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Tom McIntosh announces secured funding to upgrade East Gippsland Rail Trail and boost regional visitor economy

The East Gippsland Rail Trail will be upgraded with resurfacing works, thanks to new state funding supporting regional tourism growth and job creation.

By news@gippsland - 17th June 2025 - Back to News

The Allan Labor government is backing Victoria's regions through new projects to help boost the visitor economy. Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today announced that the East Gippsland Rail Trail Committee of Management is among the successful recipients of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024.

Funding will resurface 11.46km of the East Gippsland Rail Trail, boosting regional tourism under Victoria's Experience 2033 strategy

Investing in tourism

Funding provided for the East Gippsland Rail Trail will include resurfacing an 11.46km section of a 96 km trail at Simpsons Creek. The Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024 is part of the $170 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund to create more jobs, support our important tourism businesses and attract more visitors to experience all that is on offer across regional Victoria.

The Fund will help strengthen and grow Victoria's tourism industry and is a key part of the Labor government's Experience Victoria 2033 strategic plan that outlines five priority areas including First Peoples-led experiences, wellness, arts and culture, food and drink, and nature. To see a complete list of the projects, visit Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions 2025 website.

Boosting regional tourism

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said, "Victoria has always been a great place to visit and explore - these grants will make regional Victoria even more enticing, which is great for local jobs and the economy."

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said, "These local infrastructure upgrades will attract more tourists, further boosting the local visitor economy."

East Gippsland Rail Trail Committee of Management Chair Gaynor Rettino said, "This latest upgrade will complete the transformation of the trail over the past five years, delivering a safe, high-quality, all-season nature experience for both locals and visitors."

Pictures from Tom McIntosh MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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