Railway ups and downs
NEXT month marks one year since the railway line between Jericho and Yaraka closed, and a joint government project to replace rail with road began.
Work has been divided amongst the five shires affected by the removal of the railway line, with Isisford Shire Council just a month away from completing a 10-kilometre stretch between Yaraka and Emmet.
While the project initially received criticism from people who saw the removal of the rail line as a removal of their freight services, Isisford chief executive officer Rob Bauer was pleased to report that so far the project had produced only positive results for one tiny township.
"It has partly enhanced the town of Yaraka, with four new permanent residents moving in, by next year there will be five.
"They have moved out with family, so Yaraka has nearly doubled its population."
With dwindling profit margins, Queensland Rail offered to close down the railway line last year, with the State government pledging $10 million towards the decade-long construction of an all-weather road.
"Overall the work is having a positive effect on the town, apart from the fact that we now have to take a 500-kilometre trip to get fresh fruit and vegies," Yaraka resident Doug Anderson said, referring to the cessation of rail freighted perishables.
"A better conditioned road will mean a lot to the property owners around the region who are looking to move stock.
"And it means 10-years of employment for some of Yaraka’s people, and further employment opportunities in road maintenance.
"I can see the positive ongoing effect this project will have on the town."
Mr Anderson has noticed that since the railway line has closed the community has grown closer, with more people offering a helping hand when needed.
"You always hear of people getting out and about and, if they can, they will attempt to bring back some supplies for you.
"It can save people a big trip. We are very community-minded and aware in Yaraka."
While the town enjoys the current windfall of new residents, many locals wonder what the future will bring.
"I don’t have a crystal ball, but I think that having the road through will only bring good things for the people of Isisford Shire," Mr Bauer said.
"It will open up a new inland route for people travelling through from the south-west or up from the gas field.
"There could be economic benefits for the town through tourism, but also a multitude of other benefits for the community that can be gained through a sealed road, like better health care and educational options."
Work has been divided amongst the five shires affected by the removal of the railway line, with Isisford Shire Council just a month away from completing a 10-kilometre stretch between Yaraka and Emmet.
While the project initially received criticism from people who saw the removal of the rail line as a removal of their freight services, Isisford chief executive officer Rob Bauer was pleased to report that so far the project had produced only positive results for one tiny township.
"It has partly enhanced the town of Yaraka, with four new permanent residents moving in, by next year there will be five.
"They have moved out with family, so Yaraka has nearly doubled its population."
With dwindling profit margins, Queensland Rail offered to close down the railway line last year, with the State government pledging $10 million towards the decade-long construction of an all-weather road.
"Overall the work is having a positive effect on the town, apart from the fact that we now have to take a 500-kilometre trip to get fresh fruit and vegies," Yaraka resident Doug Anderson said, referring to the cessation of rail freighted perishables.
"A better conditioned road will mean a lot to the property owners around the region who are looking to move stock.
"And it means 10-years of employment for some of Yaraka’s people, and further employment opportunities in road maintenance.
"I can see the positive ongoing effect this project will have on the town."
Mr Anderson has noticed that since the railway line has closed the community has grown closer, with more people offering a helping hand when needed.
"You always hear of people getting out and about and, if they can, they will attempt to bring back some supplies for you.
"It can save people a big trip. We are very community-minded and aware in Yaraka."
While the town enjoys the current windfall of new residents, many locals wonder what the future will bring.
"I don’t have a crystal ball, but I think that having the road through will only bring good things for the people of Isisford Shire," Mr Bauer said.
"It will open up a new inland route for people travelling through from the south-west or up from the gas field.
"There could be economic benefits for the town through tourism, but also a multitude of other benefits for the community that can be gained through a sealed road, like better health care and educational options."
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