FINISH THE TRAIL

Update April 2011

The dedicated Gippsland Plains Rail Trail (GPRT) CoM along with the Rail Alliance has been successful in attracting a committed pledge from the recent State Government elections when numerous local members for the Nationals launched their campaign on the rail trail at Traralgon. The sitting members included Russell Northe (state member for Morwell), Peter Ryan (leader of the National Party), Darren Chester (federal member for Gippsland) and Peter Hall (upper house member for the Gippsland East region). With the Coalition winning government that pledge will now become leverage funds for further grant opportunities.

The priority section is the construction of an alternative bridge over the Latrobe River and the 3x bridge connections prior to this section. This will enable the all important link between Traralgon and Glengarry to be completed leaving just one more bridge to be completed at Cowwarr.

GPRT chairperson, Helen Hoppner has recently attended a meeting where Regional Development Victoria and Latrobe City Council, with support of Wellington Council and DSE, are discussing funding options to further progress the full completion of trail.

If all goes to plan, the planning, construction and delivery will be over a 3 year period.

After 20 years of hard work by the dedicated Rail Trail Committee, locals and visitors will finally be able to enjoy all the benefits that a completed rail trail will give our communities en route of the trail and also to the surrounding regional areas of Gippsland.

The funding required to finish the trail is listed below.

Come and enjoy the Gippsland Plains Railtrail – you will be made most welcome.

·        Create an iconic tourist attraction covering all sections of tourism making it a premier destination for      domestic and international visitors

·        Create a link for all trails and tracks in the region integrating with existing trails throughout Gippsland

·        Community capacity building with new capital works

·        Form part of the transport infrastructure

·        Allow for improved management and preservation of the natural environment

·        Improve options for active and passive recreation

·        Strengthen the link between tourism and economic development

·        Revitalise local communities with expected positive outcomes

·        Reconnecting historically significant features for our townships

·        Improve real estate options

·        Promotion of sustainable communities

·        Showcase township enterprising initiatives

·        ALLOW COMMUNITIES TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR OWN FUTURES

 #We still continue to NEED

• Private investment to assist with equipment costs for improving and consolidating new surfacing
  

Donations

The amount of money required to complete the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail is significant.  Donations are always welcomed to help support the activities of the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail Committee and the work currently completed on the trail route and any amount, big or small would be very gratefully received.  Donations can be sent to;

Helen Hoppner
Chairperson
Gippsland Plains Rail Trail Ctee Inc
Main Street
Cowwarr Vic 3857

 Corporate/Service Clubs/Groups

Perhaps you know of a large organisation, employer, business, service club or group that would be interested in funding a major section of trail.  You could discuss their willingness to explore further becoming a project partner with the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail Committee by providing capital to enable construction works of trail surface, culverts, drainage etc.  Sections of trail "sponsored" by the corporate sector or groups will be recognised and identified appropriately with ongoing recognition for support provided.  If you wish to discuss opportunities to become a major project partner please contact us at helenho@wideband.net.au

 Helping out along the trail

Lots of people just want to help out in a small way.  If you want to help with tree planting, providing hardware along the route like toilets, shelters, seats etc or just want to be involved in maintenance or helping with the upkeep of the trail...we need you !!!...  
Contact us at helenho@wideband.net.au

 Who is the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail Committee?
Helen Hoppner, Chairperson

Dr Tony Richards (Deputy Chairperson)
Christine Richards
Tania Brooker
Diane Honey
John Cahill
Andrew Ashworth
Lee Learinhan

All correspondence can be sent to 

Helen Hoppner,
Chairperson,
Gippsland Plains Rail Trail Committee Inc
7 Park Avenue COWWARR  3857
Ph: 51489214

Email:  helenho@wideband.net.au