Funding for Gippsland Plains Rail Trail (VIC)
In May, State Member for Morwell, Russell Northe, announced an $800,000 State Government grant to help complete the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail. Community groups have been pushing the development of this 65km rail trail from Traralgon to Stratford for over a decade now with limited funding meaning slow progress.
This funding announcement is very welcome along with the strong support now from the Latrobe City Council.
The eastern section of the rail trail is open from Heyfield to Stratford but the key is to connect the major regional centre of Traralgon at the other end. However just out of Traralgon is the Latrobe River with some major (expensive) bridges.
The Latrobe City Council has applied for $2.3 million in funding under the Federal Government’s Regional Development Australia program, based on the boost from the state funding.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said he was a keen supporter of local rail trails.
He has written to the Regional Development Minister highlighting the value of the project to the region. The application is seeking funding to restore and upgrade bridges between Traralgon and Glengarry, enhance the western entry to the township of Maffra; and to manage vegetation and other assets along the trail.
“The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail is the only rail trail in the state that has an operating railway station at each end,” Mr Chester said.
“When completed cycling enthusiasts would be able to catch a train from Melbourne to their preferred starting point (Traralgon or Stratford) along the route, ride the trail and then return by train to their starting point.
“Completing the trail would create significant economic benefits for towns along the route. It’s estimated that 3500 local riders would use the trail on weekends and there would also be spin-off benefits for towns along the route.”
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29/07/22
More News
The AGM for Monaro Rail Trail Inc was held at the Cooma Library and online on Monday 14 November 2022. The major outcome...
Following on from a successful exhibition at the Melbourne Bike Show last month, RTA were again represented at the inaug...
The Riesling Trail is one of Australia’s oldest and most popular rail trails with many experiences to enjoy in Sou...
On Friday 11 November, the two RTA Regional Reps for South Australia and their partners travelled to Clare to attend the...
The Friends of the Bendigo Kilmore Rail Trail have done a huge amount of work for the O’Keefe Rail Trail and RTA&#...
November Update The rail trail opened with a well attended family event at Coonawarra on the 5 November. More details in...
Early October saw the return of the Around the Bay cycling event after being cancelled for the last 2-years. ‘Friends ...
The Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail is open again after two bridges were replaced earlier than expected. “The bridges...
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If you and your family love cycling the fantastic rail trails Australia has to offer, you’ll love the great adventure ...
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