42 BRISBANE VALLEY RAIL TRAIL

$2-$5 MILLION PROJECT AWARD WINNER

Andrew Johnson Director Operators, Somerset Regional Council

Project award winner: $2 million to $5 million project award for the Brisbane Valley project for Council was delivered push by the community, local and Rail Trail (BVRT), Somerset on time and within budget. state governments. Regional Council The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail The BVRT T2M is an example of The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, a (BVRT) is an off-road, multi-use collaboration at its best. The trail 157km long, off-road recreational recreational trail that follows travels through the Somerset, trail is finished, with the final the disused Brisbane Valley rail South Burnett, Toowoomba 27km recently completed by line in South East Queensland. Regional and Ipswich City local Somerset Regional Council. It is The 157km long off-road trail is government areas linking the the longest trail in Australia and the longest rail trail in Australia towns and communities in follows the disused Brisbane Valley and provides walkers, cyclists Wulkuraka, Fernvale, Lowood, rail corridor. Walkers, cyclists and and horse riders with a unique Coominya, Esk, Toogoolawah, horse riders can now experience opportunity to experience Harlin, Moore, Linville, Benarkin, the diverse rural landscape of the the diverse rural landscape of Blackbutt and Yarraman. breath-taking Brisbane Valley. the Brisbane Valley. The final 27km section, Toogoolawah to The Brisbane Valley rail line The project is more than a was first developed as a branch successful engineering outcome Moore (T2M), was completed by Somerset Regional Council in line from the main Brisbane to – it has recycled a dormant rail Toowoomba line in 1884. The corridor into an iconic, unique June 2018, after numerous rounds of unsuccessful funding election corridor winds its way up the recreational trail that is attracting Brisbane Valley from Ipswich to visitors and businesses to the commitments, and finally realised through a collaborative funding Yarraman, traversing farmland, Somerset region. This landmark forests, picturesque rural settings

Engineering for Public Works | March 2019 43 and country towns. The rail line was used to transport freight and passengers over the next 90 years. Rail transport ceased using the line in 1988. The corridor then lay dormant with the majority of the railway’s steel tracks and bridges removed and gradually replaced by overgrown grasses and weeds. The corridor remained wholly owned by the State Government with TMR responsible for the main head lease. The reinvigoration of the Brisbane Valley rail corridor commenced in 1996, with the then Nanango Shire Council approaching the Queensland Government to open Over the next few years, evident when a petition featuring up and develop the rail trail for incremental sections of the trail 1,400 signatures was presented to recreational use. The former Esk were completed. Funding for this the Queensland Deputy Premier’s Shire Council (now Somerset work was limited and sporadic Office in 2016. This was the second Regional Council) was involved – opposing State Governments petition the community had in these early negotiations (80% had different views on funding prepared and public pressure was of the entire 157km corridor priorities and no clear plan and growing – the community realised sits within Somerset Council’s timeframe was confirmed for the benefits completing the last boundary). completion of the BVRT. 27km section would deliver for the region – a social media campaign Nanango Shire Council was By 2014, the trail had been was established and a series of successful in securing TMR support extended to Toogoolawah, with cycling events to demonstrate the and Queensland Government 130kms of the trail now complete. value of the BVRT as a tourism funding, and in 2006, the first The largest section of the BVRT, asset were undertaken. stage of the BVRT was officially 27kms between Toogoolawah and opened. This achievement was Moore, which sat squarely within Council, armed with the support of recognised by receiving The Somerset Council’s boundary, the local community, approached Queensland Outdoor Recreation remained in limbo. Labelled ‘too the State Government again and Federation (QORF), Government costly’ and ‘too difficult’, it was in 2017, was successful in securing Achievement Award (2006). the longest section to construct $1.8 million to complete the final and was technically challenging 27km section, and $2 million was Fast forward to 2006, and the to upgrade. The corridor was earmarked to maintain the BVRT Queensland Government released so overgrown that to accurately over the next 10 years. However, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Plan, scope the extent of the necessary Council’s concept planning had a long-term plan to upgrade the works was virtually impossible. identified that $1.8 million would trail to help deliver a more relaxed, What was known however, was only cover the upgrade of the healthy and less stressful lifestyle that any work on this section three creek crossings and bridge for Queenslanders. This was a key would require upgrading three structure – it would not provide for component in the Government’s major creek crossings, at least any work required on the paths. South-East Queensland Outdoor fifteen smaller creek crossings Recreation Strategy, and identified and a major bridge structure over Council identified they could as a key regional outdoor Jimmy’s Gully. contribute $100,000 towards recreation infrastructure project the project, but no more. Whilst under the SEQ Infrastructure Plan The community’s interest in the State Government conveyed and Program (2007-2026). completing the BVRT became their desire for Council to

Engineering for Public Works | March 2019 44 commence the project, Council could not – this was the trigger point for Council to investigate grant funding options. Council prepared a business case to secure an additional $1.55 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Better Building Regions Fund. The business case was solid – community support was evident, and the cost/benefit ratio confirmed the project’s benefits would clearly outweigh the delivery cost. However, the ‘design’ of the required works was high-level and very much in the concept phase. The business case was submitted infrastructure corridor with long- support to complete the final in July 2017 and in September term community and economic section of the BVRT, resulting in 2017 the funding grant was benefits to the region two petitions to State Government, approved. Council had successfully a social media campaign and secured a total of $3.35 million to • Local residents have easy access regular interactions with Council complete the BVRT T2M. However, to a multi-purpose recreational and the State Government, is grant funding was dependent trail delivering health, social and acknowledged by all involved in upon construction commencing cultural experiences the project. within 12 weeks and all works • Employment growth was being completed by 30 June the Council’s proactive stakeholder achieved during construction, engagement approach, which following year – a nine month and jobs relating to rail trail construction timeframe. centred around an honest and operations and in the tourism open dialogue with project Despite the technical challenges sector are now being created funding partners, contractors and and extremely tight delivery • The visual outlook of the corridor supporters, was a key element in timeframes, construction of the has been improved delivering its ability to deliver the project BVRT T2M commenced on-site in benefits for both users, and successfully on time and within December 2017. The project was adjacent property owners budget. overseen by Council, administered by GHD Pty Ltd and constructed by • The community’s profile is The project’s stakeholders were far A&M Civil and Timber Restoration flourishing from increased public reaching and included Federal and Systems. It was completed on exposure due to the project State Government departments, schedule and within budget in Council staff and elected June 2018. • And Queensland’s reputation as representatives, public utility a cycling tourism destination has providers, adjacent land owners, The overarching objectives of been strengthened. the local Somerset community the project were achieved plus (residents and businesses), the much more: Stakeholder engagement BVRT community supporters, and • The region is benefitting from The BVRT T2M project is a shining all members of the project team. the delivery of world-class example of the benefits of genuine Community and economic recreational infrastructure that is stakeholder engagement. The local contribution resulting in increased visitation community played an integral role to the region in delivering this project for the It was clear from the outset that Somerset region. Their unwavering completing the final section • It’s recycled a dormant effort to harness the community’s of the trail would deliver a raft

Engineering for Public Works | March 2019 45 of community and economic resulted in the construction of a delivers long-term benefits to the benefits to the Somerset and community asset with a minimal Somerset community. broader South-East Queensland ongoing maintenance cost to community. By their very nature Council, and ultimately the local • Utilising existing and recycled and location, rail trails are very community as ratepayers. materials wherever possible effective recreational and tourism during construction. Identifying drawcards due the fact that there • A strong commitment by and utilising the original is existing or easily developed Council’s project team to substructure of the Jimmy’s Gully tourism infrastructure in or near minimize the cost of the capital Bridge is demonstrated evidence townships along the rail trail. There works. Council was proactive that this was a key focus of the are places to eat, places to stay, in seeking a commitment from project team. Remnants of the nearby destinations to explore. The the Queensland Government original rail infrastructure is best rail trails are located in highly to maintain the corridor and present throughout the corridor scenic surrounds. The entire length infrastructure asset once – this not only celebrates the of the BVRT, and particularly the complete. Council was successful cultural heritage of the area, final stretch between Toogoolawah with the Queensland Government it adds value to the user’s and Moore, features an abundance pledging to contribute $2 million experience and naturally of local history, and spectacular towards maintenance of the beautifies the infrastructure diverse landscapes that showcase rail trail over the first 15 years corridor. following construction. the Brisbane Valley. • Ensuring the design of bridge The business case concluded that • Leveraging Council’s skill-base and crossing structures resulted at five years post construction it developed during the delivery in a functional, long-serving and is estimated the Brisbane Valley of major flood mitigation works sustainable infrastructure asset. throughout the region (between Rail Trail would increase direct • The engineering solutions tourism expenditure in the region 2011 to 2015), and capitalizing on opportunities to build devised for all creek and by $1.5 million per annum and gully crossings provides the as a result improve employment workforce capacity and broaden Council staff’s skill-base. infrastructure with high levels opportunities in the region. of flood resilience. Time and The impact of the Brisbane Valley • Council’s role in leading effort spent on identifying the Rail Trail is expected to become the growth and shape of a most appropriate solution for progressively greater at ten and sustainable Somerset region for each location delivered a raft of fifteen years post construction future generations – Council environmental and sustainability due to greater usage rates. At need to lead by example by benefits – crossings align fifteen years post construction incorporating sustainable with creek banks to reduce the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is practices through all of its environmental impacts and will estimated to increase economic developments and activities. limit deterioration over time. output in the region by $2.2 million • Utilising the natural amenity and • All land owner issues were per annum and support 58 jobs. celebrating local history to create resolved before project Project sustainability an asset that is appropriate to completion - there are no the area, is easy and attractive outstanding land owner issues The design and construction of the to access, and is embraced by for Council to resolve or tackle in BVRT T2M was underpinned by a the local community. These the future. number of sustainability principles, principles underpinned the most notably: project team’s commitment to • Using low-cost, low-maintenance native shrubs that would have a • Council’s objective to ensure sustainable practices high chance of establishing and deliver excellence in project were delivered. Examples of this require minimal maintenance management to ensure that include: visits by Council post- decisions made during the • Designing a fit-for-purpose, construction. Koala-friendly concept planning and business multi-use recreational trail that vegetation was also planted – case phase of the project

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Council is committed to strong managing the potential spread planning phase identified the sustainable fauna practices in the of weeds and pests, particularly requirement to protect the region that help protect the local via horses using the trail. The culturally significant and heritage Koala population. responsibility of weed and listed Yimbun Railway Tunnel - pest management through the this structure was built in 1910 • The project management corridor resides with the asset and is 100m in the length and systems developed and deployed owner, TMR. features local stone. The structure to manage the delivery of this is visually one of the key features project are being conveyed • Construction impacts to Ivory, of the corridor that all project back to Council’s other project Emu and Wallaby Creeks stakeholders agreed needed to delivery teams, thus ensuring (location of the three creek be protected and celebrated. continued improvement and the crossings) and to Jimmy’s The project team liaised with sharing of knowledge. Gully (location of the new the Queensland Department bridge structure) – in addition Regulator environment and of Environment and Heritage to considering the impacts of Protection to ensure all cultural environmental impact and installing the new infrastructure, management heritage regulatory requirements the team needed to ensure the to preserve this valuable structure An integral part of Council’s role design of the new structures had been met. Strict construction is to maintain and enhance the were fit-for-purpose, cost processes were identified Somerset region’s natural assets, effective, complementary to that were implemented and liveability and environmental the aesthetics of the natural monitored at all times during the credentials. The project team were environment, maintained water construction process. committed to sustainable practices flow and did not negatively to meet the environmental impact the area’s environmental • While the remnants of several needs of the project and the landscape timber bridges were dotted broader Somerset community. throughout the rail corridor Environmental investigations • A considerable amount of energy alignment, the most significant were undertaken during the was invested by the project team of these was the Jimmy’s Gully project’s concept planning to safeguard the environmental Crossing Bridge. Jimmy’s Gully phase which identified a range integrity of the area’s waterways is steep and required a new of issues requiring analysis - soil types, steepness of the bridge structure to complete and management. The key banks, existing rail/bridge the upgraded trail. Council environmental impacts/issues infrastructure, anticipated water engaged a specialist bridge identified were: flows and end-user needs were engineer to inspect the bridge also considered by the team. to determine the condition of • Vegetation clearing - the extent the existing timber components. of the vegetation clearing • The removal of vegetation and opening up the corridor for use It was identified that the required was unclear upon project sub-structure (piles) were in inception. However, it was well raised a potential privacy issue for adjacent land owners - as a reasonable condition, however, understood and was visually the superstructure (the deck) obvious that it contained 20 years result vegetation screening was installed along several sections of was in very poor condition. of overgrown weeds and shrubs. Armed with this information, Council was certain it did not want the corridor to shield the view to private dwellings from the road Council explored opportunities to remove any more vegetation to retain as much of the sub- than was absolute necessary. corridor. This vegetation featured native tree and flower plantings structure as possible – this would • Protection of private property that were appropriate for the reduce project costs but more from potential weeds and pests local environment and provided importantly, would retain the traversed through the site by a suitable habitat for local structure’s heritage value. construction traffic and/or trail wildlife, particularly Koalas. Project management users - strict usage guidelines have been developed for • Input from cultural heritage To ensure the project was trail users which is effectively stakeholders during the concept successfully delivered within cost,

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time and budget constraints, Council engaged GHD Pty Ltd infrastructure solution within a effective and efficient planning early to help facilitate project constrained footprint and under and control of the project’s scope, delivery and administer the civil challenging conditions. program and budget was essential. construction contracts. Council Council invested significant time involved GHD in the preparation To ensure the project was and effort in considering the most of the contract documentation and delivered within cost and time effective delivery methods for they were actively involved in the constraints, effective and efficient the construction of the project. tender evaluation process. program planning and control Project risks and opportunities was essential. Project risks and were identified early, with a The appointment of a single opportunities were identified strong emphasis on finding Council Project Manager from early, with a strong emphasis on innovative and effective methods inception to delivery ensured achieving project innovations and to overcome the challenges that all components of project sustainable features that would associated with delivery. management were understood, deliver cost benefits and result controlled and effectively managed. in an asset that is fit for purpose, It was evident early that a Council’s Management Team value for money and future- collaborative working relationship was first hand listening to the proofed to provide long-lasting would be required by all involved community’s requests for action, returns to the community. in the construction task – it was was responsible for preparing front of mind that several design the business case and securing Construction pre-start workshops elements, namely the engineering funding from the Commonwealth ensured that all expectations about solutions required for the creek and Government. Council Project what the team was delivering was gully crossings, were yet to be fully Manager then managed all aspects clear – setting clear expectations scoped and confirmed. The project of project delivery, including the about the quality of the end team established a management construction tender process and product, but constraints and reporting structure that ensured all daily project management. challenges the team were dealing governance, probity and reporting with was essential. It is a testament requirements were effectively Attention to detail ensured that to the successful delivery of met, both within Council and to various engineering disciplines the project, entirely by Council, State and Federal Government were closely managed to deliver that construction was officially departments. an exceptional recreational completed on 30 June 2018.

Engineering for Public Works | March 2019