In December, the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail won the prestigious National Heart Foundation Award for best recreational facility in Australia. The announcement was made at the National General Assembly of Local Government, where a trophy and cheque for $9,000 were presented.
Chief Executive Officer of Alpine Shire Council and Chairman of the Management Committee, Roy Hetherington, said it was a great honour for Australia’s premier railtrail to receive national recognition.
“On behalf of the Alpine Shire, Indigo Shire and Rural City of Wangaratta, I am delighted our recreational facility has been judged best in the country,” he said.
“The rail trail is designed to encourage people to embrace a healthier lifestyle by providing easy, free, off road access to walkers, cyclists, hikers and wheelchair persons all year round.
“These attributes made it an ideal entry into the elite Heart Foundation awards because both the facility and the organisation have the same objective to improve heart health.”
The trail links Wangaratta, Everton, Myrtleford, Ovens, Eurobin, Porepunkah, Bright and Beechworth. When finished it will be 93 kilometres long. Originally a railway line in the 1870s, the rail bed has been converted to a 2.2 metre wide bitumen track.
Users have the flexibility to start and stop anywhere along the trail to enjoy outstanding views or undertake as much exercise as they desire.
“The rail trail is helping draw tourists to the North East and plays a part in sustaining local businesses,” Roy Hetherington said. “The historically significant Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail benefits each community physically and economically.”
For further information contact Darren Murphy, Rail Trail Project Officer, telephone (03) 5751 1283.
