Funding success for Three Trails Project

Media Release

Golden Plains Shire Council has secured a $500,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund to deliver the Three Trails Project.

The Three Trails Project will improve and upgrade three significant multi-use trails: Ballarat–Skipton Rail Trail, Kuruc a Ruc Trail and Rainbow Bird Trail. Popular with walkers, hikers, cyclists and horse-riders, these trails total 101km and connect 15 different townships and communities across Golden Plains Shire, as well as City of Ballarat and Corangamite Shire.

The Three Trails Project will deliver the upgrade and improvement of the current trail infrastructure, as well as design and installation of new supportive infrastructure, including: signage; shelters, seating, picnic tables and chairs; decking upgrades; safety corrals at major highway crossings; culvert and bridge upgrades; spray seal of trail sections; upgrades to the Pittong Sleepover; installation of trail counters for data collection; and environmental works including tree trimming.

In addition, the Three Trails Project also involves the promotion of the trails to attract new visitors and regional residents, increasing the usage of these picturesque trails.

The total cost of the Three Trails Project is $750,000, which will be funded by the Victorian Government’s grant of $500,000; $180,000 from the Berrybank Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund; $57,000 from Golden Plains Shire Council; and $13,000 from the former Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail Committee. Council’s contribution will be funded in its Budget 2019/20 and works on the Three Trails Project are scheduled to begin in late 2020.

Today, Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes announced funding for 35 projects in rural and regional Victoria totalling $16 million to create jobs, improve liveability and, when travel restrictions are lifted, to attract more visitors to regional Victoria.

Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said Council has lobbied for funding support for the Three Trail Project for many years and today’s announcement was an exciting milestone.

“Council is delighted to secure $500,000 to make the Three Trails Project a reality and we thank the Victorian Government for its significant support of this important regional project. This is a Priority Project of our Council and, along with valuable funding from the Berrybank Wind Farm, we are proud to deliver the vision of the Three Trails.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, more people of all ages are now exploring the outdoors, discovering our beautiful natural environment in Golden Plains, with families enjoying exercise in the fresh air including hiking and cycling together while social distancing.

“With improvements to these three great trails, more local residents in our growing communities and new visitors to the region will explore and enjoy our picturesque Golden Plains. Along with promoting the Ballarat–Skipton Rail Trail, Kuruc a Ruc Trail and Rainbow Bird Trails as destinations for outdoor travel, we welcome the boost to the visitor economy in the north of our Shire.”

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