Council endorses the separation of the Mary Valley Rattler

In yesterday’s Ordinary Meeting (22 February 2023), Council endorsed the finalisation of moving the Mary Valley Rattler to a stand-alone organisation.

Once approved by the Mary Valley Rattler Company Board, Gympie Regional Council will transfer the rail assets (excluding locomotive) to the Rattler. Council also agreed to provide the Mary Valley Rattler funding of $400,000 pa until June 2026, to enable the Mary Valley Rattler to continue to operate while looking for external funding. This agreement is consistent with current funding arrangements. 

“The transfer to a stand-alone organisation will enable the Mary Valley Rattler to source external funding without the perception of being a council organisation and allow for full control over the assets,” said Gympie Regional Council Mayor, Glen Hartwig. 

“This freedom will provide the Ratter the opportunity to continue to grow as a crucial tourism operator for this region; to operate more autonomously while also benefitting from council funding.

"The agreement is the culmination of nearly 12months of negotiations between council and the Rattler."

“I truly am looking forward to the Rattler operation fulfilling its potential as a vital part of our tourism economy,” Mayor Hartwig said.  

Council will now await the outcome of the Rattler board decision as they continue to complete their due diligence.