...and why it might soon be the longest
ALREADY one of Victoria’s most scenic rail trails, the Great Southern Rail Trail is soon-to-be the state’s longest with the completion of the missing link between Welshpool and Alberton by Christmas.
The total length of the trail through South Gippsland is 109km at the moment, but it will soon extend to 135km with the addition of the new 21km section, costing $6 million in a joint venture between the Wellington and South Gippsland shires through funding from the Victorian Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund.
That will make it the second longest in the country, behind only the 161km Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
A feature of the new section, finally linking Nyora to Yarram, with spur trails out to the Long Jetty at Port Welshpool and the historic wharf at Port Albert, will be nine new rail trail bridges, five large and four small, which have consumed much of the project cost.
Last week, Wellington Shire welcomed the progress of works:
“Construction is progressing well on the Great Southern Rail Trail connecting Welshpool to Alberton.
“Despite recent rainfall and weather events causing some damage, such as erosion at specific trail points, the main bridges spanning Albert River remain fully operational.
“Contractors are working hard to complete the trail in December, barring any additional setbacks.”
Champion of the rail trail, John Kennedy of the Bicycle Fitting Store in Korumburra, says the rail trail is one of the best things to ever happen in the area, bringing visitors to towns that rarely saw visitors and enhancing what’s already on offer in places like Loch, Korumburra, Leongatha and Meeniyan along the way.
“What they’ve done a Meeniyan should be a lesson to us all, that you can build a unique attraction with commitment by the community, by business and the local council.”
There is another exciting extension on the horizon, with the South Gippsland and Bass Coast shires pursuing funding for a new section connecting Nyora to Woolamai.
This 25-km leg would in turn connect the Great Southern Rail trail with the Bass Coast Rail Trail, offering more than 180km of continuous, relaxing rail trail riding – by then making it Australia’s longest.