Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, discusses the upcoming works program for the East Gippsland Rail Trail – Bruthen Section Project with James Nicholas (representing Bruthen Traders), East Gippsland Shire Council’s Chris Waites (Acting CEO) and Cr Mark Reeves (Mayor).

The State Coalition Government is investing $139,500 from the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund to upgrade the Bruthen section of the East Gippsland Rail Trail, Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, announced today.

“Bruthen has established itself as a distinct tourism, arts and events hub, and is well known for the annual Bruthen Blues Festival,” Mr Bull said.

“The town is also a major stopping point on the Great Alpine Road and the highway route from Bairnsdale heading interstate.

“Bruthen’s popularity with visitors travelling, to and through, this part of East Gippsland is greatly enhanced by the rail trail and the opportunities it provides as a way to explore the region.

“In 2013, more than 16,000 rail trail users spent an estimated $1.7 million in the region, with almost 30 per cent travelling on the Bruthen section and contributing over $485,000 to the town’s economy.

“The project will deliver value-adding infrastructure to the East Gippsland Rail Trail including upgraded access points, embankment and drainage works, revegetation, signage, and the full upgrade of a major linking track in the Bruthen township.”

Mr Bull said new investment in local rail trail infrastructure would encourage even more users and, in turn, stimulate business growth and jobs in the town and overall East Gippsland region.

“The project supports the longer-term viability of the rail trail over its entire length as a key regional asset. It will also encourage residents to use the rail trail more, leading to better recreation, health and wellbeing outcomes.”

Mr Bull said Victorian Government funding towards the $186,000 Upgrading the East Gippsland Rail Trail (Bruthen Township Section) would be provided through the Regional Growth Fund to East Gippsland Shire Council which would contribute $20,000, along with a contribution of $21,500 from East Gippsland Rail Trail and $5,000 in-kind support.

“This investment is another example of the Victorian Government’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund which enables local government and community groups to develop much-needed local infrastructure projects. Unfortunately Labor intends to scrap the Regional Growth Fund, which would be disastrous for rural areas.

“Since it was established in 2011, the Regional Growth Fund has delivered almost $430 million, generating over $1.7 billion of total investment across 1500 projects.”

In East Gippsland Shire, the Regional Growth Fund has delivered $10.4 million to 59 projects, generating $26.2 of total investment. These projects include:

• $500,000 for the $1.25 million Bairnsdale CBD Improvement Project
• $450,000 for the Davison Oval - All Abilities Playground
• $346,000 for the Visitor Information Centre Upgrades

The project is expected to be completed in June 2015.