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Darren Chester pushes for funding to complete Snowy Rail Bridge restoration with community and government support

Federal MP Darren Chester will continue advocating for funding with the community to complete the Snowy River Railway Trestle Bridge restoration, urging the Albanese government to support this vital tourism project.

By news@gippsland - 5th June 2025 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester will keep pursuing funding opportunities in partnership with the local community to finalise the restoration of the historic Snowy River Railway Trestle Bridge. Mr Chester had secured a funding commitment from the Coalition for $2.7 million if it won the federal election, but will now take the case directly to the re-elected Albanese government.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Save The Snowy Rail Bridge Association committee member Liz Mitchell

Chester pledges advocacy

Mr Chester said, "While I was personally successful in the seat of Gippsland, obviously I am disappointed that I will not be in a position to immediately deliver on this commitment due to the Coalition's failure to win the election.

"However, it is my intention to continue to advocate on behalf of the community to secure the much-needed funding from the re-elected Albanese government. I will also liaise with East Gippsland Shire to encourage the council to make this project a higher priority as part of its advocacy work," Mr Chester said.

Bridge project momentum

Mr Chester has already met on-site with community representatives and will hold more discussions with the volunteers once any regional grants programs are announced. "The Save The Snowy Rail Bridge Association and the Orbost district community have done such an amazing job to get this project advanced to a point where we can see the finish line, but just need some extra funding."

"The full benefits of this project will only be delivered when the missing section is completed in the middle, and the community wants to see the project finished, which is why I'm challenging the Labor Party to get on board. If we are going to grow the visitor economy in the wake of Labor's cuts to the timber industry, we need projects like the trestle bridge to encourage more people to stop and take a break in Orbost," Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com