Work begins on $500,000 Grand Strzelecki Track

Construction of the 85 kilometre Grand Strzelecki Track is now underway.

Launched by Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan, the $500,000 project will connect the Morwell and Tarra-Bulga National Parks and showcase some of Victoria's most picturesque regions.

Speaking from the Tarra Valley, Minsiter Ryan stated "the Grand Strzelecki Track will follow the native forests of Balook and the Tarra-Bulga National Parks in the east, to the rolling hills of the Jeeralang district and Morwell National Park in the west.

"While the Wellington Shire section involves the upgrading and widening of existing tracks and river crossings, the Latrobe section includes 34 kilometres of walking tracks connecting Jeeralang and Balook to Tarra Valley."

Minister Ryan said the 2009 bushfires caused widespread damage across the Gippsland region and the development of this new attraction would be an important step in the recovery process.

He added "up to 250,000 people visit national parks in the region each year to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and many walking tracks.

"The Grand Strzelecki Track will add a 'world class' walking trail to the mix that will entice even more visitors and help stimulate new economic and social activities for local communities."

Minister Ryan said funding for the project was provided through the $4 million Bushfire Recovery Community Infrastructure Program (BRCIP), concluding "under the program $202,000 will be provided to Latrobe City Council for the western section of the track and $300,000 to Wellington Shire Council for the eastern section.

"The BRCIP is a joint initiative from the Bendigo and Adelaide Banks, Community Enterprise Foundation and Regional Development Victoria to assist Victoria's rural, regional and interface council areas that were severely affected by the 2009 bushfires."