New handrails on Castle Hill summit tracks
Date published: 24 February 2023
Townsville City Council is continuing to renew handrails on walking tracks at the summit of Castle Hill, one of the city's most popular visitor attractions.
The handrail renewal program started in 2022 as part of a commitment by Council to enhance the Castle Hill experience for residents and visitors.
Infrastructure Services Committee chairperson Kurt Rehbein said the current works follow the opening of the Walker Street Castle Hill Connection in June 2022 which linked the Maidenhair Track to the Goat Track.
“The Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland initiative has contributed $250,000 to the project, with Council funding the remainder of the $1.74million investment,” Cr Rehbein said.
"The temporary closure of the Westies and Scramble walking tracks near the summit will remain in place until all remaining handrails have been replaced. The next phase of the project will also include the use of a helicopter to remove heavy equipment used in construction at the summit.
“A total closure of access to Castle Hill is required on Tuesday 28 February 2023 (weather permitting) to ensure the safety of community members when a helicopter will be used to remove heavy equipment from the construction area,” Cr Rehbein said.
“Having new and improved handrails along the tracks at the summit of Castle Hill means that safety and accessibility is improved.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said this was another great way the Works for Queensland program delivering for Townsville.
“As a government we continue to support councils throughout the north to help deliver important projects like this for the community,” Mr Stewart said.
Castle Hill has eight major tracks ranging from 500m to 1.2km in length and is one of Townsville’s nine major walking and cycling destinations.
For more information about the Castle Hill Summit Track Handrail Renewal project.
