The Allan Labor Government has helped transform Leongatha’s historic railway precinct into a vibrant destination for visitors and locals to enjoy as they take in the sights along the iconic Great Southern Rail Trail.

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today visited the upgraded precinct, which has been reimagined thanks to a joint investment of $6 million from the Australian and Victorian Governments, and South Gippsland Shire Council.

Improvements to the more than 100-year-old precinct include a new pedestrian bridge that meets Leongatha’s main street, creating an easy link for people to disembark and rejoin the rail trail and offering more opportunities to stop in town and visit local traders.

A new green space has also become the home of the popular monthly Rail Trail Community Market, which has grown to attract 3,000 attendees since the project’s completion.

Young visitors and locals can also enjoy a new large, modern playground with slides and flying foxes, while parents and carers can relax knowing the fully fenced space provides a safe environment for children to explore away from traffic.

A large mural, painted by artist Ash Taylor, stretching across the back of the Bair Street shops has transformed the formerly blank façade into a captivating installation visible from across the precinct.

These features are complemented by new public toilets, tree plantings and landscaping works as well as more parking spaces for cars and bikes.

Delivered by local contractors, these works, and those ongoing at the Korumburra railway precinct have enriched the region’s visitor experience and are set to boost the South Gippsland’s economy.

The Labor Government has supported the project with $2 million, adding to more than $10 million provided to back the growth of the Great Southern Rail Trail across 4 separate stages. The project has also been supported with $3 million from the Australian Government and $1 million from South Gippsland Shire Council.

The Labor Government has also invested $100,000 in a range of initiatives to activate the rail trail, including the inaugural Southern Rail Trail Running Festival in May 2025 which attracted more than 400 participants.

Support for the Great Southern Rail Trail is part of our record, more than $47 billion investment in regional and rural Victoria to drive economic growth and make the state’s regions even better places to live.

Quote attributable to Minister of Regional Development Jaclyn Symes

“These upgrades will make Leongatha a must-visit destination on the Great Southern Rail Trail, bringing more traffic to local businesses and supporting ongoing economic growth in the region.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh

“The Great Southern Rail Trail will bring more people to Gippsland, supporting local tourism businesses and creating new opportunities for towns right along the trail.”

Quote attributable to Cr Nathan Hersey, Mayor of South Gippsland Shire Council

“These upgrades have transformed previously underutilised areas into welcoming, active precincts that will benefit residents and visitors alike, while also supporting local businesses and providing increased economic benefit."