Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Wellington Local News

Over 100 locals celebrated the Great Southern Rail Trail's 21km extension in Alberton with a ribbon-cutting ceremony

Over 100 locals celebrated the 21km extension of the Great Southern Rail Trail in Alberton. The $6 million project, funded by the Victorian Government, now spans 131 km, attracting walkers, cyclists, and families.

By news@gippsland - 21st August 2024 - Back to News

More than 100 locals gathered in Alberton on Friday 16 August, normally home to just shy of 300 people, to celebrate the official opening of the 21km extension of the Great Southern Rail Trail in the South Gippsland area of The Middle of Everywhere. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Wellington Shire Councillor Garry Stephens and South Gippsland Shire Councillor John Schelling, with Rail Trails Australia President, Damian McCrohan sharing the trail's history.

From left, Wellington Shire Councillor Carmel Ripper, Councillor Marcus McKenzie, Rail Trails Australia President, Damian McCrohan, South Gippsland Shire Councillor John Schelling, Wellington Shire Councillor Garry Stephens, Member for South Gippsland Danny O'Brien and Judy Kennedy, a member of the original Tarra Trail committee

Trail extension opens

This long-awaited extension connecting Welshpool to Alberton, completes the trail's remarkable 131km stretch from Yarram to Nyora and is now the second-longest trail in Victoria. The extension, which has been eagerly anticipated by the community, is a testament to the strength of local partnerships. The project was a collaborative effort, with Wellington Shire Council managing the 14 km stretch within its boundary and South Gippsland Shire Council overseeing the remaining 7km.

In a boost for the local economy, the completed trail is set to attract a diverse range of visitors, including walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. Its accessible paths and gentle slopes make it particularly popular with families for day trips and weekend getaways, where activities like picnicking, birdwatching, and leisurely walks and bike riding can be enjoyed. Accommodation and hospitality businesses are also set to expand as more visitors opt for multi-day trips, staying overnight in towns along the trail.

The grand opening event kicked off in Yarram with a community bike ride and trail bike giveaway, courtesy of The Middle of Everywhere. In the lead up to the ceremony, Wellington Shire Council Mayor Cr Bye expressed thanks to the Victorian Government for its funding, stating that the Great Southern Rail Trail has become an exciting tourist destination, giving visitors a unique way to explore The Middle of Everywhere and enjoy the natural beauty of South Gippsland.

Trail extension celebrated

On the day, Wellington Shire Councillor Garry Stephens spoke to the crowd saying, "The trail extension has been years in the making and it is incredibly rewarding to see it finally come to life. I'm proud of what both councils have accomplished, and I'm excited to welcome visitors from across Victoria and beyond to experience all that it has to offer."

South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Williams commented on the successful partnership between both councils and the advantages of extending the Trail. "The extension of the Great Southern Rail Trail really highlights the importance of collaboration between our two Councils. Together, we have brought to our communities a Trail that promotes healthy lifestyles, economic viability and visitation. I look forward to the continued success of this important community asset."

Final interpretive and wayfinding signage is expected to be installed by the end of 2024. The extension was made possible through $6 million from the Victorian Government Regional Infrastructure Fund, via the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry, and Regions. For more information, visit The Middle of Everywhere website or Visit South Gippsland website.

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
  The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards.
• Southern Rural Water manages Gippsland storages during rainfall, balancing flood risks, water supplies and community safety
  Southern Rural Water managed Gippsland water storages during significant weekend rainfall, using controlled releases to create capacity, reduce flood risks and protect community safety and water supplies.
• Latrobe City Positive Ageing Festival returns with more than 100 events celebrating connection, activity and older residents this October
  Latrobe City’s Positive Ageing Festival returns in October with more than 100 free and low-cost events supporting older residents through connection, activity, learning and community participation.
• Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety.
• Matthew Canavan welcomes Commonwealth Bank branch extension, calls for stronger government action to protect regional banking services
  Nationals leader Matt Canavan welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s decision to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while urging the Government to protect banking access and rebuild services lost elsewhere.
• The Nationals slam Labor's secret public transport tax funding costly suburban rail loop as regional Victorians bear the burden
  The Nationals accuse Victoria's Labor government of secretly taxing public transport users $8 billion to fund the Suburban Rail Loop, while regional communities receive disproportionately less infrastructure funding.
• Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
  The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding.
• Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
  Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• The Inverloch Glamping Co. offers a coastal escape with luxury tents, outdoor baths, ocean views, cosy cabins and nearby beaches, walking trails and wineries
  The Inverloch Glamping Co. offers a relaxing coastal retreat with luxury accommodation, outdoor baths, ocean views and easy access to beaches, scenic walks and local wineries.
• Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
  Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation.
• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges community advocacy for major projects ahead of Victorian state election
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging residents to support advocacy for the Rokeby to Noojee Trail Extension and urgent Warragul-Drouin intersection upgrades ahead of the Victorian state election.
• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• Gippsland Water reports progress on major projects, renewable energy and community engagement commitments
  Gippsland Water’s 2026 Community Report highlights progress on major infrastructure projects, achieving 100 per cent renewable energy, emergency support initiatives and increased community engagement through its Sounding Board.
• Latrobe Leisure Morwell earns Gold Safety Accreditation for highest aquatic safety standards recognition achieved
  Latrobe Leisure Morwell earned Life Saving Victoria’s Gold Safety Accreditation after achieving 100 percent compliance and a safety score above 95 percent, recognising exceptional aquatic safety, operations and risk management standards.