AFTER almost seven years of work by the community, Dartmoor will officially open its rail lands walking track and park next Thursday.
The rail lands through Dartmoor consist of 1.3km of unused rail corridor and 11ha of surrounding land which have been made into a sealed walking and bicycle track within expansive parklands.
Assisted by the Glenelg Shire, the Dartmoor Progress Association and Dartmoor Lions Club took the lead on the project with the whole of the community helping to bring it to fruition.
Long running President of the Dartmoor Progress Association, Wendy Dowling said the rail lands were transformed from a disused overgrown area thanks to many members of the community who helped with the project.
“It didn’t matter if they weren’t a member of the Progress Association or Lions Club, many others helped out in so many ways so that it has been a whole of community effort,” said Ms Dowling.
“It started out as an eyesore for the town, now it’s an asset that has beautified the town,” said Ms Dowling.
“The Shire has assisted us by securing a lease for the area from VicTrack and securing funding through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
“It was a daunting project to start with, but we’ve had an amazing amount of volunteer support.
“It wouldn’t have been successful without the volunteer effort; Dartmoor is a pretty special place to live in,” Ms Dowling said proudly.
“The result is that we have another asset for the town,” she said as the parklands have added to the already well known timber carved statues, which pay tribute to the Anzac spirit, and have recently been refurbished ensuring that they continue to be a drawcard for tourists.
“The shop and hotel have new owners and they are doing a great job.
“And there’s a new dump point near the football oval for caravanners,” said Ms Dowling.
The dump point was funded through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grants Program.
“A small silver-lining to the pandemic has been the grants that have been available to help communities and we’ve been lucky enough to secure some of them,” said Ms Dowling.
“Even after the opening of the rail lands, we won’t stop,” said Ms Dowling explaining that additions such as seating, exercise equipment and covered picnic areas were envisaged for the area.
“We are also hoping to use $1,000 which was a prize from the Tidy Town Awards, Social Well Being Category, to set up a drinking station within the area.
“And we’re working on some signage for the area, including some interpretation on the history of the town.”
All are welcome to attend the opening next Thursday at 10.30am Victorian time at the picnic area near Dartmoor General Store.
