Latest economic data shows 10,000 jobs have been created in the Wide Bay economy since January 2015 as the Palaszczuk Government continues to invest in the region.
Inspecting progress on stage two of the Gympie River to Rail Trail project, Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Palaszczuk Government would continue to bolster job creation in Queensland communities.
Mr Hinchliffe said the project was on track to be completed by mid-2019.
Both stages were made possible through combined funding of more than $1.64 million from the Queensland Government's Works for Queensland program.
"Once completed, this facility will attract hikers and nature lovers from far and wide in a tremendous boost for local tourism," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"It will help to keep locals and visitors fit and active in a beautiful location alongside the stunning Mary River.
"The Mary River Turtle, the Australian lungfish and an abundance of birdlife make this a very special and unique place to visit.
"This project is yet another great example of how the $600 million Works for Queensland program is delivering for the Gympie Region."
Mr Hinchliffe said Gympie Regional Council has been allocated $18.14 million in Works for Queensland funding across 14 projects supporting 76 local jobs.
"Throughout regional Queensland, the program has funded 1,363 projects, creating or supporting more than 13,700 jobs for regional Queenslanders," he said.
"Because we support local economies like Gympie, we've seen almost 185,000 jobs created in Queensland since January 2015.
"That includes 10,000 jobs in the Wide Bay area over the same period."
Gympie Mayor Mick Curran, who joined Mr Hinchliffe to inspect the project, said:
"The River to Rail Trail is a wonderful recreation and tourism asset for our community, which we would not have without the Works for Queensland funding from the State.
"The River to Rail Trail delivers on Council's vision to have a network of well planned, safe, attractive, clean and green spaces that are inclusive and diverse for all ages.
"There is not a day where you don't see the community utilising and enjoying the trail, delivering significant liveability, health and wellbeing benefits for our residents."
The $600 million Works for Queensland program supports regional Councils to undertake job-creating maintenance and minor infrastructure projects.
