Council
19 December, 2024
Rock solid $1.5M plan
Mount Glen Rock will receive nearly $1.5 million from the federal government to develop a low-impact, walking-only trail network in Esk, after years of locals advocating Somerset Council for a more ecofriendly proposal of Council’s Mount Glen Rock Adventure Park (MGRAP).
The funding, announced on December 14, will help Council build the Mount Glen Rock Hiking Trails (MGRHT), which will be located within 300m of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) in Esk, and include a six-kilometre trail network, with a summit trail and lookout, and ecological and cultural heritage interpretive signage, creating a healthy and educational experience for locals and visitors.
Council will also contribute around $600,000 to the federal funding, bringing the total project cost to about $2 million.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt called the announcement “brilliant”, saying the project will capitalise on the BVRT 35,000 annual visitors by bringing more opportunities for tourism businesses and employment in Esk.
“We have a beautiful, untapped asset right on Esk’s doorstep capable of bringing in tourism dollars and improving the health and fitness of our residents,” he said.
“For years, the community has asked Council to advocate for this and I’m proud, together with the whole Somerset team, we will finally be able to experience the natural beauty of Mount Glen Rock.
“Council thanks the community for their support in shaping this project.”
The trails will be developed on 127 hectares of freehold Council land, purchased in 2020 with the view of delivering a unique outdoor recreational experience for residents and visitors, under a Cultural Heritage Management Plan agreed to with the Jagera people.
Since 2022, local conservation group Care4esk met with Somerset’s Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, and with Somerset Council to raise concerns regarding the proposed MGRAP and present an alternative plan, which would be less impactful to the endangered and threatened native fauna and flora species, including the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby.
Care4esk’s proposal included making the proposed track a walking-only trail network, not allowing mountain biking, abseiling or rock climbing, and it encouraged the inclusion of First Nations groups to share guidance and knowledge of the area.
Care4esk president Darren Bates thanked Council for “considering the benefits for the wider community” of the new hike trail.
“This more thoughtful approach will ensure the greater protection of our precious local native Fauna and Flora species and highlight the natural beauty of our region’s picturesque environment,” he said.
“Having worked closely on Country with Jagera, Jinibara and Dungibara representatives throughout our two-year Koala Health and Rehabilitation Esk-Somerset Project, Care4esk is extremely pleased that Traditional Owners are now included in this new project.
“Such trails will provide a safe, ecologically friendly and sustainable pathway for locals and visitors to experience the natural beauty of Mount Glen Rock surrounds, also attracting nature enthusiasts and bird-watching groups.”
Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, also announced Somerset Council will receive $3.7 million for the Toogoolawah Gateway Centre, which will include a newer, larger library, rooms for visiting health professionals and facilities for BVRT users. Council will also contribute roughly an additional $1.5 million to the project.
Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, said the two projects would keep community members connected, enrich quality of life, and enhance social inclusion.
“I’m thrilled to see this funding flowing to the projects to take them off the drawing board and make them a reality,” he said.
