News
12 November, 2024
Get off the beaten trail
A push to better capitalise on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) for the benefit of nearby towns has gathered pace, following an inaugural two day tourism conference in Esk last week.
Somerset Council reported gaining valuable insights on leveraging rail trails for economic growth through the Rail Trails and Tourism Conference, held in partnership with Bicycle Queensland.
The event brought together cyclists, tourism operators, and nearby councils to explore economic opportunities and the benefits of rail trails for rural areas.
Attendees learned about rail trail visitor demographics, their preferred experiences, and how councils and tourism operators can collaborate to enhance visitor satisfaction.
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt noted a key takeaway: the importance of experiences outside the trail itself, such as farm visits, massages, dining, and comfortable lodging, which can enrich a visitor's trip.
Cr. Wendt mentioned the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) could greatly benefit from more complementary experiences, drawing visitors off the trail and supporting the local economy.
The conference highlighted how Somerset tourism operators could capitalize on the BVRT by tailoring marketing efforts, offering unique off-trail activities, and promoting multi-day excursions.
Although the benefits may not be immediate, Cr. Wendt believes this will help expand Somerset’s tourism sector over time.
The BVRT contributed at least $4.26 million to Somerset’s local economy in 2023.
Southern Queensland Country Tourism CEO Peter Homan emphasized the BVRT’s significance to Somerset, noting it has “transformed the region’s tourism industry over the last decade.”
Homan also highlighted the conference as an educational opportunity for other regional councils and tourism operators interested in establishing rail trails.
Bicycle Queensland’s Director of Advocacy, Andrew Demack, added that rail trails repurpose abandoned rail corridors, generating profit for local communities.
He described the BVRT as Queensland’s most successful rail trail, developed over 16-17 years, now attracting thousands of users each week and boosting the local economy.
The conference also featured a fireside chat with elite cyclists, including Troy Szczurkowski, a small business owner who builds and services custom adventure race bikes and uses the BVRT for its safe, uninterrupted length ideal for training.
He praised recent trail improvements, including new surface treatments and bridges, which enhance the user experience.
Szczurkowski appreciated the conference's ability to unite different perspectives—from tourism and government to community organizations.
Council hopes to host the event again, pending post-event feedback to gauge future demand.
