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Upgrades to Rokeby to Noojee Trail to enhance safety and accessibility to be complete by September 2024

Exciting upgrades to the Rokeby to Noojee Trail begin this week. The $4.1 million project, funded by council and the Victorian government, aims to improve safety and accessibility, completing in September.

By news@gippsland - 27th June 2024 - Back to News

Exciting upgrades are starting on the Rokeby to Noojee Trail this week, a major attraction for the region. The $4.1 million project - jointly funded by council and the Victorian government - will see major improvements to the trail that will provide visitors with a safer and more accessible experience, and better opportunities to connect with local nature and historical sites. These upgrades are expected to be complete in September.

Council will upgrade and extend the Rokeby to Neerim trail, linking Baw Baw's key historic sites like the Noojee Trestle Bridge

Trail upgrade funded

In 2022, council secured $3 million in funding for the upgrade works through the Victorian government's Regional Tourism Investment Fund (RTIF), which funds the delivery of high value tourism projects in regional Victoria. Throughout the planning stages of the project, council worked closely with the Victorian government, the Rokeby Trail Project Governance Group, and Parks Victoria.

Stage 1 of upgrades, which is from Rokeby to Crossover, a four kilometre stretch of the trail, will include:

• Upgrades to the existing section of the trail between Rokeby and Crossover
• Upgrades to the existing roadside trails and connection of missing links from Crossover to the Apex lookout in Neerim
• Detailed designs and preconstruction work for the extension of the trail to Nooje
• Removal of two dead trees and minor vegetation management

Stage 2, which is scheduled to take place before the end of the year, will see the continuation of works from Crossover to Apex lookout in Neerim.

Trail extension underway

Later stages of the project are subject to additional funding, but council hopes to eventually extend the trail to create links to key historic tourism destinations, including the Noojee Trestle Bridge, the tallest remaining wooden railway bridge in Victoria, as well as the historic township of Noojee.

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe said how pleased she was that works are beginning for this much-anticipated project. "It's no secret that the Rokeby to Noojee Trail is one of Baw Baw Shire's favourite walking trails, attracting up to 10,000 visitors each quarter. These upgrades will create more opportunities for our residents to enjoy recreational activities closer to home and will draw more visitors to our region to experience our stunning natural landscape."

Trail visitors should anticipate closures from Monday to Friday during the construction period. However, the trail will remain open on weekends, weather permitting. On-site signage will inform visitors about the trail's status. Residents are encouraged to check the council's social media pages every Friday for updates on weekend openings. To keep up to date with this project, and to view an interactive clickable map of the trail, go to Rokeby to Noojee Trail.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Australia will celebrate its first Red & Yellow Day on March 4, 2026, honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting lifesaving clubs through community participation and fundraising for vital water safety initiatives.
• Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
  Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion.
• Wellington Shire Council seeks feedback on the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review until 24 September 2025
  Wellington Shire Council's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines priorities for responsible pet ownership, safety, and welfare, inviting community feedback from 28 August to 24 September 2025.
• Darren Chester welcomes safer Kalimna to Lakes Entrance walking path upgrade completed before Christmas period
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says thousands are enjoying the upgraded Kalimna-Lakes Entrance walking path, with new asphalt, safety barriers and intersection improvements completed before Christmas for locals and visitors.
• Melina Bath has raised concerns in Parliament about Emerald Secondary College closures and urged fire upgrades
  Melina Bath raises concerns over Emerald Secondary College closures during high fire danger days, urging Allan government to improve fire resilience and keep schools safely open, reducing learning disruption for students.
• Latrobe City allocates $7.3M surplus to key community infrastructure and improvement projects
  Latrobe City Council's $7.3 million surplus will fund key community projects, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance, with $3.4 million reserved to leverage future State and Federal funding partnerships.
• Allan Labor government invests $860,000 to support and strengthen Men's Sheds across Victoria
  The Allan Labor government is investing $860,000 to support 31 men's sheds across Victoria, funding upgrades, expansions, and new equipment to strengthen communities and foster connection through shared skills.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 24 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council appointed Tilla Buden as CEO, adopted the Domestic Animal Management Plan, awarded Drouin streetscape contract, deferred Alex Goudie Park Master Plan, and endorsed updated delegation guidelines at its 24 September meeting.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 24 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council appointed Tilla Buden as CEO, adopted the Domestic Animal Management Plan, awarded Drouin streetscape contract, deferred Alex Goudie Park Master Plan, and endorsed updated delegation guidelines at its 24 September meeting.
• Nicholson Street mall public toilet temporarily closed amid vandalism, anti‑social behaviour and safety concerns
  The Nicholson Street Mall public toilet in Bairnsdale is temporarily closed due to repeated vandalism and anti-social behaviour, with Council working alongside traders, Victoria Police, and stakeholders on safety and revitalisation.
• Danny O'Brien congratulates Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds receiving state funding to enhance community facilities
  Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds have received over $43,000 in state funding to upgrade facilities, recognising their vital role in supporting men's wellbeing and community connection.
• Eastern Victoria to receive over $1M for improved walking, cycling, and regional transport links
  Eastern Victoria communities will benefit from over $1 million in funding for walking, cycling, and bus stop upgrades, improving local transport links through the Labor government’s Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program.
• Field and Game petition exceeds 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws and community safety concerns
  A Field and Game Australia petition, supported by Melina Bath, surpasses 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws, urging evidence-based policy and protecting law-abiding gun owners.
• South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
  South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months.
• South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
  South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months.
• Bass Coast Council begins $700,000 Inverloch coastal protection works to safeguard beach and community assets on 24 November 2025
  Bass Coast Shire Council will start $700,000 Inverloch coastal protection works on 24 November, extending sandbag walls, repairing access, and safeguarding public land, community assets, and beachgoers.
• Martin Cameron criticises stalled Traralgon underpass, urges overpass alternative for delayed pedestrian safety project
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises nearly three-year delay on Traralgon underpass, urging government to clarify plans or consider a safer overpass for students and pedestrians crossing the train line.
• Latrobe City Council highlights strong financial performance and community-focused progress in its 2024/2025 Annual Report presentation
  Latrobe City Council’s 2024/2025 Annual Report shows strong financial sustainability, strategic progress and disciplined planning, highlighting new health-focused development and continued delivery of essential services and infrastructure.
• Berninneit Art Gallery unveils 'Kelp and the Sentient Sea' by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic 13 September to 26 October 2025
  Berninneit Art Gallery presents Kelp and the Sentient Sea, a collaborative exhibition by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic, exploring Bass Coast's marine life through printmaking, dance, film, and installation from 13 September.
• East Gippsland Council to consider proposed changes to Raymond Island Ferry pass system at September meeting
  East Gippsland Shire Council will consider proposed Raymond Island Ferry pass changes, including extra landowner passes, renter passes, and future consultation, aiming for fairer allocation and improved functionality from 2026/27.
• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025.