AN unused section of rail corridor in the heart of Dartmoor will be transformed into a shared use path, bringing a key community-driven project to life.
Glenelg Shire Council announced yesterday it had secured funding for the Dartmoor Rail Trail Project through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
The project will transform the 1.3km unused rail track from the centre of the township into a sealed walking and bike path.
Dartmoor Progress Association president and key project advocate Wendy Dowling was overjoyed the rail trail project had been realised.
“The project was first initiated in 2016, with the idea to enhance the natural beauty of our town and liven up the central precinct by providing a walking track for locals and tourists alike,” Ms Dowling said.
“We’ve encountered a number of roadblocks over the years in trying to secure this project,” she said.
“We’re a resilient community but the crux of the matter is that without this support of council, the project would simply never happen.
“We’re extremely grateful for all that has been done to ensure the Rail Trail was prioritised, it’s an enormous thing for a small township like ours and this is the type of project that will benefit the whole community.”
Ms Dowling said the project would have a number of benefits not only for Dartmoor, but south-western Victoria district as a whole.
“We have to have projects like this to attract more visitors to the region,” she said.
“Tourism is an enormous part of our Shire and people are looking to travel to regional areas more than ever. We’ve got plenty to offer here, and following the completion of the rail trail project, we will offer even more.
“It really will be an asset not only to Dartmoor, but for the Glenelg Shire as a whole.”
Works on the Dartmoor Rail Trail will start in the coming weeks.
