Nukku Nook

From Train Track to Walking Track​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
In just 100 years 1912 – 2012.

A Celebration of the Railway in Blackbutt was held in September 2012.

All the old photographs and newspaper cuttings sparked many a memory and people re-lived the good old days of rail travel in Blackbutt and Benarkin district, meeting up with mates, having a brew and yarning on and on. Many a story was shared about the good times and the dry times

We would love to share your stories:

Did you know someone who worked on or for the railways in our district, or, do you have photos, family history, or even personal experiences?
Please contact us with your stories email us today
Nukku Nook, head of the Rail Trail, Blackbutt.

BLACKBUTT RAILWAY - Saturday 28 December 1912​​​​​​​​​​    As reported in the Queensland "Courier Mail, " Taken from Trove - trove.nla.gov.au

A SECTIONAL OPENING. [From Our Special Representative.] BLACKBUTT, December 18.
The Benarkin to Blackbutt section of the Yarraman Creek railway was officially opened to-day by the Hon. J.W. Blair (Minister for Public Instruction), who journeyed from Ipswich by train for the purpose. Accompanying him were Mrs. Blair, Mr R. Hodge, M.L.A., Mrs. and   Miss Hodge, and Messrs. T. Welsby, H. P. Somerset, and M. Kigwan, MM.L.A. The Special train left Ipswich platform two minutes after the Sydney mail train, and some excitement was caused as it overhauled and passed the express. Some of the   passengers ironically waved their hands to the engine driver of the mail train, who smiled as the special passed him. It evidently had the effect of stimulating more steam, for before the lines bifurcated the mail train had again passed the special, and we had to take the dust. At Benarkin Mr. Fraser, the engineer in charge of the construction works joined the train. There was a crowd of several hundred people on the platform at Blackbutt, and with the Minister and members of Parliament on the footplate, a blue ribbon held across the line by Misses Eva Crumpton and Pearly Sutton was broken, amid cheers, as the train passed through. The Minister was received by Councillors Brett, Levinge, and Green. Mr. Brett publicly extended a welcome on behalf of the residents, and asked Mr. Blair to officially declare the line open. Mr. Blair said he had to apologise for   the unavoidable absence of the Premier and the Minister for Railways, who would have liked to have been present. He congratulated Mr. Somerset on the success which had attended his persistent advocacy of the line. (Applause.) The district was now in Mr. Hodge's electorate, and he was a good man to look after their interests, and one whom it was a pleasure to come there with. (Applause.) The culmination of their efforts to get a railway was one of the most pleasing functions he had been at. He had much pleasure in declaring tho line open, and wished all success to the residents and their magnificent district. (Applause.) The extension of the line from Kannangur it may be mentioned, was commenced in September, 1908, and the construction shortage of labour. It is being pressed on, and early in the New Year the line to Yarraman Creek is expected to be opened. At a midday banquet in Crumpton's Hall Councillor J. F. Brett (president of the   farmers' Industrial Association) presided, and there was an attendance of about 100. After the usual royal toast had been honoured, the chairman extended a welcome to Mr. Blair, and also expressed regret that Mr. Paget had not been able to come, as he had always received them kindly when they went to advocate the line. The railway to Blackbutt had been promised over 22 years ago, and he thought it was quite time they got it. It was a great timber district, but the industry was hampered somewhat by the shortage of trucks. As the timber went off farming would come on. He proposed the toast of "The Ministry." Mr. Blair, in responding, said no one more appreciated the great possibilities of this district than himself. Regarding the line, the section first constructed was 14 miles 62 chains in length., that opened today was 6 miles 19 chains, and the balance to Yarraman Creek was 8 miles 43 chains, which would probably be opened in March, 1913. The amount expended on the line to date was £107,684, which was a large sum, but it was well spent, for the railway tapped splendid agricultural and timber lands. Mr. W. J. Ferguson proposed "The Parliament of Queensland," and responses were made by Messrs. Hodge and Somerset, who were received with enthusiasm.   Mr. A. E. Heers proposed "The Visitors," which was acknowledged by Mr. W. J. R. Maugham. Mr T. Welsby proposed "The Ladies," to which Mr. Kirwan responded. Mr. T. Emerson, in proposing "The Nanango Shire Council," expressed strongly the opinion that when Ministers made promises they should keep them. (Hear hear.)   Mr R. Hodge proposed “Blackbutt and District," and congratulated the residents on the transformation scene that had taken place in the township during the past few months. The school roll a few months ago was 30 or 40, but was now 120, and in a couple of years would be double that. Mr. John Hart responded. Dr. Rosenberg said he had proposed the health of the man who had given them such a fine Christmas box—the resident engineer, Mr. H. B. Fraser. Mr. Fraser said he regarded the very pleasant words as a compliment to the Railway Department, which wished that all their hopes for connection with the railway would be realised. 

After a few more toasts a trip was made to Gilla, come five or six miles beyond Blackbutt, and many local residents took advantage of the opportunity to journey over the new line. At 3.30 a start was made on the return journey, and the special reached Ipswich at 9.4​​​​​​​​​5.​​