Community members shared a special goal with an historic walk to mark a section of the proposed Castlemaine to Maryborough Rail Trail. The walk took place along the closed former Castlemaine to Maryborough railway, between Guildford and Strangways.
The walk was a partnership between Castlemaine to Maryborough Rail Trail community group (CM.RT) and the Great Dividing Rail Association (GDTA). Co-founder of GCTA Professor Barry Golding said “There are huge opportunities created by this trail. Sustainable rail trails need funding to get started, but most of all they need committed people to do the ‘hard yards’, which CMRT can build on as a result of this walk.” The Shires of Mt Alexander and Central Goldfields have both given financial support for a trail feasibility study matching a CM.RT crowd funded community contribution. The combined local funds have enabled an application being made to secure a $120,000 State Government tourism grant for the trail study. An announcement on that application is expected soon.
During the walk, Mt Alexander Shire’s Cr. Matt Driscoll unveiled an historic marker at Strangways. This consisting of a weathered grey box marker with a simple plaque, set on public land and Dja Dja Wurrung country near the intersection of the Newstead-Guildford Rd and Strangways School Rd. This location is less than 100 metres from the Loddon River.
The plaque acknowledges the walk, and states the intention for the disused rail corridor to become a rail trail. More details about the walk, including photos and videos, can be found via this link (https://cmrailtrail.org.au/guildford-strangways-walk-2022/).
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