Surrounded by East Gippsland Rail Trail (EGRT) supporters, friends and committee members, chair of the trial committee Gaynor Rettino officially opened the upgraded section of the trail between Simpsons Creek and Orbost.
The section was able to be upgraded after the local Rail Trail committee submitted applications for State Government funding and received more than $700,000.
In the past six years the committee has seen in excess of $5.5 million spent on the local rail trial between Bairnsdale and Orbost, making it one of the longest rail trails
in Australia.
Gaynor welcomed everyone to the gathering on the trail, where Preston’s road crosses the trail
at Newmerella.
She paid tribute to fellow committee members, Al Campbell, Trish Fox, Geoff Scott, Andrew Sharpe, David Scott and project manager for the area Frank McShane and recognised the presence of current president of rail trails Australia Damian McCrohan and past EGRT chairman who attended the day.
Gaynor also thanked Cranes Civil and Civic, C&W Excavations T&K Brunt and Signline for their services on the trail.
Local MP, Tim Bull sincerely congratulated the small committee for their great work they had done on behalf of the wider community and had succeeded in making the East Gippsland Rail Trail an outstanding tourist attraction for East Gippsland.
“Out of disaster, the committee has renovated an asset that delivers significant economic and social benefits across the region,” Mr Bull said.
“The Committee of Management engaged local contractors, used local materials and kept the funding in our region, which is exactly what we want to see.”
Mr Bull said the trail was now in the best condition it had ever been and would continue to grow as a major tourism asset for East Gippsland.
“The East Gippsland Rail Trail draws visitors to our towns, supports local businesses and encourages people to stay longer and explore more of what we have to offer,” he said.
He encouraged locals and visitors to get out and enjoy the trail.
“Whether you want to ride the whole trail or just take on a popular section like Bairnsdale to Nicholson, now is the perfect time to experience it.”
Mr McCrohan said he was aware the East Gippsland area had recently been awarded $2.5 million for further development and maintenance of trails in East Gippsland by the State Government and also the East Gippsland Shire have four staff working on the new downhill trails at Omeo, yet any ongoing financial assistance for the EGRT unfortunately appeared not to be on the horizon from the shire.
