As election momentum gathers, so does momentum for restoring the historic Snowy Floodplain Rail bridge.
The overwhelmingly positive responses to ‘Save the Snowy Rail Bridge Association’s Candidate Survey’ indicates this train is well and truly on the move, according to association president, Liz Mitchell.
“We are extremely pleased with the in-principle support received from all candidates,” she said.
“Pending a positive outcome from the social/economic study for the bridge restoration project, it appears all candidates surveyed would support funding applications if elected.”
The full candidate responses can be viewed on the Save the Snowy Bridge Shopfront display (corner of Nicholson and Tara Streets), or on the ‘Save the Snowy Rail Bridge’ community Facebook page.
The following is a snapshot of the candidate feedback.
Sonia Buckley – Liberal Democrats: I’m all for preserving history and promoting the beautiful mountains. I take pride and honor in making sure projects of this nature go ahead expediently and efficiently.”
George Neophytou – Independent: “Projects of this nature require forward vision as the true value to society may not yet be fully realised.”
Dr Deb Foskey – Greens: “Orbost, as the end town on the cycling route would benefit from this new way of entering town. It may stimulate the development of new small enterprises in a concerted effort to increase educational and ecotourism in our region.”
Mark Reeves – Labor: “If elected, I would be the unstoppable force to prosecute this in Spring Street.”
Matt Stephenson – Independent: “Of course, I support this project and will do everything possible to help its success.”
Tim Bull – Nationals: “The Rail Trail is a valuable community asset and tourist attraction.”
Ben Garrett – Independent: “My great grandfather, Sir Albert Lind, was renowned for his campaigning for improved and expanding road and rail networks… I would take great pride in continuing his legacy.”
Save The Snowy Rail Bridge is a community group formed to explore and drive a process to save the Snowy River viaduct from further degrading and restore for use as a walk and cycleway as part of the East Gippsland Rail Trail.
This iconic structure is the longest timber rail bridge in Victoria and has straddled the Snowy flood plains since 1916.
Restoring it to a condition suitable for walking and riding would create a stunning start or finish to a trip along the East Gippsland Rail Trail providing a unique recreational opportunity for locals and tourists.
This bridge is an icon. The viaduct is highly identifiable with Orbost.
