Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Darren Chester's funding pledge to finish Snowy River Railway Trestle Bridge restoration depends on the Coalition's victory on 3 May Darren Chester commits up to $2.7 million for Snowy River Railway Trestle Bridge restoration, pending Coalition victory, boosting local heritage, tourism, and East Gippsland's economy. By news@gippsland - 14th April 2025 - Back to News Local residents and visitors to the region have welcomed the opportunity to get a close-up look at the first stage of works at the Snowy River Railway Trestle Bridge, and it's about to get better if the Coalition wins the Federal election. 
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Snowy Rail Bridge Association committee members Leecia Angus, Garry Bailey, Claire Bailey, Liz Mitchell and Project Manager Lloyd Murrell Bridge restoration promiseMember for Gippsland Darren Chester has committed up to $2.7 million in funding to finish the restoration of the historic bridge if the Coalition wins the federal election on May 3. Mr Chester took the fight to finish the restoration of the historic railway trestle bridge across the Snowy River floodplains to Canberra, making a case for funding to senior Coalition colleagues. "It was disappointing the project wasn't successful in its application for funding under the Regional Tourism Investment Fund, but I remained committed to sourcing other grant opportunities and urged the Orbost and district community not to lose hope." "The volunteer-led Save The Snowy Rail Bridge Association and the Orbost district community have done such an amazing job to get the project this far. Saturday's walk-through was a chance for Gippslanders to check on the fantastic improvements which have already been completed," Mr Chester said. Heritage, jobs and tourismMr Chester said the additional funding commitment would protect local heritage and re-purpose an impressive structure that would deliver ongoing social and economic benefits, creating new jobs and attracting visitors. "I have a proven track record of delivering community infrastructure projects across East Gippsland by working in partnership with local groups to understand their priorities and seek funding commitments from Canberra." Complete the bridgeMr Chester said, "The Save The Snowy Rail Bridge Association has worked tirelessly to restore and re-purpose this historic trestle bridge and create a landmark that honours the trestle bridge and region's history and encourages more visitors to take a break in Orbost and explore the Snowy River region." Mr Chester also said, "I first met with community leaders seven years ago, and we discussed how to pursue funding to stop the bridge from falling down. The full benefits of this project will only be delivered when the missing section is completed in the middle, and the community wants to see the project finished, which is why I'm challenging the Labor Party to match the promise." Boost for rail bridgeSave The Snowy Rail Bridge Association committee member Liz Mitchell has welcomed the announcement. "Funding for Stage 2 of the Snowy Rail Bridge Restoration will be such a boost, not just for our town but the East Gippsland economy," she said. "The Rail Bridge is a spectacular entry to the East Gippsland Rail Trail and Victoria's East for those travelling on the highway. Stage 1 of the project has solidly established the bridge as an iconic landmark." "Stage 2 funding to complete decking and further restore the substructure will truly realise the economic potential this important project can deliver. For a region that has suffered many knockbacks, seeing the project completed will be an incredible morale boost," she said. Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Darren Chester secures $20,000 to preserve Tambo Valley trenches commemorating Victoria's WWII history
Darren Chester secured $20,000 funding to preserve the historic Tambo Valley Trenches, enhancing access, safety, and interpretation, while honouring East Gippsland's wartime history and boosting cultural tourism along the Great Alpine Road. - Darren Chester delivers $3000 grant to Rosedale Historical Society for eco-friendly heating upgrade and safety improvements
Darren Chester delivered a $3000 Volunteer Grant to Rosedale Historical Society, funding eco-friendly heating upgrades that improve safety and sustainability while supporting volunteers and preserving the district's heritage for future generations. - Darren Chester delivers volunteer grant to support Traralgon RSL Bowls Group and boost junior participation
Darren Chester awarded a $1700 Volunteer Grant to Traralgon RSL Bowls Group, funding equipment to boost junior participation, support volunteers, and strengthen youth development as part of Gippsland's wider $63,000 program. - Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation. - Darren Chester welcomes Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment with pavilion, changerooms, community hub
Darren Chester welcomed progress on the Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment, delivering a new pavilion and modern changerooms, with government funding and volunteers supporting a safer, more vibrant hub for sport and community activities. - Darren Chester applauds Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, showcasing student enthusiasm and schools' vital role in regional life
Darren Chester joined Tim Bull at Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, praising student enthusiasm, community spirit, and schools' vital role in fostering connections, participation, and regional community life through fun events - Darren Chester praises Orbost Community College student leaders for passion, ideas and commitment to East Gippsland's future
Darren Chester praised Orbost Community College student leaders for their passion and ideas during discussions on education, health, economy, and community, highlighting the importance of listening to youth for regional Victoria's future. - Darren Chester welcomes Aqua Energy redevelopment completion with modern aquatic, fitness, community facilities
Darren Chester welcomed the upcoming completion of Aqua Energy's multi-million-dollar redevelopment in Sale, delivering modern pools and accessible facilities, boosting community health, sport, tourism, jobs, and long-term regional wellbeing. - Darren Chester celebrates completion of $2M Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve redevelopment ahead of grand final
Darren Chester welcomed the $2 million Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve redevelopment, delivering modern facilities, improved amenities, and new courts, officially opening September 6 as the community hosts its first grand final in 25 years. - Darren Chester welcomes nearing completion of $2.2M Ensay Recreation Reserve redevelopment project
Darren Chester welcomed nearing completion of the $2.2 million Ensay Recreation Reserve redevelopment, praising community volunteers. The project delivers modern facilities, boosting sport, tourism, resilience, and connections. - Darren Chester honours Legacy volunteers' century of supporting veterans' families at national launch
Darren Chester praised Legacy volunteers at the national launch, highlighting their century of supporting veterans' families. Legacy Week 2025 will raise funds through badge and bear sales to provide vital services. - Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition. - Darren Chester urges abandoning flawed legislation restricting medal reviews to actions within 20 years
The Albanese government's proposed legislation limits medal appeals to 20 years, stripping veterans and families of rights. Darren Chester says the changes undermine the Defence Honours Tribunal's independence and disenfranchise ADF members. - Darren Chester met Tom Harms in Canberra, praising his WorldSkills selection as testament to talent and community support
Maffra apprentice Tom Harms will represent Australia in Electrical Installations at the 2026 WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, after excelling through national trials. Darren Chester praised his achievement as Gippsland talent showcased globally. - Two weeks left to join Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland Calendar Competition celebrating iconic Gippsland
Two weeks remain to enter Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland calendar competition, celebrating Gippsland's landscapes and talent. Entries close October 3, with winners featured among 30,000 distributed calendars showcasing 'Iconic Gippsland'. - Thurra River bridge and campground reopen for holidays, offering access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches
Thurra River Bridge and campground reopen for holidays, restoring access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches after fire and flood damage, with resilient infrastructure upgrades ensuring long-term safety and community enjoyment. - Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017. - Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination. - West Gippsland CMA champions healthy waterways, culture, community, and sustainability across the catchment
West Gippsland CMA celebrates World Rivers Day by highlighting river health, cultural significance, and restoration efforts. Caring for 40,000km of waterways, they partner with communities to ensure resilient, thriving rivers. - Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
|
|
