The modern history of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) begins on 22 January 2007, when Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh allocated $3.6 million to develop a recreational rail trail from Ipswich to Blackbutt along the disused Brisbane Valley railway corridor.

A Project Halted (2012)

Although construction progressed steadily between 2007 and 2010, the project was abruptly mothballed in September 2012 by the incoming Queensland Government led by Campbell Newman, as part of statewide austerity measures. Two critical gaps remained:

• Wulkuraka Station to Wanora
• Toogoolawah to Moore

With these missing links, the BVRT remained fragmented and significantly underused.

A New Funding Opportunity (2014)

In the 2014 Queensland Budget, the Newman Government announced $3.5 million for rail trail development as part of a tourism strategy—funding available only to local councils.

• South Burnett Regional Council secured funding for the South Burnett Rail Trail.
• Somerset Regional Council, however, declined to apply due to concerns about long‑term maintenance costs.

Community Advocacy Takes Centre Stage (2014–2015)

A grassroots movement led by Paul Heymans mobilised local support through:

• A Change.org petition
• A coordinated social media campaign
• A series of well‑attended cycling events demonstrating the BVRT’s tourism potential

As with many new rail trail proposals, the campaign faced pockets of strong and sometimes hostile opposition. Nonetheless, Somerset Regional Council agreed to apply for funding in early 2015—only for the opportunity to evaporate when a State election was called and the government changed.

A Second Campaign and a Breakthrough (2015–2016)

Undeterred, the activists launched a second petition urging the new Palaszczuk Government to complete the trail. The campaign emphasised the economic benefits to rural communities and attracted 1,183 signatures, tabled in Parliament on 16 September 2015 by MPs Jim Madden and Deb Frecklington.

Success followed on 16 January 2016, when Deputy Premier Jackie Trad announced:

• $1.8 million to complete the BVRT
• $2.5 million over 10 years for maintenance

Formation of the BVRT Users Association (2016)

On 2 June 2016, the community campaign formalised into the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association (BVRTUA)—established to work with State and Local Government to complete, develop, and enhance the BVRT for all users and for the benefit of the communities along its length.

Completing the Missing Links (2016–2018)

The Wulkuraka–Wanora section, partly built before the 2012 pause, was completed within months of the funding announcement.

The Toogoolawah–Moore section required far more time. Major creek and road crossings posed significant engineering challenges, and independent costing placed the project at $3.354 million, well above the State’s allocation.

Somerset Regional Council successfully secured an additional $1.45 million from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, enabling full construction. Contracts were awarded to A & M Civil Contracting, with a completion deadline of 30 June 2018—met on time.

Official Opening (7 August 2018)

The final section was officially opened on 7 August 2018 by:

• Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann
• Federal Minister Dr John McVeigh
• Assistant Minister Julianne Gilbert

Also present were Deb Frecklington, Somerset Councillors, and BVRTUA President Paul Heymans.

During the ceremony, the State Government announced $4.5 million to renovate and deck the heritage‑listed Lockyer Creek Bridge, which reopened just before Christmas 2018.

After 11 years, the full 161 km length of Australia’s longest recreational rail trail was finally complete.

Ongoing Advocacy and Improvements (2018–Present)

Since completion, the BVRTUA has continued to successfully advocate for:

• Cyclist grids at all 80 gates
• Surface upgrades
• Safer creek crossings
• Bridge improvements
• Shade shelters and seating
• Enhanced facilities for horse riders

Over time, approximately $46 million has been invested in BVRT improvements by various levels of government—directly and indirectly influenced by BVRTUA’s advocacy. (Inference based on cumulative investment figures reported publicly; aligns with resurfacing and infrastructure upgrades detailed in Rail Trails Australia.)

Events, Tourism, and Community Building

The BVRTUA is now the largest cycling tour and event operator on the BVRT, delivering:

• Regular cycling events
• Gourmet experience rides
• Night rides
• Three‑day all‑inclusive tours
• The Annual BVRT Australia Day Ride
• The annual BVRT Festival of Cycling

Event profits are reinvested into trail enhancements, including:

• Train murals by Brightsiders at the Nurinda underpass
• A set of murals by local artist Susan McConnel at the Fernvale Visitor Information Centre
• The TMR shed mural by Jennifer Kent in Harlin
• The shade shelter mural in Vernor, nr Fernvale

Governance and Representation

The current BVRTUA committee includes:

• Paul Heymans, President
• Noel Fairclough, Secretary
• Leo Boonstoppel, Treasurer
• Committee members: Chevonne Arrowsmith (deputy president), Peter York, Shayne Homan, Susan Bell, Janet Smith, Miles Vass, Peter Feichtner

Collectively, they represent all major user groups—cyclists, hikers, runners, and horse riders.

The Association also holds a seat on the BVRT Steering Committee established by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

The BVRT Users Association operates Trail Angels, volunteers who rescue people who have encountered non-medical problems on the rail trail that prevent them from continuing, such as mecahnical failure, exhaustion, etc.

Future Projects (2026–27)

Planned initiatives include:

Continued advocacy for infrastructure and safety improvements across the BVRT, including a bridge at Cooyar Creek

A major new annual charity event to raise funds for Heart Foundation Australia.