Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is pictured with members of the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail Committee - Chris and Tony Richards, Helen Hoppner, Dianne Hasey, Doug Laity, Alan Lewis and John Cahill at the picturesque Boggy Creek crossing.

Gippsland Plains Rail Trail is set for an upgrade thanks to $46,100 in State funding to upgrade the old rail bridge at Boggy Creek, Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has announced.

Mr Bull said this is a fantastic project for the local community with the rail trail committee members actively involved in the restoration of the old rail bridge.

“This dedicated band of volunteers has made significant improvements to the rail trail over the years and this new crossing at Boggy Creek will be a highlight of the trail.
 
“To see the scale of works the group is undertaking and the ability to recycle from old rail bridges is truly amazing and I can’t wait to see the crossing finished,” he said.

Mr Bull said that the Napthine Government’s Public Safety on Public Land Initiative funds priority risk mitigation works on public land.

“Almost $122,000 is being invested in East Gippsland to ensure the ongoing safety of people visiting and working on public land in our local community,” Mr Bull said.

“Safety assessments, hazard removal, structural works and safety upgrades will ensure public land is managed effectively and for the benefit of the community now and into the future.”

Other successful recipients in Gippsland East are:

•    $20,857 for Rail trail repair works at Newmerella, Drivers Break and Seaton Track
•    $35,000 for Bark Sheds Recreation Site facility upgrades
•    $15,000 for Swifts Creek facility upgrades
•    $3,000 for engineering assessment regarding the safety of the boat ramp at Furnell Landing
•    $2,000 to install infrastructure and signage to close access to the Delusion Hut and Dugout historic site

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said $580,552 has been provided to 29 projects through the Public Safety on Public Land initiative, incorporating 15 major and 14 recreational management projects.

“The Napthine Government is committed to managing public land for the benefit of the community and this initiative is a practical example of the government delivering better services and safer assets for communities across Victoria,” Mr Smith said.