Transplan Pty Ltd is working with ROSS Planning and Mike Halliburton Associates (both Brisbane based) on a Canoe and Kayak Strategy for the Gympie Regional Council in SE Queensland.
Much like a land based trail plan, this strategy seeks to find ways of making better use of the Mary River (and its tributaries) which are considered under-utilised. One of the early notions being investigated is the possibility of creating a series of ‘water trails’ to provide an incentive for more people to get out on the river. One factor to be considered is the booming market in cheap, lightweight plastic sit-on kayaks which are being sold in numerous outlets.
The regularity of flooding in the river is another key aspect that needs to be taken into account, as infrastructure installed within the floodway stands a good chance of being swept away in the next flood!