Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements Project

Developed in 2016, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements Project, includes the development and installation of public art, landscaping, improved amenity options and new commercial opportunities along the trail.

ln 2022, the Victorian State Government announced $8.5M in funding to support the project, which is being delivered by Tourism North East across the three Local Government areas through which the rail trail runs, the Rural City of Wangaratta, Indigo and Alpine Shires.

New visitation from the initiative is expected to generate 17,500+ additional visitors and $12.3M in output per annum. The project is also expected to support the creation of 65 ongoing jobs.

To support the delivery of the project, Tourism North East is acting as the lead agency, working closely with the three councils to bring this exciting project to life.

Enhancement sites in Indigo Shire

Two key sites within Indigo Shire have been identified for trail enhancement works:

Rutherglen Silo Arts Precinct – approx. $760K

• 4 x silo murals
• Detailed design and project documentation for all components of the Rutherglen Silo Arts Precinct
• Yorta Yorta art/interpretation enhancement – to be confirmed

Beechworth Railway Precinct – approx. $850K (landscaping and nature play)

• Park landscaping and nature play

Beechworth Railway Precinct: amenity/other – approx. $790K

• Public toilets (including an accessible toilet)
• Lighting
• Skate park upgrade
• Detailed design documentation for Goods Shed upgrade works

Whole of Rail Trail enhancements

In addition to the key enhancement sites, the project is also delivering 'whole of rail trail' enhancements across the three council areas (approx. $1.5M), with some Indigo sections of trail set to receive additional artwork/enhancements (to be confirmed).

Other project inclusions:

• Contingency allowances
• Signage audit and upgrades
• Creative Directors/Expression Of Interest (EOI) processes
• Symposium and Engagement

Please note that budgets for individual elements remain indicative only as costings are still being finalised. Budget is allocated, where possible, to optimise outcomes as the project progresses. The total project quantum is published on Tourism North East's Enhancement project website.

After an extensive selection process, artists have now been chosen for each enhancement location and works at each site are expected to commence in early 2025.

For more information including a detailed timeline of the project so far, artist profiles and frequently asked questions, please follow the link below to the Tourism North East website:

Tourism North East - Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements Project