Funding has been sourced to return the exterior of the historic station to its former glory.

A total of $89,000 will be put into the restoration project, which is expected to be completed early in the new year.

The project will include restoration of the platform canopy, replacement of old mortar between bricks of the external wall and painting of eaves and bands in original colours.

While the bulk of the funding will be spend on works on the exterior, there will also be a refurbishment of the interior of the second waiting room at the former station. 

The Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail committee of management has been actively searching for funding for the restoration. 

It received $20,000 from the Uebergang Foundation and $15,000 from the Jones Foundation as well as committing $5000 of its own money.

Yesterday, the last piece of the funding puzzle fell into place with the state government announcing $49,000 towards the project.

This funding comes from a successful application by the rail trail committee of management to Regional Development Victoria.

Koroit’s first railway station was a timber building constructed in 1889. It was knocked down and replaced by the current building in 1907.

The last train went through Koroit in 1977 and during a long period of inactivity the station deteriorated significantly.

A working party began the task of refurbishing the building in the early 2000s with the interior now fully restored.

Member of the station working party Wayne Hine welcomed  news of the funding.

“It is great news, the canopy is one of the first things you notice at the station so it needs to fixed,” Mr Hine said.

“To have the whole exterior of the building restored will show off just what a great building it is and make people aware of how good the interior already is.”

Victorian Premier and member for South West Coast Denis Napthine said improvements to the station building would entice more cyclists and tourists to explore Koroit and the surrounding area.

“This beautiful station is a popular community meeting space for cyclists and tourists to rest and enjoy a break at the halfway point of the Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail,” Dr Napthine said.

“The interior of the station has undergone a major restoration and is now being used as a community meeting space and for office use. 

“However, the exterior has remained relatively untouched for much of its 107- year lifespan and is showing signs of age.”