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Bridges Breathe New Life Into The Grand Ridge Rail Trail The official reopening of the Grand Ridge Rail Trail in South Gippsland was cause for celebration today, three years after it was severely impacted by the January 2009 Delburn Complex fire. By Russell Northe - 14th February 2012 - Back to News Russell Northe MP, Member for Morwell, representing the Hon Peter Ryan MP, Deputy Premier, and the Hon Ryan Smith MP, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, along with Darren Chester, Federal Member for Gippsland was present to cut the ribbon at one of two 66-metre steel span bridges installed along the trail as part of the fire recovery project.
"These magnificent bridges are much bigger than their predecessors and have been installed at points where steep gullies had previously made the trail impassable for the mobility impaired and those on bicycles – the trail is now accessible for all for the first time," said Mr Northe.
"Reopening the Grand Ridge Rail Trail today restores it back to its rightful place as a key tourism drawcard and recreational asset for this area - it is an exciting day for the Boolarra and Mirboo North communities and for the whole area," Mr Northe said.
Mr Northe noted that the redevelopment was assisted with State Government funding of $1.6 million from Regional Development Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
The bridges were designed, manufactured and installed by local companies Chris O’Brien and Company (based in Traralgon), Strzelecki Engineering (based in Mirboo North), and Hourigan and Walsh (based in Traralgon).
Mr Northe also took the opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of the Wednesday Warriors Volunteers who worked tirelessly to re-instate and upgrade the track as part of the Bushfire recovery. They were ably assisted by other local groups such as the Junior Landcare Group.
In addition to the installation of the bridges, rehabilitation works included clearing dangerous trees and vegetation from the trail, reforming the drains, installing pipes in wet areas, and trail realignment in some areas.
"Resurfacing the entire 13km trail with a thicker surface has also made it more durable during wetter weather," Mr Northe said.
The project has not been without its challenges – the discovery that telecommunications cables ran directly under the location of the proposed bridges meant they had to be re-designed to avoid expensive relocation of the cables.
"In addition, ongoing wet weather in 2011 hampered our efforts to resurface the trail, which caused additional delays. We are elated to finally officially reopen the trail," Mr Neal Trease, Chairperson Rail Trail Committee Management said.
russell.northe@parliament.vic.gov.au www.russellnorthe.com.au 66 George St, Morwell VIC 3840 ph 03 5133 9088 fax 03 5133 9388
"Working with local companies to get the work done was also a huge bonus – their local knowledge made getting the job done so much easier," Mr Trease said.
The Grand Ridge Rail Trail is a 13km rail trail that runs from Mirboo North to Boolarra in the Strzelecki ranges in South Gippsland. The new bridge crossings are near the half way point, just east of Darlimurla. For more information on the Trail, visit www.grandridgerailtrail.com.au
The project has been delivered in a partnership with the State Government and a Steering Committee made up of the trail’s Committee of Management, volunteers, community reconstruction committees, the Latrobe and South Gippsland Shire Councils, and other stakeholders.
On 1 February 2012, the Government released the Victorian Bushfire Recovery Three Year Report which highlights the achievements of the past 12 months in supporting communities around reconstruction efforts and the continuation of support programs for the coming year.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Danny O’Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently repair the deteriorating South Gippsland Highway, citing potholes, failing patches, and community frustration across key stretches before the busy holiday period. - West Gippsland CMA’s annual report showcases environmental achievements from mountain headwaters to coastal waters
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Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding. - Danny O’Brien thanks volunteers and communities for celebrating Australia Day across South Gippsland with the awards and ceremonies
Danny O’Brien thanked volunteers, councils, and community groups for Australia Day events, celebrating new citizens, recognising local award recipients, and highlighting Gippsland South’s community spirit and contributions. - Experience the George Bass Coastal Walk with dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, scenic views, and coastal adventure
The George Bass Coastal Walk offers dramatic clifftop views, hidden beaches, wildlife sightings, and nearby cafes, pubs, and rail trails, creating a scenic Gippsland adventure just over 1.5 hours from Melbourne.
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