Australia’s second longest rail trail, the Great Victorian Rail Trail (GVRT), has recently marked its 10th anniversary.
Once known as the Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail, the GVRT was an extensive infrastructure project managed by Mansfield Shire Council in partnership with Mitchell and Murrindindi shires.
The project cost an estimated $14.2 million dollars as part of the 2009 Victorian bushfires recovery effort, with the Federal Government contributing $13.2 million dollars from its community infrastructure programme.
The trail follows the route of the former railway line from Tallarook, the Mansfield Railway and Alexandra Railway.
Since its official opening on 1 June 2012 by the then Minister for Regional Development, Simon Crean, the GVRT has injected increased tourism spending and introduced recreational opportunities to communities along the trail.
The project had input from the local community through the joint cooperation between the three shires which involved community and local leaders identifying the region’s distinguishing features and turning them into a competitive edge.
On its opening day, Mr Crean said the 134km shared pathway could attract 130,000 visitors annually, enjoying the spectacular views and historical experience of the rail trail through cycling, walking or horse riding.
Then Bicycle Network Chief Executive Officer Harry Barber also said at the time that the rail trail is “an absolute jewel in Victoria’s Rail Trail network”, and he expected that the rail trail will bring important tourism and recreational benefits to the communities along the trail.
It appears that the comments made by Mr Crean and Mr Barber have been realised as a steady stream of users have continued to enjoy the GVRT over the past 10 years.