Take a hike in new Environmental Park
New hiking tracks in the Pasturage Reserve near Bargara were today opened to the public.
The 800 acre reserve is managed as an Environmental Park by Bundaberg Regional Council on behalf of the Queensland Government.
Natural Resources spokesman Cr Danny Rowleson said the Council had constructed the hiking tracks to give residents and visitors a chance to explore natural features of the Park.
“The Pasturage Reserve has not been accessible to the community for the past 100 years as it has been exclusively used for cattle grazing with public entry discouraged.”
“This has now changed and we are encouraging people to enjoy the significant wetlands, wide variety of vegetation and wildlife in this tranquil location,” he said.
“I believe this Environmental Park will become one of the best loved coastal parks in Queensland.”
“It contains one of the largest remaining stands of Silver leaved Paperbark in South east Queensland, over 122 species of native plants including rainforest tree and over 135 kinds of native birds.”
Crs. Danny Rowleson & Greg Barnes at the Davidson Street access
Division 5 representative Cr Greg Barnes predicted the 3km of new hiking tracks would be popular with nearby residents, visitors, bushwalkers, birdwatchers and school groups.
“There are few places on the Queensland coast where over 800 acres of natural bushland are available for hikers in such close proximity to major tourism-orientated townships” he said.
The remainder of the Environmental Park is now open to the public with three easily accessible access points from:
- the Turtle Trail from Nielson Park to Mon Repos (near the southern footbridge),
- the northern cul-de-sac of Davidson Street; &
- the gateway beside the former Pound Keeper’s house on Bargara Road (just east of the Bargara State School).
Mobile phone coverage is available throughout the park and being a natural environment, hikers are encouraged to take their phone with them together with an adequate amount of water.
Cr Barnes said the formed tracks could be upgraded as funds become available, however maintaining the natural amenity of the area would remain a paramount objective.
“There are many low lying areas in the Environmental Park where boardwalks or raised foot bridges would be appropriate at some time in the future subject to budget allocations”
“This would make the Park accessible in all seasons and available to people in wheelchairs or with strollers.”
Signs have been erected at the three entry points. Dogs are not permitted in the Environmental Park as periodic baiting for fox control occurs. Visitors should also be aware of the small number of stock which wander freely throughout the Park as part of Council’s weed and fire management program.
Click on the image below to see a clearer outlay of the paths and their access point.
For further information, contact Council’s Natural Resources Department on 1300 883 699.
