Sunday 22nd June 2014 was the day that Federal Senator-elect Janet Rice rode the O’Keefe Rail Trail, from Bendigo to a point east of Axedale. Why? It was part of Janet’s current cycle journey to Canberra. The cycle friendly city of Bendigo saw local cyclists, including members of the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail, share the trail ride with Janet.
Riders ready for the Bendigo to Rushworth section of Janet Rice’s journey to Canberra
The ride was an opportunity for Janet to directly experience the O’Keefe Rail Trail’s upgrade and current extension progress to Heathcote. Not only was the O’Keefe trail highlighted during the ride, so too was the proposed linking Wallan-Wandong to Heathcote Rail Trail. Janet understood the importance that this proposed trail would provide for Victorian regional tourism.
This proposed trail would be directly linked to the O’Keefe Rail Trail and also networked with other regional trails. Plus, these two linked trails combined would be unique, as Victoria’s only long distance (120+kms) trail served by both passenger rail and freeways at both ends.
Janet and riders on the O’Keefe Rail Trail, enjoying the natural envirnoment.
This proposed Wandong to Heathcote Rail Trail also has the ability, via identified options, to link the whole of the Melbourne trail network directly with regional Victorian towns and trails. Now that is exciting news to hear for many people, including Victorian Senator-elect Janet Rice! Safe cycling to Canberra Janet, and your team.
