A message and press release from The Colac Otway Shire regarding the funding for trail works.
"Hi Everyone,
It has been a tough year for everyone and I hope you’re all keeping well and staying positive.
Last year Council, the Forrest MTB Club, the community and project partners (DELWP, Barwon Water and Parks Victoria) worked together to deliver a Detailed Design Plan for the Forrest MTB Bike network. This project was supported by the Federal Government who contributed $100K from the ‘Building Better Regions Fund’ to go with $100K in matching funding from Council.
The completed Forrest MTB Detailed Design Plan which can be viewed HERE requires $4.25M of investment. The plan includes new and reworked trails products, a world class trailhead and skills park, safer trails and crossings, recreational outcomes for horse riders and walkers plus adaptive rider friendly trails. Additionally the plan will assist to deliver community and social cohesion, new jobs and business opportunities, and an all year round accessible and sustainable MTB network.
Earlier this year, Council successfully applied for a State Government Regional Infrastructure Grant of $500K. Together with Council’s matching funding (of $250k) $750K is available for funding new product at Forrest. For this application Council collectively received:
- 43 Letters of Support from business partners, key agency stakeholders along with State and Federal Government representatives,
- 581 online project support registrations via the Ride Forrest website.
Many people have dedicated considerable time and effort into keeping the trails open and securing funding for new trails. I am pleased to advise that DELWP today announcing significant investment for new projects in the Otways and the Great Ocean Region. As per the attached media release, the Forrest MTB Trail Network will receive an additional $1.57M with total combined investment now at $2.32M MTB infrastructure at Forrest.
DELWP will additionally fund a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) for the entire MTB network which will allow Council to utilise remaining ‘Building Better Regions’ funds to complete the required GeoTechnical and Flora & Fauna studies at Forrest and Yaugher. It is expected that studies will be completed within the next six months before going to tender for the MTB construction projects."
