The Andrews Labor Government announced it on Friday would fund $1 million to held build stage one of the Omeo Mountain Bike Trail as part of its drought relief program.
Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, joined East Gippsland Shire Council mayor, Cr Joe Rettino, at the National Drought Summit in Canberra to announce the funding to develop a business case and build the first stage.
The funding is provided through the Labor Government’ s Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund, along with $1.52 million from East Gippsland Shire and $1.5 million from the Federal Government.
Cr Rettino said the announcement was very welcomed.
“This is a fantastic outcome from the summit, which will see local jobs created during the construction phase and the potential for off-farm jobs to help our drought affected farmers,” Cr Rettino said.
“In 2017, council commissioned a Mountain Bike Feasibility Report for the Omeo area, with the resulting plan providing a clear, staged pathway to- wards developing Omeo as a nationally-significant mountain bike destination.
“With a high-quality trail construction approach, quality sup- porting infrastructure and effective marketing, Omeo will undoubtedly become one of Australia’ s leading mountain bike destinations that will deliver wide-reaching and profound benefits to the town and greater region. The trails will generate a significant boost to the regional economy.”
“Council has advocated strongly for funding towards the multi-million project and we thank the Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford.”
“This funding will make the Omeo Mountain Bike Trail a reality, boosting tourism, local businesses and jobs,” Ms Pulford said.
Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, said the funding will be a huge boost both economically and from a discovery standpoint.
“It’s been a labour of love to advocate alongside the Omeo community and the East Gippsland Shire Council for this important funding over the last year, and this funding means that more people can discover and enjoy this extraordinary part of Gippsland and that local jobs and visitor numbers will grow as a result,” she said.
However, Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the Labor Government’ s funding announcement does not support the completion of the project.
“It is disappointing Labor has fallen short in funding this important project for Omeo,” he said.
“Three months ago I announced an elected Liberal Nationals Government would provide $1.5 million to match the shire’s contribution.
“If elected, we will provide the funding to build this facility, not leave it unfinished.”
The proposed 112-kilometre trail aims to establish Omeo as an international mountain bike destination and attract more visitors to the region – boosting tourism and diversifying Omeo’ s economy.
The $4 million project would also feature a dedicated bike skills park, cycle and bike wash facilities, toilet and shower amenities, trail- head and signage.
East Gippsland Shire will work with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Parks Victoria to deliver the business case and first stage of works.
In another boost for Omeo, Minister Pulford also announced a further $50,000 to East Gippsland Shire to build the local skills and experience needed to deliver projects that will help boost the local economy.