Costs of the controversial Bethania to Logan Village Rail Trail project has almost doubled, according to new estimates.
The cost of the project was initially estimated to see local and state governments chipping in $3.5 million each.
Now, following a community consultation period, the predicted price has rocketed to $13 million.
When it was first revealed the track would intercept Palm Lake Resort, residents were furious neither council nor the state government had planned to install a fence or security along the section of trail dividing the gated community.
The gated community’s residents have been campaigning against the 11.5-kilometre track for almost a year, asking for either a complete diversion of the track or, at the very least, some security.
They’ve had many complaints, but their primary concern has always been their safety and protection.
And clearly local council has listened.
Residents have now been promised security, but it comes at a massive price.
“Concerns raised by some residents at nearby retirement villages have been addressed, with electronic gates and fencing incorporated into the preliminary designs,” a council spokesperson said.
But gates and fences don’t cost an extra $6 million.
Some Palm Lake residents said council was “blaming them” for the rise in cost.
Council conducted consultation with the broader community, asking locals to have their say in a survey.
The survey results revealed 70 per cent of respondents said they would use the trail.
“The latest designs have taken into consideration feedback from extensive community engagement,” the spokesperson said.
“But the additions come at a cost.
“Added proposed features include fencing, safety cameras and different surfaces to allow walking, jogging, cycling and horse riding on sections of the Rail Trail.”
The other additions include:
- Feature planting at key points such as Bethania Train Station, Logan River
Lookout and Dairy Creek Road - Seating, shelters, water bubblers and bins, including a dog waste bag
dispenser - Bike and horse trailer parking at the Dairy Creek Road trail head
The spokesperson said there were six waterway crossings along the trail route that would need to be upgraded for safety and accessibility reasons.
The spokesperson said the higher price was further fuelled by soaring costs of construction materials.
“In the current economic climate, council is facing increased costs, with some construction materials rising by as much as 30 per cent over the past financial year alone,” he said.
“Sealed surfaces in some sections, which has added to the project cost given the soaring cost of bitumen, will also make the Rail Trail accessible for all abilities.”
A statement revealed council has big plans for the Rail Trail project, hoping it could “eventually be extended to Jimboomba and Beaudesert and become a major regional tourism attraction”.
