The Andrews Labor Government is transforming a Gippsland alpine town into an international mountain bike destination, with the development of 121 kilometres of mountain bike trails in Omeo.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green today announced the start of works on the first stage of the Omeo Mountain Bike project – which will be backed by an additional $3.2 million investment from the Labor Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund to deliver the project’s second stage.
The new investment builds on the Government’s existing $1 million to support the first 57 kilometre stage, including cross-country and downhill tracks of varying difficulty ranging from beginners through to experienced mountain bikers.
Stage two works will create an additional 64 kilometres of bike trails, bringing the total Omeo Mountain Bike project to 121 kilometres of connected tracks which will meet Mountain Bike Australia’s criteria for national events.
Once complete, the trail project is set to capture nationwide demand for outdoor adventure, winding through Mount Sam State Forest and the Oriental Claims Historic Area parkland. The project will boost Omeo’s reputation as an all-year-round tourism destination with the first trail expected to be ready by March next year.
The Omeo Mountain Bike Trails project will create 17 full time construction jobs across both stages. Once completed, the trails will create 20 new full time jobs in the first year.
The Government’s funding is provided through the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund and the Regional Tourism Investment Fund, with support from East Gippsland Shire Council and the Commonwealth Government.
The Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund is helping entice more visitors to Victoria’s regions, driving private investment and accelerating the recovery of the tourism sector.
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green
“This project puts Omeo on the world map as an internationally recognised destination for mountain biking and means more people will be able to discover and enjoy this beautiful part of East Gippsland.”
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
“This project will boost tourism, local businesses and support jobs in Omeo and surrounding towns, helping the Gippsland economy bounce back after the impacts of bushfires, drought and the pandemic.”
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett
“Mountain bike trails will create a world-class visitor experience in Omeo, creating even more reasons for tourists to explore East Gippsland – that’s a win for local businesses and jobs.”
As stated by East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Mark Reeves
“The start of stage one works is what we’ve all been waiting for. The sky’s the limit for cycle-tourism in the Omeo region and further funding for stage two will ramp up enthusiasm locally and further afield.”
