Gippsland › Latest news › Harriet Shing MP
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.
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
Community feedback strengthens Wellington's Road Management Plan, highlighting priorities for road upgrades
East Gippsland kids invited to join and send entries for National Water Week poster competition by 12 September 2025
Future Wellington Community feedback shapes draft plans, final input invited before 16 July 2025
Gippsland Water commits to keeping customer bills affordable despite cost of living pressures
Have your say on Latrobe's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026 - 2029 until 29 July 2025
Latrobe City Council endorses new Council Plan and Community Vision 2025-2029 to guide Latrobe's future growth
Wellington Shire Councillors advocate for region's needs at National Local Government Assembly in Canberra on 24 - 27 June 2025
East Gippsland tourism and hospitality masterclass to build sustainable, resilient businesses and grow positive
Southern Rural Water celebrates 30 years of service with modernisation, partnerships and sustainable water
