Murrindindi Shire Council is reminding the community that while some closed sections of the Great Victorian Rail Trail may appear safe, significant risks remain.
Residents and visitors are being urged by the Council to respect closure signage and safety barriers.
The Council says ongoing inspections following January’s bushfires have revealed extensive damage across multiple sections of the trail. It says some bridges and culverts that appear intact from above have severely weakened or missing supports underneath, with several at risk of collapse.
Fire‑damaged trees also remain along the trail and may fall without warning until arborists can safely complete necessary works, the Council says.
“Given the scale of the fire and the number of impacted assets, Council is continuing detailed asset and environmental inspections to determine the full extent of the damage,” Council said in a statement.
To date, 27 bridges and major culverts along the trail have been inspected, with three bridges identified for full replacement and at least seven sustaining significant damage.
The Great Victorian Rail Trail is a key tourism asset in Victoria’s High Country, attracting around 150,000 users each year and contributing an estimated $17.5m to the regional economy.
The Council says the scale of damage also highlights the need for external funding support to restore the critical regional asset, particularly as current Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements exclude the trail.
Council is seeking funding to implement a comprehensive recovery program for the asset, saying the scale of impact is well beyond a small rural Shire to address alone. The Council has made multiple submissions to Government regarding the financial sustainability of small rural Shires with dispersed communities and high visitation.
Detailed assessments to inform the rebuilding program are already underway. Council is also working closely with partner councils and the Victorian Government to clarify funding options for repair and restoration.
Currently, around 60 km of the trail is open to the public, including:
Tallarook through to the far side of the Cheviot Tunnel (with the tunnel open)
Mansfield to Merton
Alexandra trailhead to Maintongoon Road
The central section of the trail, spanning approximately 70 kilometres, remains closed. This includes areas through Cheviot, Molesworth, Cathkin, Koriella, Yarck and Kanumbra, as well as the Cathkin to Alexandra spur line.
Mayor, Damien Gallagher said safety remains Council’s highest priority, and the trail will not fully reopen until all identified risks have been addressed.
The Mayor thanked the community for its patience and understanding.
“The Great Victorian Rail Trail is a much‑loved attraction for our region, and we know how important it is for both locals and visitors,” he said.
“While safety must come first as we work through these assessments, Murrindindi is very much open. Our towns, villages and natural landscapes are ready to welcome visitors, we simply ask that everyone respects the trail closures until it is safe to reopen.”
For the most up‑to‑date information on closures and access, visit greatvictorianrailtrail.com.au.
