An official opening celebration has taken place today to mark completion of a $4 million upgrade on a 15-kilometre section of the much-loved Rokeby to Noojee Trail.
Key improvements to the trail include:
- Upgraded trail surface including Tynong toppings and exposed aggregate concrete has been placed on steeper sections to improve durability and ease of maintenance.
- Redeveloped carpark at the Rokeby entrance and upgrades to Lavinia Street including upgraded amenities, asphalt carparking, road surfacing and improved drainage.
- New and improved signage including wayfinding and trail markers, plus distinctive entrance signs at Rokeby and Apex Lookout to enhance visitor experience.
- Upgraded carpark in Neerim South and Apex lookout platform including a new toilet block replacing the former toilet, and a new lookout offering views over the Tarago Reservoir and the Great Dividing Range.
The upgrades aim to create a high-quality shared trail that provides excellent user experience, a safe and accessible trail, better connections between communities and more opportunities to engage with local natural vistas and historic sites.
The $4 million project includes a $3 million funding contribution by the Victorian Government's Regional Tourism Investment Fund, with Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP in attendance to officially open the project.
Baw Baw Shire Council Deputy Mayor Cr Tricia Jones was in attendance, alongside Cr Suzanne Allen, Cr Jess Hamilton, Cr Brendan Kingwill, Cr Paul Pratt, Cr Kate Wilson and Cr Adam Sheehan who delivered a speech to mark the occasion.
East Ward Cr Adam Sheehan said it was fantastic to celebrate the improvement of this much-loved community asset.
"What once served as a vital connection for trains and travellers in years past has now been reimagined as a destination trail for walkers, runners, cyclists and nature lovers both locally and those visiting from far and wide," said Cr Sheehan.
"For many years, we as a Council knew the value of this trail and we saw its potential – what it could be if we gave it the upgrades it deserved. From Rokeby to Crossover and onto Neerim South, the trail is now safer, more accessible and user-friendly with improved connections throughout.
"While much of the upgrades have improved the function and stability of the trail, many of them have helped to beautify the spaces and educate users on their travels. The result is a high-quality shared trail that celebrates our rich history with natural vistas."
Cr Sheehan thanked funding partners for their contributions to the project.
"None of this wonderful work would have been possible without the $3 million funding boost from the Victorian Government. We are grateful for the continued investment in our Shire," said Cr Sheehan.
"We also acknowledge and thank the generous community-based contribution of $75,000 which was a vital boost for the planning of this project, delivered through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal."
Many local contractors were also thanked for their expertise and craft which contributed to the project's success.
A red ribbon was cut by Harriet Shing MP and Baw Baw Shire Councillors to commemorate the official opening.
Official proceedings were followed by showcase of Baw Baw Shire's best local produce from key local tourist drawcards. Led by Messmates Dining, one of Baw Baw Shire's three hatted restaurants, the offering included produce from Five Tales Farm, Alpine Trout Farm, Maffra Cheese Company, Ashridge Truffles, and Messmates own farm produce.
Council is continuing to advocate for further upgrades of the remaining section of the trail, from Neerim South up north to Noojee.
