Kerang-Koondrook Rail Trail project changes required

Published on 29 November 2024

Gannawarra Shire Council will work with the community on a reduced version of the Kerang to Koondrook Rail Trail after environmental constraints impacted the project’s initial concept designs.

Council has spent the past two years utilising $500,000 provided by the State Government’s Regional Development Victoria Investment Fast Track Fund and $125,000 from its 2022/2023 Budget to complete planning works for the proposed 22-kilometre cycling and walking trail between Kerang and Koondrook.

The project’s initial proposal was to utilise the former tramway route between Kerang and Koondrook as a basis for the trail, however the trail’s proximity to the Ramsar-listed Fosters Swamp east of Kerang and areas of federally-protected endangered grasses has led to a reduction in the length of the trail.

“Our initial plans were for the Kerang to Koondrook Rail Trail to connect the centre of the shire and the Ramsar-listed Kerang Lakes to the Murray River Adventure Trail, which will drive economic growth to the region through increased visitation,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“Unfortunately, the planning phase of the project found that the trail would have passed through a section of Fosters Swamp, which forms part of the Ramsar-listed Kerang Wetlands. As part of this international agreement, there are significant guidelines relating to any infrastructure constructed within these locations.

“The planning phase also identified that the proposed trail passes through areas of federally-protected endangered grasses, with cattle underpasses and narrow roadsides other concerns that the proposal would have needed to address.”

As a result of the initial planning, Council will focus on developing an alternative proposal involving a nine-kilometre rail trail between Koondrook and the former Hinkson railway station.

“Council is currently engaging with all who advocated for the rail trail’s development regarding the alternative proposal. These groups include the Kerang Progress Association, Koondrook Development Committee and Loddon Murray Cycling Club,” Mr Rollinson said.

“Any changes to the project’s scope will need to be approved at a Council meeting, with the project not achievable without significant financial investment by the State and/or Federal governments.”