Hinterland Grapevine - The great Conondale walk

For the second year in a row, Member for Glass House Andrew Powell MP will walk the 35kms from Little Yabba Creek in Conondale to Tesch Park in Maleny to demonstrate the need to complete the upgrade of the Maleny-Kenilworth Road.

Andrew Powell hands over donations to the Conondale State School chaplaincy program

The official part of the day started at 6a.m. on a chilly morning at Little Yabba Creek when Andrew and a small band commenced walking.

"The main focus of this walk is to demonstrate my ongoing commitment to securing Main Roads funding to complete this desperately needed upgrade.

We thought the road was in bad shape before the floods earlier this year but now following more damage to Grigor Bridge at Conondale and numerous landslips the road is in a truly deteriorating state." Said Mr. Powell.

This route is the main traffic route between Maleny - Conondale and Kenilworth and is heavily promoted as a tourist route by the State government and the various tourist bodies. The Sunshine Coast Regional Council is also about to approve a major quarry complex which will see up to 500,000 tons of sand excavated from the Mary River at Conondale. This will see a large number of heavy trucks plying the route.

It is also a major route for school buses servicing not only the Conondale State School, but the Kenilworth and Maleny High schools.

The Andrew Powell Walking Team!

The issue of funding for this road is not something I will give up on.    I am committed to seeing this road upgraded and I will make this same walking trip every year until it happens," Mr Powell concluded.

This walk will also be a chance to raise some much needed funds from community members and businesses by sponsoring his walk.    All money raised will be going to the Maleny State School and Conondale State School Chaplaincy Programs.

"I have been a long time supporter of Chaplains in our local schools and I saw this as my chance to promote the great work they do for our kids." said Mr. Powell.

Mr. Powell arrived at Tesch Park, Maleny ahead of his expected time showing just how walking fit he is.

"My thanks go out to the volunteers from both school Chaplaincy committees for their contribution.    A big thank you also to those businesses and community members who donated food and drinks to keep the walkers refreshed." said Mr. Powell.

Last Updated ( Friday, 10 June 2011 )

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