It’s time to walk, ride or scoot through the heart of Dartmoor, with a key community-driven project now complete and ready for use.

Glenelg Shire councillors last week officially opened the Dartmoor Rail Trail Project with the help of the rural community.

The Rail Trail has seen 1.3km of used unused rail track from the centre of the township transformed into an “active hub”, providing an accessible, sealed walking and bike path.

The project comes after five years of community campaigning with State Government bodies to access the land, with Council facilitating and sourcing funding for the works.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Anita Rank said the new Rail Trail would “transform” Dartmoor, and the greater region.

“It’s fantastic to officially open this much anticipated project after years of advocacy from our passionate Dartmoor community,” she said.

“The Rail Trail concept was first initiated in 2016 with the idea to enhance the natural beauty of the town and to liven up the central precinct by providing a walking track.

“Fast forward to 2021 and the community’s dream has been brought to life.

“This is a huge achievement for the Dartmoor community and will provide a piece of infrastructure the whole township, no matter their age or ability, can utilise and enjoy.

“The Rail Trail will also create new tourism opportunities for our region, as it offers a connection from the centre of Dartmoor through to Fort O’Hare camping ground, one of the Shire’s most popular camping spots.

“It really will be an asset not only to Dartmoor, but for the Glenelg Shire as a whole.

“I once again congratulate the Dartmoor community, who have worked tirelessly for this beautification project, and thank the Federal Government for their critical funding contribution.

“The opportunities this new Rail Trail will bring is only as limited by the enthusiasm of our community.”

Works on the Dartmoor Rail Trail were funded through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.