Kotta Railway Station, near the end of the trail.
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A decade of planning, fundraising and volunteer work is set to take another major step forward after the Lockington Kotta Rail Trail secured $45,000 in funding to continue development of the long-awaited walking trail.
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The project, overseen by the Lockington Kotta Rail Trail Committee and supported by the Lockington and District Business Centre, aims to create an all-purpose trail linking Lockington and Kotta along the former railway corridor.
Beginning 10 years ago, committee member of the Lockington Kotta Rail Trail, Wendy Sims, started to bring together the idea of a walking trail between Lockington and Kotta. Through the District Business Centre, Ms Sims was able to obtain a lease for the track from VicTrack.
Ms Sims then started applying for money to develop a walking trail going from Lockington to Kotta that would be an all-purpose track.
“We wanted to give locals somewhere to go, and also give people visiting the town staying at the travellers’ rest a destination,” she said.
Over the years, volunteers and supporters have steadily worked to improve the site while seeking funding opportunities to progress the project.
The start of the Lockington Walking Trail.
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During that time, the group secured ownership of the historic Kotta Railway Station and successfully obtained grants to undertake restoration works.
“We repaired fencing along the railway line, removed white ants and updated the station house of the station building,” Ms Sims said.
“We also put up a packing shed to match the one that was originally there, and reinforced the station wall, so the platform wouldn’t fall down.”
Working alongside Coliban Water, the group also installed bridges over drainage channels to improve accessibility along the route.
The latest funding will help move the project into its next phase.
“We've been continually seeking funding to continue work, along with volunteers helping to keep the track tidy,” Ms Sims said.
“And now we've been fortunate enough to get a Tiny Towns grant that will enable us to start putting rock from Lockington to Kotta.”
Ms Sims said the committee was grateful for the support it had received throughout the project, including assistance with the successful grant application.
“We'd like to thank the Neighbourhood House co-ordinator for her assistance in getting the latest grant,” she said.
While significant work has already been completed, the committee hopes the trail will eventually become a valuable recreational asset, preserving local history while encouraging both community use and tourism in the district.
