Thanks to the Allan Labor Government there's even more for hikers, cyclists and horse riders to experience in Gippsland, with the final section of the Great Southern Rail trail now complete.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today represented Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney to open the new 21-kilometre section of track between Welshpool and Alberton - made possible with a $6 million investment from the Labor Government.
The completion of the final section means the trail now spans an impressive 131 kilometres from Nyora to Yarram, making it one of the longest in Australia.
The new extension features a shared pathway with 14 new bridges and four underpasses through farms. This final section takes in scenic farmland, forests and wetlands, connecting at Welshpool to the existing trail through to Nyora.
More than 40,000 people already visit the trail each year, making it one of Gippsland's most popular tourist drawcards. This addition to the track supports even more visitation to Gippsland with popular towns and villages to enjoy along the way, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses.
The Labor Government has backed the growth of the Great Southern Rail Trail with funding totalling $10.3 million across 4 separate stages. The newest section was delivered by Wellington Shire Council and South Gippsland Shire Council delivered the previous stages.
The visitor experience along the trail will also get a boost with $100,000 for South Gippsland Shire Council to install new signage and public artwork, develop marketing and attract new events.
Support for this project is all part of a record $45 billion investment in regional Victoria since 2014 that means more locals have jobs closer to home, communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive, and more visitors can experience what our regions have to offer.
For more information, visit www.rdv.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
"It's great to see the final stretch of the iconic trail now finished - providing a welcome tourism boost to businesses throughout South Gippsland."
"Backing projects like the Great Southern Rail Trail means even more visitors and locals can experience the best of what rural and regional Victoria has to offer."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
"With this extension, the Great Southern Rail Trail is set to bring even more visitors to Gippsland, boosting local tourism and creating new opportunities for our communities."
