.

Mayor Mark Jamieson, Division 5 Councillor Jenny McKay and Member for Glasshouse Andrew Powell combined to cut the ribbon on the Maleny Trail, incorporating the Riverside Boardwalk and Reynolds Circuit Boardwalk, which allows walkers better access to enjoy the rolling hills of the Hinterland town, Obi Obi Creek and the township itself.

The 4.8km trail and boardwalks form part of the Maleny Community Precinct plan which was endorsed by Council in 2010 to create “a place for the whole community to enjoy”. The trails overview plan was completed a year later.

The Southern Wetland Crossing and Heritage Trail from Fairview to Bails were the first parts of the project to be completed.

Thanks to successful negotiations with the Riverside Centre and the Katsaras Family, the Riverside Boardwalk in the town of Maleny was completed earlier this year and the Reynolds Boardwalk circuit, adjacent to the newly opened golf course, was the latest stage to be finished in May.

Many parts of the Trail to Maleny, which finishes near the showgrounds, are a work in progress and will be completed as funding becomes available.

This includes roadworks at Parkway Drive which, when completed, will offer an alternative pathway to the Maleny township.

A spectacular addition to the trail, the “Peace in the Trees” sculptures at the Cloud Walk end, should be ready for viewing in September while access to Gardner’s Falls will be in an upcoming stage.

Mayor Jamieson said the Trail and boardworks had provided Maleny residents and visitors with a “new beautiful public space to enjoy”.

“Thanks to the combined contributions of Council, local businesses and community organisations, we now have walking trails here that will not only inspire us to get outdoors and do some all-important exercise, but also have the potential to bring more visitors to the Maleny area and our Sunshine Coast region in general,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“It’s really pleasing to see such great results from a project that has received so much input from the locals here in Maleny.

“They’re helping their town become an even better place to live in and visit.”

Cr McKay, who joined the Mayor and Mr Powell in walking the opening section of the Trail today, said the project had been highly anticipated by the residents of Maleny.

“They have been looking forward to this since the inception of the Precinct,” Cr McKay said.

“I am delighted to announce that an official opening of the ‘Peace in the Trees’ sculptures is  being organised for Wednesday, September 2 where yet another community focussed project will be launched.

“I am always amazed with the high calibre of local artists and their willingness to get behind projects that showcase this unique area of the Hinterland.”

For more details on the Trail, go to www.malenytrails.com.au.