A MAJOR tourist drawcard will receive a $250,000 kick-off in a National Party commitment, if the Coalition successfully secures government in next month’s State election.

Lowan MP, Emma Kealy, who will contest her seat on 26 November, visited Casterton last week to make the pledge, which will initiate a project to develop 54 kilometres of disused rail line between Casterton and Branxholme, into a walking and cycling trail.

A joint project between the Glenelg Shire Council, Casterton Business and Development Association, Ms Kealy said the trail would integrate culture, heritage and nature, passing through some of Victoria’s first European inland settlements, also taking in Victoria’s oldest timber railway bridge, the Wannon River Bridge constructed in 1884.

“Backing community projects is vital in helping Victoria to recover and rebuild,” Ms Kealy said.

“This project has the support of all local stakeholder groups, including landholders and communities along the route.

“I am proud to support it for not only the direct benefits it will deliver to the local community, but for the encouragement it will provide to all Victorians to get active and improve connectivity.”

A 2020 feasibility study estimated the total cost of the project – which would be completed in stages – to be between $15 million and $19.5 million.

The project will include upgrades to the Casterton Railway Precinct and also Wannon River Bridge, with the latter upgrade representing about a quarter of the total estimated project cost.