The Waranga Rail Trail has barely been open two weeks, and already people have flocked from near and far to take the opportunity to ride or walk part of, or all, the 19km trail which follows the alignment of the decommissioned railway line from Rushworth to Murchison.
Opened to the public on 1 April, the trail was funded by the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant Program.
Part of the charm of a journey along the Waranga Rail Trail is the chance to see view the area's wildlife, and this was further enhanced recently when Rushworth Field & Game members spent the day installing 25 new wildlife nesting boxes along the new section of the trail, after receiving approval from VicTrack and Council to do so.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell said Rushworth Field & Game had been involved in some fantastic initiatives within the shire, and this latest project added another feather to their cap.
"Rushworth Field & Game was recognised earlier this year as Campaspe Shire's Community Group of the Year, and the club continues to do great things for the community and the environment – and the installation of these new nesting boxes not only provides safe habitat for our precious native wildlife but also offers our community members and visitors an even greater chance of seeing firsthand the results of this conservation initiative."
Rushworth Field & Game's conservation officer Graeme Wall said Field & Game had been running its successful nesting box program for many years, primarily focused on wetlands and natural habitats, and the opportunity to showcase this work in a highly visible space such as the rail trail was invaluable in promoting the conservation message and the benefits for native species that come from the group's work.
"It's hoped that the boxes will not only be used by local wildlife but also allow us to track and record activity through the Delta app — helping to demonstrate the effectiveness of the project over time," he said.
An official opening ceremony for the Waranga Rail Trail will be held at the start of the trail in High Street, Rushworth, on 17 May at 10am to coincide with the monthly Rushworth market.
