Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has stepped up the fight to finish the restoration of the historic railway trestle bridge across the Snowy River floodplains.
Mr Chester has supported the community-driven initiative to secure grants from both State and Federal Governments in the past and says he’s ‘hopeful, determined and optimistic’ about finishing the project.
“The stage one bridge works are done and will be opening to the public soon, but we are still chasing $2.7 million to finish the section in the middle. The committee has been waiting for a few months on a grant application to the State Government, but it’s been delayed,” Mr Chester said.
“As a backup plan, I’ve been lobbying my Coalition colleagues in Canberra to secure a funding commitment ahead of the federal election, which must be held at some stage in the next 100 days.
“The full social and economic benefits of this project will only be delivered when we complete the missing section in the middle.”
Mr Chester said the partially restored railway trestle bridge was already attracting attention for the region.
“People have been contacting my office, and they are interested in riding on the upgraded East Gippsland Rail Trail and taking a close-up look of the trestle bridge project,” Mr Chester said.
“Ever since the trains stopped running to Orbost, the bridge has effectively been slowly demolishing itself through neglect, and it took a lot of courage and determination from local community members to start the campaign to secure funding.
“It’s an impressive structure, and we need to protect our heritage and, in this case, re-purpose the rail bridge to attract visitors and create new jobs.
“Well done to the entire volunteer team at Save the Snowy Rail Bridge and McInnes Earthmoving for completing stage one of the restoration works.
“I first met with community leaders seven years ago, and we discussed how to pursue funding to stop the bridge from falling down.
“In November 2020, the community secured $3.5 million from the State Government, and in February 2022, we picked up another $1.05 million from the previous Federal Government.”
Mr Chester said he would keep the pressure on in Canberra to finish the job.
“I’m sure the Ministers responsible don’t want to open a half-finished bridge. We need to get the rest of the money needed and finish the project as soon as possible,” he said.
