On 29 April 2009 , the Federal Government announced that it would contribute A$ 13.2 million from its community infrastructure program out of the estimated total cost of A$ 14.2 million needed for the completion of the trail as an economic stimulus and as part of the recovery effort in the wake of the 2009 Victorian bushfires . The money was spent to repair and build bridges , road crossings , car parking , rest stops and amenities
2009 Victorian bushfires
Black Saturday bushfires
Great Victorian Rail Trail