Grampians friends welcome support
Grampians Rail Trail leaders have shored up biosecurity for properties affected by the walking and cycling route thanks to support from Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water.
Friends of Grampians Rail Trail treasurer John Pye said the trail – 18 years in the making – was now complete but would have become a ‘stranded asset’ without support from Gwmwater.
“Seeing value in the project to both the community and the environment, Gwmwater assisted with licensing and a new boundary fence to separate the track from adjacent farming, providing biosecurity for the farmer and unimpeded access for cyclists and walkers,” he said.
Mr Pye initiated the project, funded by Power cor, while teaching at Stawell Secondary College. From 2002 to 2010, more than 350 yearnine and VCAL, Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning, students constructed about 75 percent of the current trail, including four major bridges.
Mr Pye said during the past 10 years, funding from Halls Gap Tourism Association and some flood recovery work enabled the rail trail to become a passable route.
He said management and licensing remained a ‘road-block’ for many years until a community group, Friends of Grampians Rail Trail, took on the task.
Mr Pye said through $70,000 of direct funding and countless volunteer hours, Grampians Rail Trail had become a $500,000 asset that would bring significant tourism and economic benefits to the region.
“During the COVID-19 crisis the rail trail has become a safe and engaging exercise route for many in the area,” he said.
Grampians Rail Trail starts at the outskirts of Stawell and follows Pleasant Creek through the Illawarra Fauna and Flora Reserve, a wetland and finishes at Mt Dryden Road. Quiet back roads link to Halls Gap via Mt Dryden Road, Fyans Creek Road and Red Gum Lease Track.
Mr Pye said people involved in the project looked forward to an official opening in the future. He said people could access trail maps online at www.railtrails.org.au.