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WORLD CLASS MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS

Nov 17, 2017 | Latest News

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Creating world class mountain bike trails in Gippsland would create hundreds of jobs and deliver ongoing economic opportunities, according to local MP Darren Chester.

The Federal Member for Gippsland recently visited Derby in northern Tasmania where a series of trails is delivering $30 million in economic benefits each year.

“Our visitor economy is growing but we need better infrastructure on public land to attract new visitors and encourage people to explore our region,” Mr Chester said.

“I’ve no doubt that a series of mountain bike trails throughout Gippsland and Latrobe Valley would be extremely popular and showcase our magnificent environment, while creating local jobs.”

A tourism project for Omeo is being modelled on the Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trail, and several East Gippsland Shire Councillors have already travelled to Tasmania to learn more about the project’s benefits and construction process. There are also suggestions for mountain bike tracks at Blore’s Hill, near Maffra, and Hernes Oak, near Morwell.

The Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trail was able to secure $2.4 million in Federal Government funding – and was built in partnership with the local council and state government.

Mr Chester has encouraged all councils across Gippsland to submit applications to the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, which can provide half the cost for new infrastructure projects outside of the major capital cities.

The Building Better Regions Fund targets projects which create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.

“I continue to advocate that Gippsland can match it with any other region in Australia when it comes to natural attractions, and we need to invest in those assets and build new infrastructure to encourage visitors to stay in our region longer and spend more money in our local businesses while they are here.”

Mr Chester said councils and community groups can apply to the Building Better Regions Fund for an unlimited number of projects and encouraged local groups and the council to look at other new infrastructure across the region that can create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities.

“There are several projects that have been suggested by council and community representatives to grow our region and drive our economy, right across Gippsland,” Mr Chester said. “I encourage councils and not-for-profit groups to put the projects forward and capitalise on the opportunities that are currently available for regional development funding through the Building Better Regions Fund.”

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