Additional funds to help maintain Old Beechy Rail Trail
May 24, 2018
The ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the Old Beechy Rail Trail is set to receive an additional $15,000 in Colac Otway Shire Council’s draft 2018/19 Budget.
The Council’s $45,000 allocation this financial year is being increased to $60,000 to help ensure the trail is well maintained.
Mayor Joe McCracken said the trail had also increased in length in recent years, meaning the amount of maintenance required along the trail had increased.
“The Council is strongly committed to maintaining the Old Beechy Rail Trail to a standard that is fit for purpose,” he said.
“It is important to the Council that the trail continues to be a valuable asset for the community and that it continues to plays an important role as a tourism attractor.”
Cr McCracken said the Council conducted twice annual inspections of the trail to help identify where maintenance works are required.
“We also receive feedback from users of the trail as well as advice from the Old Beechy Rail Trail Committee and prior to any event along the trail our Services and Operations team conducts separate inspections,” he said.
“Council staff conduct both proactive improvements and scheduled works along the trail as required or identified and the increased funds in the draft budget reflects our commitment to this ongoing maintenance.”
Cr McCracken said the Council was also acquiring new equipment that would better enable staff to access more challenging areas of the trail where regular maintenance must also be completed.
“The nature of the rail trail is that it requires regular inspections, but also relies on reports from users when trees have fallen or there are surface improvements required,” he said.
“The community can be assured that on top of our maintenance commitments, additional capital expenditure for broader improvements to the trail is something that will be considered as appropriate.”
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