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South Gippsland Shire Council is to extend its Great Southern Rail Trail after receiving a $500,000 grant from the Victorian Government.

Welcoming the input from Victoria's Regional Infrastructure Fund, which will extend the trail from Leongatha to Korumburra, South Gippsland Shire’s Chair Administrator, Julie Eisenbise advised last week "the Great Southern Rail Trail is a great asset for South Gippsland. Not only does it bring economic benefits to our region through tourism, it also connects many local communities and provides significant health and wellbeing opportunities.

"The extension of the trail between two of our largest townships will be a welcome addition to an already popular attraction.”

Local Member for Easter Victoria, Jane Garrett, announced the funding and highlighted its importance as part of funding that is hoped will help regions recovery from the impact of COVID-19, noted "while we can’t fully enjoy our halls and parks and other community facilities right now, it’s important that we continue investing in them and create jobs."

The extension is one of 35 regional projects that will share in $16 million of funding to assist growth of rural areas in Victoria by funding projects that can stimulate economic activity.

Eisenbise added "the Great Southern Rail Trail is an impressive walking and cycling trail though some of Victoria’s most diverse and beautiful scenery. We hope that soon we will be able to welcome visitors back to our region to discover it for themselves."

South Gippsland Shire Council has also submitted a grant application seeking funding for the completion of the Korumburra to Nyora section.

The Great Southern Rail Trail recently featured in Bicycle Network’s Top 50 Riding Experiences in Australia.

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