Work will start as soon as possible on a $100,000 upgrade of the East Gippsland Rail Trail, following the re-election of Gippsland MP Darren Chester.
Mr Chester said the project would re-seal 12 kilometres of the trail from Bairnsdale to Nicholson.
“More than $3 million has recently been announced to upgrade local recreational and sporting infrastructure to improve liveability and encourage healthy, active lifestyles,” Mr Chester said.
“The return of the Coalition Government will enable these projects to be delivered as quickly as possible.
“This includes the East Gippsland Rail Trail upgrade, new changerooms and netball courts at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve, and $50,000 for the first stage of an all-abilities accessible boardwalk along Cunninghame Arm in Lakes Entrance.”
Mr Chester said the East Gippsland Rail Trail had grown in popularity with both visitors and locals.
“Unfortunately, people have been avoiding this section of the trail due to the condition of its surface,” Mr Chester said.
“This is an important capital works project that will boost enjoyment of the trail for all users.
“We want riders to enjoy cycling along the trail so they get out on their bikes more regularly. I also hope those who come from outside this area will return and encourage others to join them.
“Encouraging Gippslanders to get more active, more often is a passion of mine. Investing in better facilities on public land is good for tourism and the liveability of our local communities.”
The funding is part of more than $13 million delivered by Mr Chester for recreation facilities across Gippsland, including $1.5 million for mountain bike trails at Omeo, $373,000 to upgrade facilities at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve, and $975,000 for community clubrooms at Mallacoota Recreation Reserve.
