Townsville City Council will extend the track being constructed on Mount Louisa to give walkers and runners a great workout as well as magnificent views across the city.
Council has committed an additional $350,000 in the 2020/21 budget that will extend the track’s length from 2.25km to 3km.
Division 5 Councillor Russ Cook said the extension of the walking track was a great outcome for the community.
“When Council first announced the Mount Louisa Open Space Masterplan it featured a 1.8km track but this additional funding will allow people to complete a full circuit near the summit,” Cr Cook said.
“The 3km track will also give walkers and runners great views across the city from the summit and new lookouts. They will look out over Castle Hill, Magnetic Island, The Strand and Pallarenda.
“Those landmarks are on the top of the must-see list for tourists but I’m sure Mount Louisa’s popularity will grow quickly as people share their photos online.”
Division 7 Councillor Kurt Rehbein said the community has had a big say in the project.
“This is a great example of Council and residents working together – two rounds of community engagement helped us shape the final designs,” Cr Rehbein said.
“Mount Louisa will be a great place to exercise and Council started planning this project to ease some of the strain on Castle Hill. This will be another great destination for walkers and runners.
“Most of the track will look similar to Castle Hill but there will be a steep section up a rock face near the top – around 650 steps will test the fitness of runners and walkers.”
Works on the extended track are expected to be completed in September.
