Rail Trail works ready to begin

Published on 23 May 2023

Works will begin to upgrade the surface of the Port Fairy - Warrnambool Rail Trail in the coming weeks.

Mayor Cr Karen Foster said the Rail Trail’s Committee of Management has appointed contractors and work to re-sheet 20 kilometres of the trail will begin early next month and be completed by the end of the year.

“The Rail Trail is fantastic community asset which provides opportunities for health and fitness, but also helps visitors check out the magnificent scenery of Moyne Shire,” she said.

“Resheeting the trail from Port Fairy through to Lanes Lane in Illowa will improve the experience for all users and ensure the rail trail remains a popular recreational asset for the community and visitors alike.”

Cr Foster said the project was being funded with a $600,000 allocation from Council, through the Federal Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program.

As the asset managers, the Rail Trail Committee of Managment will oversee and manage the project at Council’s request.

She said despite the trail not being a Council managed asset, it recognised the importance of the trail to the community and was pleased to make the funding available.

“This is another example of Council partnering with community to deliver important projects. This is a project the Rail Trail Committee has been working towards for a long time and I’m pleased Council has been able to allocate this funding to make it possible,” she said.

“The Rail Trail and associated infrastructure is managed by a hard-working group of volunteers, and I thank them for all the work they do,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing work get underway and then checking out the final result.”