BIKE users are set to finally have a smooth ride on the old Bandiana rail corridor, nearly 10 years after the last train used it.
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Eight kilometres from Osburn Street in Wodonga to Whytes Road near Killara will be sealed with federal government funding.
Sport Minister Bridget McKenzie on Friday said $594,550 would be spent on the work which is due to be completed by May 2019.
“Being able to seal this road, have appropriate rest areas...is what the money will be used for,” Senator McKenzie said.
“That means you’ll be able to get your road bike out, you’ll be able to get your hybrid on to it and that means more and more people who love their cycling can use this particular track.”
Wodonga mayor Anna Speedie, who joined Senator McKenzie at the announcement, said the council had long wanted the stony track flattened but it required government money.
“Stand alone local government really can’t deliver projects like this, we can only do it when we work in partnership,” Cr Speedie said.
Money for the bike track surfacing was part of a string of regional jobs and investment funding deals announced for the North East by Senator McKenzie on Friday.
Wangaratta front end loader manufacturer Burder Industries received $1.5 million to invest in laser cutting technology which will allow it to expand and rely less on imports.
Two new hangars will be built at Wangaratta aerodrome with $413,500 being provided to the rural city which manages it.
Thirteen jobs are expected to be created with the work benefiting air ambulance services, aviation freight and joyflights.
At Beechworth, Bridge Road Brewers won $307,500.
“This investment will allow the brewery to build an all-weather covering and create an Activate Laneway for education of the local company and brewing process to increase capacity and boost visitation,” Senator McKenzie said.
The pale ale fancier added the brewery would also be able to invest in new grain storage and centrifuge.
Indigo Shire got $230,000 to refurbish Beechworth’s old goods shed with the aim of creating 19 jobs via a cycling hub and other sites.
The council will also contribute funds to repair the rundown goods shed.
