Victoria’s North East is becoming one of the world’s top destinations for trail cycle tourism, thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford and Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes in Yackandandah today to discuss the $12 million investment with the local community.
The project will help deliver the world class cycling infrastructure that the community has long been calling for, with new sections of trail linking historic gold rush era towns and diggings, aboriginal sites of local significance and some of Victoria’s most beautiful scenery.
This project builds upon the almost 250 kilometres of scenic sealed rail trails, dozens of mountain bike tracks and spectacular road rides that are found across Victoria’s High Country.
Stage 2 of the project includes
- Enhancements to the existing Murray to Mountains Rail Trail
- 31.4km extension of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail by linking Beechworth and Yackandandah
- Trail enhancements such as better signage, community hubs, and digital interpretations
- Marketing to both local and international audiences.
The project is also expected to kick-start private sector investment, with businesses taking the opportunity to boost their tourism offering, with new accommodation and food options to meet increased demand.
Funding for the North East Cycling Optimisation Project in the Victorian Budget 2017/18 was a direct response to the Ovens Murray Regional Partnership, which identified increasing cycling tourism as a key priority.
The North East Cycling Optimisation Project is expected to create up to 183 jobs and attract up to 393,000 visitors each year once the new extension and enhancements are completed.
This investment is made possible from the $103 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund, which is supporting the development of tourism infrastructure across regional Victoria to boost jobs and visitations.
The North East Cycling Optimisation Project is one of many exciting cycling projects taking place across Victoria, including projects in Creswick and Harcourt.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“This exciting project will help make Victoria’s North East one of the world’s top destinations for trail cycling, boosting tourism, growing jobs and supporting our regional economy.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“Through this funding, we’re putting our beautiful North East region on the map as a cycling destination of choice.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“This is a fantastic project to be part of, it will bring more visitors to experience our beautiful region, which will be great for local jobs, businesses and communities.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020