Exciting upgrades are starting on the Rokeby to Noojee Trail this week, a major attraction for the region.
The $4.1 million project – jointly funded by Council and the Victorian Government – will see major improvements to the trail that will provide visitors with a safer and more accessible experience, and better opportunities to connect with local nature and historical sites. These upgrades are expected to be complete in September.
In 2022, Council secured $3 million in funding for the upgrade works through the Victorian Government's Regional Tourism Investment Fund (RTIF), which funds the delivery of high value tourism projects in regional Victoria.
Throughout the planning stages of the project, Council worked closely with the Victorian Government, the Rokeby Trail Project Governance Group, and Parks Victoria.
Stage 1 of upgrades, which is from Rokeby to Crossover, a four kilometre stretch of the trail, will include:
upgrades to the existing section of the trail between Rokeby and Crossover,
upgrades to the existing roadside trails and connection of missing links from Crossover to the Apex lookout in Neerim,
detailed designs and preconstruction work for the extension of the trail to Noojee, and;
the removal of two dead trees and minor vegetation management.
Stage 2, which is scheduled to take place before the end of the year, will see the continuation of works from Crossover to Apex lookout in Neerim.
Later stages of the project are subject to additional funding, but Council hopes to eventually extend the trail to create links to key historic tourism destinations, including the Noojee Trestle Bridge, the tallest remaining wooden railway bridge in Victoria, as well as the historic township of Noojee.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe said how pleased she was that works are beginning for this much-anticipated project.
"It's no secret that the Rokeby to Noojee Trail is one of Baw Baw Shire's favourite walking trails, attracting up to 10,000 visitors each quarter," Cr McCabe said.
"These upgrades will create more opportunities for our residents to enjoy recreational activities closer to home and will draw more visitors to our region to experience our stunning natural landscape."
Trail visitors should anticipate closures from Monday to Friday during the construction period. However, the trail will remain open on weekends, weather permitting. On-site signage will inform visitors about the trail's status. Residents are encouraged to check the Council's social media pages every Friday for updates on weekend openings.
To keep up to date with this project, and to view an interactive clickable map of the trail, go to Rokeby to Noojee Trail.
