Tiny Towns Fund grant – Regional Development Victoria
We are pleased to announce that Gippsland Plains Rail Trail (GPRT) has secured a grant through Regional Development Victoria’s Tiny Towns Fund to upgrade and bitumen seal an all-abilities pathway in the heart of Heyfield to the eastern approach.
The section marked for the upgrade is 875 metres long, from Maffra Road (Davis Street) to Gordon Street (roughly 550m), and east of Gordon Street to roughly opposite Weir Road. This project will improve the amenity of the rail trail and adjacent park area, and compliment the significant improvements undertaken already in Heyfield, as well as any future development.
“We are very excited to receive this grant which will not only improve accessibility on the trail for trail users, but benefit the whole community.” Helen Hoppner, President GPRT.
This project will improve local infrastructure and facilities, and enhance the good work that the Heyfield community and Wellington Shire Council has already undertaken through this area.
“We are proposing to use a local contractor and materials, which will contribute positively to the local economy” Helen Hoppner.
We envisage this upgrade will also assist in attracting more users and tourists to the rail trail, benefiting local businesses and the other communities along the trail. There are approximately 4000 users per month across the 63 kms of the trail, from Traralgon to Stratford. The trail is unique in that is connected by Vline train services at both the west and east ends.
The committee will continue to seek funding to support the sealing of the rail trail through other tiny towns along the trail, including Glengarry, Toongabbie, Cowwarr, Tinamba and Stratford. Once completed, the project will reduce maintenance cost of this section, which will enable volunteers to focus on other locations along the trail.
Exploring safety options entering Heyfield from the west
We are always looking to improve the connectivity of the rail trail through the towns and we are pleased to be working closely with the Heyfield Wetlands to improve access and highlight this beautiful feature of Heyfield, to those travelling through on the rail trail.
“Regular feedback by users of the trail, is that navigation from the west and through Heyfield is confusing and we are very pleased to be working with the Wellington Shire Council to improve this.” Helen Hoppner.
The alternate route for trail users entering Heyfield from the west is to turn onto Commercial Road and enter through the Heyfield Wetlands into town. However, our signage has been regularly vandalised or stolen, making navigation unclear at times. “We’d like the community to know that we are working on a safe and clear solution to this issue” say Helen.
New members, groups or individuals are always welcome to join the Friends of the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail. If you would like to join the friendly network of trail users and supporters register your interest here.