The O’Keefe Rail Trail from Bendigo to Heathcote will go from strength to strength following the release of a new plan to guide future development.
The plan follows an extended community consultation process, which identifies key priorities.
It will focus on boosting biodiversity and four major biodiversity projects are identified along the 49km route of the former railway built in 1888.
Greater attention also will be given to improving road crossings of the trail, especially at McIvor Road.
The City of Greater Bendigo has committed to the plan and will work closely with community groups, including the Friends of the Bendigo Kilmore Rail Trail (FBKRT), a major force in delivering improvements along the route.
Usage of the O’Keefe Rail Trail has grown strongly and trips by bike riders have doubled since 2016 (12,700 to 26,735). Walking usage in 2023 (20,540) was its highest in three years of data collection.
An economic impact study conducted in 2016 determined that the average domestic overnight expenditure by users of the O’Keefe Rail Trail was $134 per person and $123 for domestic day visitors. The study stated that the overall benefit to the region in 2016 was $669,000.
Key actions and elements of the plan include:
- Improving amenities along the rail trail (toilets, drinking fountains, wayfinding signage and seating)
- Improving safety along the rail trail (improved road crossings at high traffic areas, reviewing areas of shared use with motor vehicles)
- Ongoing management including detailing how the city will manage and maintain the rail trail and confirming a commitment to continue working with the FBKRT
- Ongoing marketing and promotion of the rail trail
- Defining level of infrastructure and maintenance service standards to help clearly define the expectations for the rail trail.
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