A MAJOR upgrade is on the way for the Mary to Bay Rail Trail, with Fraser Coast Regional Council preparing to replace ageing infrastructure along a 2.3-kilometre stretch between Torquay Road and Urraween Road.

The $920,000 project, funded through the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program, will modernise the trail’s lighting system to improve safety, visibility, and comfort for the many residents and visitors who use the shared pathway on a regular basis.

The current system is aged and beyond repair, with deteriorated fittings reducing reliability over recent years.

As part of the upgrade, new architectural light poles and energy-efficient LED luminaires will be installed in stages to ensure the trail remains bright, safe and accessible for walkers, runners, and cyclists, particularly during the early mornings and evenings when the pathway is heavily used.

The works have been divided into three sections: 

• Torquay Road to Old Maryborough Road – supply and installation of new architectural light poles and LED luminaires.
• Old Maryborough Roadto Boat Harbour Drive – supply and installation of new architectural light poles and LED luminaires.
• Boat Harbour Drive to Urraween Road – replacement of existing luminaires with new energy-efficient LED technology. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of January 2026, weather permitting.

Council has confirmed the Rail Trail will remain open throughout the upgrade.

Traffic and pedestrian management plans will be in place to ensure public safety, minimise disruption, and allow people to continue enjoying the trail while the improvements are underway.

Once complete, the new lighting system will not only provide better visibility and reduce ongoing maintenance costs but also enhance the overall experience of those who regularly use the Rail Trail for exercise, leisure, or commuting.

The Mary to Bay Rail Trail is a popular community space, connecting key parts of Hervey Bay and attracting daily use from both locals and visitors.

The lighting upgrade will ensure the trail continues to serve the region as a safe, enjoyable, reliable, and accessible recreational and transport corridor for many years to come.