A walking trail in the Mt Coot-tha precinct that is, in parts, more than 70 years old is about to undergo an upgrade as part of Brisbane City Council’s $14.8 million commitment to protect and enhance the precinct.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said works to upgrade one of the mountain’s most popular walking tracks, the Summit Track, were due to begin in the coming weeks.
“The Summit Track is an integral part of the Mt Coot-tha experience and the path is currently eroded in some sections due to the high volumes of walkers that use the trail every year and water run-off during storm season,” Cr Quirk said.
“Works will improve the accessibility and durability of the popular trail, and include resurfacing the track, upgrading the stairs, installing new handrails and installing a new information shelter.
“To facilitate these works and ensure community safety is maintained the track will have to be temporarily closed, but I thank the community for their patience while we complete this integral upgrade to protect and enhance Mt Coot-tha.”
Cr Quirk said the upgrade to the Summit Track was just one of several upgrades planned to create more to see and do in the popular Mt Coot-tha precinct.
“Council is also progressing its plan to deliver a new walking trail from the Brisbane Botanic Gardens to the Mt Coot-tha Summit,” Cr Quirk said.
“This new trail, planned to be delivered in 2019, will make use of existing, informal paths in the area and will grant visitors access to areas of the forest not previously accessible.
“In March some new interactive children’s artwork, including a scrub turkey, a cicada and a yabby will be installed at the Simpson Falls picnic area while a children’s nature-themed retreat area will be installed at the JC Slaughter Falls picnic area.”
Cr Quirk said the upgrades and improvements were part of a $14.8 million commitment to upgrade the Mt Coot-tha precinct from 2016 to 2020.
“We’re protecting and enhancing Mt Coot-tha by creating a green leisure precinct with a new scenic zipline and canopy tour as well as more trees, picnic areas and walking trails,” he said.
“This four-year precinct program focuses on giving Brisbane residents and visitors more ways to enjoy Mt Coot-tha, as well as making it easier to access and improving the quality of the visitor’s experience.
“Council has already delivered a new Visitor Information Centre along with undertaking other minor upgrades and improvements to existing facilities and upgrades.
“This upgraded precinct will create a place for residents and visitors to get outside and enjoy Brisbane’s climate while connecting with the people and places that make our city great.”