The Andrews Labor Government is fast tracking essential planning for a new infrastructure project in the Gannawarra to support the region to thrive and boost future jobs growth.
Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp MP was in Koondrook today to officially announce $500,000 funding towards Gannawarra Shire Council’s Koondrook to Kerang Rail Trail project through the Investment Fast Track Fund.
The $625,000 planning project will enable the Gannawarra Shire Council to complete the necessary assessments, approvals, and planning to progress the Kerang to Koondrook Rail Trail project from planning to an investment-ready position.
Once construction is completed, the 22km trail will run along sections of the former tramway route between Kerang and Koondrook – providing locals and visitors a scenic walk or cycle path and connecting trail users to the iconic Kerang Lakes, Lake Charm, Reedy Lake network and the Murray River.
The Koondrook to Kerang Rail Trail is a targeted investment aimed at providing economic, social, and environmentally sustainable solutions to place-based economic recovery for the Gannawarra Shire.
This project will also form part of the Murray River Adventure Trail, an exciting multi-sport adventure trail that will span more than 1,000 kilometres from Lake Hume to Mildura and is expected to attract over 55,000 extra visitors each year to cities and towns along the trail.
The Investment Fast Track Fund is taking projects from the ideas phase to be investment and development-ready, with grants of up to $500,000 available to local councils, community organisations and the private sector for planning, design and business case development.
The Investment Fast Track Fund is part of the Labor Government’s flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund which helps businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria and supports councils and organisations to build the infrastructure locals and visitors need.
The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund is part of the Government’s $30 billion investment in rural and regional Victoria since 2015.
The Murray River Adventure Trail received $10.3 million in funding through the Victorian Budget 2020/21.
Information and guidelines for the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund can be found at rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp MP
“The Investment Fast Track Fund is supporting communities across our state and boosting Victoria’s vibrant regional economy while creating jobs.”
“I am thrilled to announce funding for the Koondrook to Kerang Rail Trail planning project which will help Gannawarra Shire tap in to the enormous tourism and economic benefits of the Murray River Adventure Trail.”
“This project will mean even more to locals in the future and will continue to deliver the much-needed economic boost our communities need.”
Quotes attributable to Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly
“The Kerang to Koondrook Rail Trail is an important project for the Gannawarra, as it will link in with the Murray River Adventure Trail and connect the Murray River to the iconic Ramsar-listed Kerang Lakes.”
“Once completed, this project will drive economic growth to the region through increased visitation and expenditure – while enhancing community wellbeing and liveability, and employment opportunities for local trades and indigenous workforce through construction and new product development.”
