O'Keefe Rail Trail - Updates
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The latest developments and improvements on the trail
O'Keefe Rail Trail to Heathcote is climbing out of the too hard basket.
Aug 07 The City of
Previous investigations into extending the trail have assumed that sections of private land across the old railway easement make it too difficult to build the trail to Heathcote. However Council is now more confident that alternative routes are possible if access to the railway easement cannot be negotiated. Initial discussions with landholders have been positive.
Investigations are continuing and funding applications to state and federal governments are being finalised. Current cost estimates are very high due to the need for some large bridges. With some clever design and community support the costs can come down making it probable that the O'Keefe rail trail will make it to Heathcote.
This is great news and the City of
June 06. Bicycle Victoria believes the trail needs to be extended to Heathcote for it to become a tourism trail that is attractive to visitors. Heathcote and its wineries will make an excellent overnight destination for trail users.
Currently the trail finishes in Axedale.
Some of the railway land between Axedale and Heathcote has been sold off which will make it more difficult to negotiate access for a multi use trail.
Bendigo City Council has identified an extension for the trail from Axedale to Heathcote in its Open Space Strategy.