South Gippsland Shire Council has been successful in securing a $500,000 grant to extend the Great Southern Rail Trail between Korumburra and Leongatha.

Loch Gippsland 1890 W. H Ferguson photographer.

Great Southern Rail Trail Funding Announced 

South Gippsland Shire Council has been successful in securing a $500,000 grant to extend the Great Southern Rail Trail between Korumburra and Leongatha. The rail trail extension is one of 35 projects to be funded under the Victorian Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund. 

Wellington Shire Council were also successful with their funding application to complete a 21km missing link in the Rail Trail between Welshpool and Alberton. The funding announcements are a positive step toward transforming the Great Southern Rail Trail into one of the longest rail trails in Australia. 

The funding announcement was made by the Member for Easter Victoria, Jane Garrett who emphasised the importance of investing in regional Victoria to support the state’s recovery from the impact of coronavirus. “While we can’t fully enjoy our halls and parks and other community facilities right now, it’s important that we continue investing in them and create jobs,” said Ms. Garrett. 

The grant funding – which had already been factored into the 2020/21 budget – will be used to extend the trail between Korumburra and Leongatha. Rail removal works have been completed in this section which will help to progress the works. A grant application seeking funding for the completion of the Korumburra to Nyora section has also been submitted.