Mayor Greg Campbell cutting the red ribbon and officially opening the Chinaman Creek Dam Eco Trail in Cloncurry. Photographed by Kate Noble Photography
The red ribbon has been cut on Cloncurry's newest attraction for the community and visitors - a pathway connecting the township and the new Chinaman Dam Recreation Area.
The LGAQ Policy Executive travelled to Cloncurry in August and after speaking with Mayor Greg Campbell, his excitement and passion for the project was evident.
“Investing in our community, people and lifestyle is key to continually building Cloncurry as a great place to work and live," Mayor Campbell said.
The local community flocked to the Cloncurry Weir on Saturday morning, 7 October, for the official opening of Stage 2 of the Chinaman Creek Dam Pathway and the Eco Trail Project.
Eager locals waiting for the red ribbon to be cut on the new Chinaman Creek Dam Eco Trail. Photographed by Kate Noble Photography
Enthusiastic walkers followed an Eco Trail that has been incorporated into the new pathway, stopping to read the new informative signage that shares information about Cloncurry’s history and community and creates a self-guided tour for tourists through Cloncurry’s bushland. QR codes link to videos with further details, too.
The smell of a barbecue breakfast greeted walkers upon their arrival at the dam’s recreation area, with a striking wedge-tail-eagle sculpture nearby. The space was filled with local market stalls, kids' activities and more.
Walkers were treated to market stalls, face painting, kayaks, coffee and more. Photographed by Kate Noble Photography
Mayor Greg Campbell said the opening event highlighted how excited the community is about the new space.
“[They were] all eager to check out the pathway and enjoy the recreation area at the dam,” he said.
"This project adds to our recreation spaces and facilities, offering locals another place to get out and active, and showcases our town to tourists.
“It is a great asset for Cloncurry.”
This pathway forms part of a larger path network that is spreading throughout Cloncurry. Projects are also underway to upgrade a number of footpaths in Cloncurry.
Locals testing out the new walking trail. Photographed by Kate Noble Photography
Timeline and funding
Stage 1 of the project, a new 2.5-metre-wide pathway from the Daintree Street/Sheaffe Street roundabout to Isley Street, was completed in October 2022.
Stage 2 was a $3.6 million project that continued the pathway from Isley Street to Chinaman Creek Dam. Work began in February 2023, with local contractor Auzscot Constructions laying approximately 3.5 kilometres of new pathway.
Joel Fergie, ‘The Zookeeper’, was commissioned to create the powerful artwork of the wedge-tail-eagle, which was funded under Round 1 of the North West Minerals Province Building Sustainable Communities Grants.
The project received support of $1.18 million through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund and $400,000 through the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland programs.