We are seeking a Gippsland-based artist to design a public artwork which will be built in Apex Park, Stratford, as part of the $95 million project to build a new rail bridge over the Avon River.

Hundreds of Stratford locals attended a community day in Apex Park on Saturday 8 February where they voted for the theme they want reflected in the piece of public art to be built upon completion of the new rail bridge.

The town’s lifeblood, the Avon River, emerged victorious, edging out other popular themes including Shakespeare, local flora and fauna, the railways and the history of Stratford.

Gippsland-based artists can express their interest at regionalrailrevival.vic.gov.au/gippslandartists or by calling 1800 105 105.

The upgrade to Apex Park, including the new public artwork, will be built following completion of the new rail bridge, which is being delivered as part of the half-a-billion dollar Gippsland Line Upgrade.

The new Avon River rail bridge will boost reliability of services and allow trains to travel at up to 90km/h in this section, a massive improvement on the 10km/h speed limit in place on the existing bridge.

The new bridge and improvements to Apex Park are targeted for completion in early 2021.

The new bridge is part of the half-a-billion dollar Gippsland Line Upgrade. The project will enable more frequent and reliable services for passengers by duplicating track, extending the Morwell crossing loop, upgrading level crossings and signalling, and adding second platforms at key stations along the line.