The High Country is on track to become a world leader in cycle tourism, Premier Daniel Andrews said during a visit to the region to discuss the State Government’s $12 million investment in the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail announced earlier this year.

Mr Andrews saw first hand the site of the proposed 31.4km Rail Trail extension from Beechworth to Yackandandah which will link the historic gold rush towns and diggings, aboriginal sites of local significance and some of Victoria’s most beautiful scenery.

The extension is one of four components featured in the project, which also includes the installation of a range of artistic and interpretive installations along the trail, private sector activation, and a marketing campaign of scale.

The Premier was joined by the Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford, Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes as well as TNE CEO Amber Gardner, TNE board members and local government representatives including Indigo Shire Mayor, Jenny O’Connor.

Mr Andrews followed the site visit with a meeting with representatives from the TNE board to discuss current and emerging tourism priorities for the High Country, and later with the Ovens Murray Regional Partnerships Assembly to gain further local tourism perspectives.