Trail blazing

|

Trail blazing

 

THE Great Southern Rail trail was relaunched at Fish Creek on Saturday, to celebrate the trail’s completion as well as its new branding.

The now 72 kilometre continuous trail from Leongatha to Port Welshpool features 15 bridges and travels through 10 towns.

The trail was officially relaunched by Eastern Victoria MLC Harriet Shing, who said the trail is a fantastic example of communities working together to manage a significant asset.

Ms Shing praised the efforts and energy of the volunteer committee of management for their efforts over the past two decades to realise the vision of the Great Southern Rail Trail.

“This is yet another fantastic example of the tireless efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers from this part of Gippsland who have worked together to manage and further improve a significant asset that is loved and enjoyed by people from all over Victoria,” she said.

The rail trail now features new promotional signage and material to help showcase this extraordinary regional asset and the communities that surround it.

Ms Shing said the rail trail plays an essential role in improving the physical and mental health of people who walk, ride or run along it, helping to promote a stronger, happier and safer community.

“The railways of the past connected people and communities within Gippsland and similarly, the Great Southern Rail Trail now provides walkers, riders, cyclists and runners with some of the most beautiful and accessible tracks in the state,” she said.

“From donkeys, to dogs, to penny farthings, now everyone can enjoy more of Gippsland’s beautiful countryside.”

Ms Shing said she was already working on extending the existing rail trail.

South Gippsland Shire Council mayor councillor Ray Argento said the wisdom and the vision of the community saw the project through to completion.

“This council has a goal to create more community partnerships. The rail trail is an example of that,” he said.

Mr Argento said the council is keen to support community driven projects, which could include the extension of the rail trail.

Happy pollies: from left, Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien, Great Southern Rail Trail committee of management member Bruce Beatson, Eastern Victoria MLC Harriet Shing, South Gippsland Shire Council mayor councillor Ray Argento and CEO Tim Tamlin we all thrilled to be a part of the relaunch of the Great Southern Rail Trail in Fish Creek on Saturday.

Happy pollies: from left, Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien, Great Southern Rail Trail committee of management member Bruce Beatson, Eastern Victoria MLC Harriet Shing, South Gippsland Shire Council mayor councillor Ray Argento and CEO Tim Tamlin we all thrilled to be a part of the relaunch of the Great Southern Rail Trail in Fish Creek on Saturday.

Short URL: /?p=20122

Posted by on Nov 29 2016. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Share your love
Facebook
Twitter

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *