Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, today announced funding of $60,000 in pedestrian and cycling pathway upgrades of the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail at Avon River Bridge in Stratford, including the installation of safety railing.

Mr Bull said the investment from Government was great news for the region and the start of what promises to be a great collaboration.

"I had representation on this over the course of the election campaign.  Locals wanted Stratford to become a popular Rail Trail location, but were concerned the highway bridge had no railing, which was not suitable as cyclists over balancing could have ended up in the path of a car.

"I understand it has been a concern for some time, but with the Rail Trail undergoing upgrades and sure to become more popular, this is great news for businesses in Stratford as more people will travel if they know it is safer.

"Outdoor life and tourism is an important part of our community and local economy. This project adds real value to the region by enhancing local amenity, liveability and improving connectivity which results in real social and economic benefits.

“It is also very important for children on the Sale side of the bridge who attend school in Stratford,” Mr Bull said.

The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail (GPRT) committee of management (CoM) thanked Tim Bull for his help in finding funds to make this bridge crossing safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

“We have been concerned that trail users have been avoiding the Stratford end of the rail trail because of hazardous conditions over the bridge,” said Christine Richards, rail trail committee member.

“Pedestrians and cyclists currently have to cross the Avon Bridge within a metre of Princes highway traffic.  The constant stream of cars and heavy vehicles is noisy, scary and dangerous, particularly for children and family groups.  

“The safety railing on the Avon Bridge is one of many projects the GPRT wants to soon complete in order to provide a 72 kilometre continuous trail between Traralgon and Stratford.”

The project is part of the Department of Transport’s Transport Investing in Regions.

Minister for Transport, Terry Mulder, said “the Government is committed to investing in regional transport and investing in pathways in our regional towns not only improves liveability but also provides a sense of connection.

“The Victorian Government is proud to support this initiative. Tracks and trails are a way of life for many regional communities, and improving and maintaining these pathways supports the local economy and tourism,” Mr Mulder said.

This project complements the State Government’s investment of around $14.5 million in bicycle improvement works across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

“This project is great example of how the State Government is working with regional councils to further develop and strengthen transport outcomes in regional Victoria,” Mr Mulder said.

“Whether cycling, walking, or mountain biking on one of the magnificent tracks and trails we have throughout regional Victoria, the State Government supports walking and cycling as a valuable form of exercise and recreation, and as a safe and convenient means of transport.”

The Gippsland Plains Rail pedestrian and cycling works will commence this year.