Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is working with the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail Committee to secure funding for improvements to the rail trail between Traralgon and Stratford.
Mr Chester said the rail trail boasted train access at both Traralgon and Stratford, providing a unique visitor advantage.
“Cyclists can catch a train from Melbourne, cycle the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, then catch another train back home from the other end,” Mr Chester said.
“Towns and businesses along the trail have reported steady growth in trade as a result of the increasing numbers of cyclists and walkers using the trail as new sections have opened.
“For traders along the route, including those in Glengarry, Toongabbie, Cowwarr, Heyfield, Tinamba and Maffra, rail trail tourism provides a welcome boost to their business or is a future opportunity.”
Mr Chester said he would continue to work with the volunteer committee and his parliamentary colleagues to seek funding opportunities to help fund the improvement projects along the trail.
Mrs Hoppner said the rail trail committee was seeking more than $1 million in funding for four projects including a new bridge over the Thomson River, improving the Eaglehawk Creek crossing and sealing the trail from the Princes Highway to Glengarry.
“The Committee of Management has been working on this project for over 20 years,” Mrs Hoppner said.
“With 3000 people accessing the trail each month, it is important that we make it user-friendly and safe.”
