Pedal power has taken over at the newest section of the popular Slacks Track pathway in the City of Logan municipality.
Logan City Council Infrastructure Chair, Councillor Teresa Lane, joined Division 3 Councillor Mindy Russell and Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers to officially open the new section of the track on Friday.
The centrepiece of the route is a 35-metre, 30-tonne bridge which carries the 2.5m wide pathway over Slacks Creek.
The bridge was lifted in during a complex operation in May. Spans were transported to the site, then assembled, joined and lifted into place. The new section provides riders and pedestrians with an alternate and scenic commute to and from the Slacks Creek industrial and commercial precinct. It will also be part of a future connection to the Veloway (V1) into Brisbane.
Cr Lane said an important piece of transport infrastructure was now in place for those looking to lead healthier lives.
“I am proud to be involved with this Council-driven project. We are embracing active transport across the city, and this is proof of that,” Cr Lane said.
Cr Russell said the link would improve safety for a range of users.
“I’m glad we have built this link, which is helping riders, walkers, joggers and skaters get around the city without the need for a car,” Cr Russell said.
The new work also includes lighting across the bridge and in Reserve Park along with a number of safety cameras.
The $4.2 million project was jointly funded by Logan City Council and the Australian and Queensland governments. Council’s contribution includes $100,000 from the Division 3 Local Infrastructure Program.
Federal Treasurer and Member for Rankin, Jim Chalmers said the project was an example of what could be achieved when all levels of government worked together in the best interests of locals.
“I run on the Slacks Tracks pathway all the time – it’s a beautiful part of our community and I’ve seen firsthand how these improvements are transforming this area,” Mr Chalmers said.
The Australian Government funding of $2.7 million was provided through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. The Queensland Government provided $350,536 through its Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.
