Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce
THE long-anticipated Koala Coast Eco-Tourism Trail has reached a major milestone, progressing confidently into its next phase under the leadership of Redland City Council.
This advancement follows years of discussion, advocacy, and collaboration across community groups, industry partners, and all levels of government.
The concept was first championed during Rebecca Young’s tenure as Chamber President, when she established the original stakeholder group to unite key voices and begin shaping the early vision.
As Chamber leadership transitioned, the new team inherited this group and continued to coordinate regional input, ensuring momentum remained strong and stakeholders stayed engaged.
During this period, the Chamber played a pivotal role in advocating for Council to deliver the Stage 1 concept designs – an essential step that helped crystallise the project’s intent, scope, and early alignment possibilities.
Securing these concept designs provided the clarity and foundation needed for deeper feasibility work and positioned the initiative to pursue more substantial investment.
Stage 2 now builds on this groundwork, representing a further progression towards a fully realised regional project.
A significant breakthrough followed when the current Chamber assisted in successfully advocating for funding support from Redland City Council, Logan City Council, and the Queensland Government.
Each contributed $75,000 in matched funding, enabling the comprehensive feasibility assessment to proceed.
This joint investment marked a critical turning point, allowing the project to advance into detailed studies, environmental assessments, and early planning to determine the trail’s viability and preferred alignment.
The combined efforts of the State representative Mick De Brenni and both councils were instrumental in securing this commitment and uniting partners behind a shared regional vision.
On December 2 this year, Rebecca Young MP, alongside Hon. Andrew Powell MP, Minister for the Environment and Tourism, hosted an intimate boardroom breakfast with the newly formed Koala Coast Ecotourism Trail Advisory Group.
The gathering brought together a handful of the long-standing supporters and new contributors as the initiative enters a more defined stage.
Members were briefed on how their insights could help contribute to Council’s technical reports, planning considerations, and overall project direction.
Minister Powell also highlighted the trail’s significance under the 45 by 2045 strategy, reinforcing its long-term value to the region.
With Stage 2 now underway and specialist consultants appointed, the region is set to gain clearer insight into alignment options, environmental impacts, infrastructure needs, and long-term tourism potential.
Further investment will be required to drive future stages, positioning the trail as a transformative opportunity for the Koala Coast and the broader region.
