Noosa trail network set to grow by Christmas

Dust off your walking shoes and get ready to enjoy the newest section of the popular Noosa Trail Network which is set to open to the public just in time for the Christmas holidays.

The new trail, between Pomona and Cooran, will add to the Noosa Trail Network which is open to bushwalkers, mountain bike riders and horse riders, giving locals and visitors even more opportunities to enjoy this region’s spectacular hinterland and countryside.

Sunshine Coast Council Environment Services, Senior Planning Officer (Tewantin office) Anne Warmbrunn said the 8.5 kilometre trail would be called the Cooroora Trail.

“Both Council and the Queensland Department of Sport and Recreation had, in the past, provided funds to buy the materials needed to establish infrastructure along the Noosa Trail network including timber for bridges, gates, signage, picnic shelters etc and this section of the trail will include the same partnership approach,” Ms Warmbrunn said.

“Sunshine Coast Council this year allocated $20,000 to the project, to match the State Government Grant, and will continue this partnership approach throughout the region to extend the trail and to provide connections between the already established Kin Kin to Cooran Trails 2 and 3.

“The trail is the hinterland version of the region’s coastal pathway, another network aimed at providing a physically and environmentally healthy way to enjoy our wonderful outdoors.”

Division 12 Councillor, Lew Brennan, said the existing trails were constructed over 10 different Community Job Programs funded by the Department of Employment and Training between 2001 and 2008.

“The Cooroora Trail continues the work undertaken by the former Noosa Council to provide the community with a great place to walk, ride and enjoy our natural environment,” Cr Brennan said.

“The trails are maintained by Sunshine Coast Regional Council and are regularly upgraded so it is fantastic to see work begin on this latest stretch which will start at the Pomona Showgrounds, meander through Tuchekoi Forest Reserve, and then onto private property at the base of Mt Cooran before heading back across the railway line to the Cooran Sport and Rec Club.

“The trail will offer fantastic views of both Mt Cooroora and Mt Cooran, providing another great trail walk or ride in the region by this Christmas.

“They will also offer an economic value for our Hinterland residents, which should be recognised with some recent trail events, like the Enduro Mountain Bike event, attracting more than 1000 participants."

Watch out for the walk/ride that will be organised to launch the trail in the coming months.

For a brochure on the existing trail network, phone Council’s Tewantin office on 5449 5200 or visit the Noosa Network Trail website.