The Mary Valley Rattler is not just a railway; it's a treasured piece of Queensland's history, a beloved tourist attraction, and a vital component of the Gympie community - which I have personally been on twice (once in 2023 and again earlier this year). Sinced its founding in 1996 (albeit with a hiatus from 2012 to 2018), the Rattler has enchanted visitors and locals alike as it winds its way through the picturesque landscapes between Gympie and Amamoor (it used to go all the way to Imbil until 2012). However, this iconic railway is now under threat.

The Wide Bay Burnett Regional Council has made a draft document, which proposes to extend the Mary Valley Rail Trail from Imbil to Gympie as part of its Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan. Although the extension of the rail trail might seem like a positive development for the Wide Bay Burnett Region, this proposal endangers the very existence of the Rattler. Currently, the stretch of the railway corridor from Gympie to Amamoor is occupied by the Mary Valley Rattler, and an extension of the rail trail along this path would force the railway to cease operations, stripping the community of this unique slice of living history.

The Mary Valley Rattler is not just an attraction; it is a vital economic pillar for the Wide Bay Burnett region. It draws tourists from far and wide, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and bringing much-needed revenue to the town of Gympie. Furthermore, it offers visitors a unique experience that cannot be replicated—a journey back in time, enjoying the majesty of steam train travel through one of the most scenic parts of Queensland.

There are ways to reconcile the expansion of the Mary Valley Rail Trail with the preservation of the Mary Valley Rattler. The solution lies in exploring alternative routes for the rail trail's extension (e.g. the rail trail could only be extended to Amamoor and no further than Amamoor) or designing dual-use paths that accommodate both the trail and the railway. By engaging with the community, transport experts, and environmental planners, a plan can be developed that would enhance the region's infrastructure without sacrificing its historical and cultural heritage.

We urge the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Council to reconsider its proposal and commit to preserving the Mary Valley Rattler. This heritage railway is an irreplaceable asset to the community of Gympie as well as to Queensland at large; its loss would be felt profoundly by all who cherish the history of Gympie and the economic benefits it brings.

Please sign this petition to show your support for the Mary Valley Rattler and ensure its continued operation for generations to come. Let's protect our heritage and preserve the magic of the Mary Valley Rattler by finding a solution that benefits all.