Equipment access helps volunteers keep trail thriving

FOR two decades, volunteers have maintained the Bellarine rail trail and they will finally have greater access to the tools they need to complete their work.

Friends of the Bellarine Rail Trail have carried out revegetation, landscaping and maintenance of the trail between South Geelong and Drysdale since 2002.

But while their tireless work has kept the trail accessible and beloved by locals, they have struggled to access the tools required.

Working from a shed located on private property, the group had limited access to their equipment, but that is a barrier they no longer need to face thanks to a community infrastructure grant provided by the City of Greater Geelong.

The new shed, located at the Leopold Hall, provides a central, secure and practical base for tools, materials and volunteer coordination.

Secretary of the group Keith Reynard said volunteer efforts have been essential to keeping the trail thriving.

“Overall the FoBRT has served to increase the biodiversity aspects along the Bellarine rail trail reserve with the addition of approximately 10,000 trees having been planted in the last 20 years, as well as the installation of seating,” Reynard said.

President Tommy Harrold thanked everyone who contributed to the new shed build and his team of volunteers for their ongoing work supporting the environment surrounding the trail.

“The Friends of the Bellarine Rail Trail provides a native corridor and a pathway from Geelong all the way to Queenscliff with native bird life and plants,” Harrold said.

“We have two to three working bees every week – watering on Mondays, Tuesdays at the community nursery where we propagate and grow our own plants, and Wednesday working bees. We are always actively looking for new members.”

Leopold Ward councillor Trent Sullivan said the project reflected the city’s commitment to supporting volunteers who care for local spaces.

“Community groups are essential to supporting the health of Greater Geelong and this new shed is a great example of how grants support can empower local volunteers,” he said.

“The Friends of the Bellarine Rail Trail do outstanding work maintaining one of our region’s most popular trails. This funding has provided them with the facility they need to keep delivering benefits for the whole community.

“It’s a smart investment that supports the volunteers who care for a trail enjoyed by thousands of residents across Greater Geelong.”