Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has committed up to $2.7 million in funding to finish the restoration of the historic Snowy River Railway Trestle Bridge and deliver the project’s full social and economic benefits if the Coalition wins the federal election on May 3.
Mr Chester took the fight to finish the restoration of the historic railway trestle bridge across the Snowy River floodplains to Canberra, making a case for funding to senior Coalition colleagues after the volunteer-led project was unsuccessful in sourcing State Government grant opportunities.
“It was disappointing that the project had not been successful in its application for funding under the Regional Tourism Investment Fund, but I remained committed to sourcing other grant opportunities and urged the Orbost and district community not to lose hope,” 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.
“The volunteer-led Save The Snowy Rail Bridge Association and the Orbost district community have done such an amazing job to get the project this far.”
Mr Chester said this is a major commitment to protect local heritage and re-purpose an impressive structure that will deliver ongoing social and economic benefits, creating new jobs and attracting visitors.
“I have a proven track record of delivering community infrastructure projects across East Gippsland by working in partnership with local groups to understand their priorities and seek funding commitments from Canberra,” Mr Chester said.
“The Save The Snowy Rail Bridge Association has worked tirelessly to restore and re-purpose this historic trestle bridge and create a landmark that honours the trestle bridge’s and region’s history and encourages more visitors to take a break in Orbost and explore the Snowy River region.
“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.
“The full benefits of this project will only be delivered when the missing section is completed in the middle, and the community wants to see the project finished, which is why I’m challenging the Labor Party to match the promise.”
Save The Snowy Rail Bridge Association committee member Liz Mitchell has welcomed the announcement.
“Funding for Stage 2 of the Snowy Rail Bridge Restoration will be such a boost, not just for our town but the East Gippsland economy,” she said.
“The Rail Bridge is a spectacular hero entry to the East Gippsland Rail Trail and Victoria’s East for those travelling on the highway.
“Stage 1 of the project has solidly established the bridge as an iconic landmark.
“Stage 2 funding to complete decking and further restore the substructure will truly realise the economic potential this important project can deliver.
“For a region that has suffered many knockbacks, seeing the project completed will be an incredible morale boost.”
