Slow grind for railway precinct upgrades

DELAYS continue to hamper upgrades for the Leongatha Railway Precinct project while works are still yet to commence for Korumburra’s railway revitalisation. 

The projects had received State and Federal Government funding of $5M with the shire contributing $1M ($6M total project) earlier this year, with works commencing in late April. 

The projects were undertaken to ‘re-imagine’ the towns’ railway precincts and increase community open space.

The upgrades include:

• Creating additional car parking for the towns;

• Constructing a pedestrian footbridge to connect to the main street of Leongatha;

• Creating new path connections to business precincts;

• Delivering new playground equipment;

• Planting new trees and landscaping; and

• Building new public amenities for community members and users of the Great Southern Rail Trail.

However, due to the ongoing inclement weather, works have slowed in Leongatha. 

“Over the next few weeks, the new car parking area will see some further works include asphalting, line marking, landscaping and public lighting works,” the shire stated.

“Once this is complete and opened for use, works on the existing Apex Park car park will commence. This work is expected to begin in early-2023 with expected completion around mid-2023.”

A contract has also been awarded for the construction of the new pedestrian bridge, which will connect to Bair Street.

The contract also includes associated civil works such as paths, stairs, landscaping and retaining walls, with the bridge scheduled for completion mid-2023. 

For Korumburra, design work for the construction of new carparking, drainage and associated infrastructure has been completed. 

“Scoping work for the landscaped open space component of the site is underway and council is currently working with Heritage Victoria to resolve heritage and archaeological matters that will impact what can be done with the site,” the shire said.

The three-year projects will complement the extension currently being undertaken on the Great Southern Rail Trail, which will see it extend approximately 130 kilometres from Nyora to Yarram.