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Gippsland Plains Rail Trail gets $1M upgrade from Andrews Labor government to boost tourism

Visitors will now have safer and easier access along the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail thanks to the completion of a major upgrade funded by the Andrews Labor government.

By news@gippsland - 15th August 2022 - Back to News

The $1 million Gippsland Plains Rail Trail upgrade includes the construction of a new bridge over the Thomson River at Cowwarr - providing a safer link to the popular trail and uninterrupted walking from Traralgon to Stratford. The upgrade delivers on a promise the Labor government made in 2018 to improve visitor experiences and boost regional tourism in Gippsland. The Thomson River Bridge was fully manufactured in Australia and local contractors were employed to carry out the works.

The 63-kilometre trail follows the former historic Gippsland Plains railway line route between Traralgon and Stratford in Central Gippsland features amazing views of the Great Dividing Range

Boosting Victoria's tourism

Victoria's Great Outdoors is boosting tourism and making it easier to enjoy nature by investing $105.6 million in better trails, campgrounds, four-wheel drive tracks and visitor facilities. On top of that the Labor government has invested $1 million towards this trail upgrade and $1 for upgrades to facilities at Yallock Bulluk in Bass Coast.

The project was delivered in partnership with the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail Committee of Management. For a list and map of trails you can explore, please visit Explore outdoors website or download the More To Explore app.

Recreational opportunities

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "We're delivering on our election commitment and providing a further boost to regional towns by improving access, enhancing recreational opportunities and supporting local business to attract more visitors to tourist areas."

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action Lily D'Ambrosio said, "The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail upgrade now forms a corridor across central Gippsland for locals and visitors to experience Gippsland's beauty and wonder."

Gippsland Plains Rail Trail Committee of Management Chair Helen Hoppner said, "It's been a long time coming. We know the community is keen to start using it and we thank them for their patience while these works were carried out."

Pictures from Google map.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com