Waranga Rail Trail

• Project typeRecreation and open space
• Project value$3,000,000
• Project scheduleConstruction - Stage 1 - Rushworth end
• Contractor nameEarthworks Civil and Construction
• Completion Date30 September 2024

The Rushworth to Murchison Rail Trail Project (Waranga section) will see the development of 11 kilometres of trail between the town of Rushworth and Chanel Inlet Road (the shire boundary). The trail will provide economic, recreational and social benefits for local communities, as well as providing regional growth as part of a larger Rail Trail network. The project aims to take advantage of the natural attractions of the area and improve the connectivity and liveability of local communities. The trail section includes seven bridges.

Project stages

• Engagement and design - completed by the end of 2022.
• Approvals and tenders - completed.
• Construction - works have commenced and will be completed in stages by 31 March 2025.

Tree removals

Local contractor Arbor Dynamics were engaged to undertake tree removals along the alignment of the new trail. This followed Council obtaining a planning permit in August 2023 and purchasing the native vegetation offset credits in September 2023. Council donated many of the larger trees to the Waranga Basin Fish Habitat project, which was completed in October 2023. 

Rushworth section of the Rail Trail

Earthworks Civil and Construction have commenced work on the Rushworth section of the Rail Trail project. These works include:

• Removal of one Railway line from High Street in Rushworth to just past the brick culvert, to enable a 2.5m shared path to be constructed.
• Installation of 1km of asphalt path from High Street to the Bendigo—Murchison Road crossing.
• Construction of footpath and road intersections including High Street, Muhlans Street and the Bendigo - Murchison Road.
• Regulatory signage and line marking.

The works commenced late April and be completed in September 2024.

Please note that the pedestrian level crossing and Muhlans Street will be closed during the works, however High Street, the pedestrian overpass and other existing footpaths will remain open.

Funding Bodies

This project has been funded by the Federal Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and the Black Saturday Bushfire Recovery Grant Program.