General News
20 February, 2026
Rail trail makes progress with grant funding
The Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail (CMRT) is closer to construction, following a recent $45,000 in funding to support preparations for the project’s development.
CMRT Inc were awarded the funding in January this year through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Investing in Rural Community Futures fund, an aim to assist the group with boosting the fundraising success of the committee to reach future stages.
CMRT’s president Janice Simpson has welcomed the funding, as the group continues to drum up support.
“We applied to the FRRR organisation to fund a specialist fundraiser and have been fortunate to receive a grant. We are in the process of advertising for an expert to assist the organisation prepare for substantial fundraising to build the trail and hopefully achieve funding for the build from Maryborough to Carisbrook,” she said.
“As part of the project, we identified potential community partners and we are in the process of approaching them to seek additional funding to support the project.”
As momentum is building behind the construction of the trail, Ms Simpson affirms the proposal will reshape local economies, as visitors are drawn to businesses along the disused rail line’s corridor.
“The pre-construction project is nearing finality at which point we will have a fully scoped reference design and accompanying reports, which will enable us to go to our councils to acquire the support needed to proceed with construction,” she said.
“We expect our councils will throw their support behind this legacy project which will change the environments in Maryborough and neighbouring villages regarding an influx of visitors with hospitality, retail and culture needs.”
As the preconstruction phase nears completion, Ms Simpson said CMRT is keen to gain the support of community as well as both Central Goldfields and Mount Alexander shire councils to ensure construction can commence immediately once approved.
“We want to be fundraiser ready so that when our councils give the go ahead, we can hit the ground running seeking funding for our construction from various sources. The project is based on sound footing and has been professionally executed to date by CMRT with assistance from both local councils,” she said.
CMRT appointed Fitzgerald Frisby landscape architecture group in May last year to lead construction of the project. Completion of stage two will lead directly into the construction of the rail trail between Maryborough and Castlemaine.
“[Stage two] is due for completion by June and we are on track to achieve this,” Ms Simpson said.