- Published:
- Wednesday 24 February 2016
Victoria’s North East is a step closer to becoming one of the world’s premier destinations for trail cycle tourism, with a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford today announced funding of $205,000 to support projects to enhance and extend existing trails and create new links between the Murray to Mountains and High Country Rail Trails.
The coordinated projects involve the Local Government Areas of Alpine, Benalla, Indigo, Towong, Wangaratta and Wodonga along with Tourism North East and Winton Wetlands.
Major Trails Extensions and Linkages will deliver detailed functional design and work schedules for the following Murray to Mountains and High Country Rail Trails extensions:
- Murray to Mountains from Beechworth to Yackandandah
- Murray to Mountains from Yackandandah to Huon to complete the link with the High Country Rail Trail
- High Country Rail Trail link through Wodonga’s Central Business Area to connect to the Murray River Adventure Trail
- Winton Wetlands to Glenrowan
Once developed, these connections will boost visitor numbers and raise the profile of the North-East by connecting some of the best nature-based trails with the region’s iconic food and wine destinations.
The enhancement project alone will increase awareness of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail by an estimated 10 per cent, delivering $28.9 million in regional output, $14.9 million in value and creating up to 25 full time jobs.
The funding includes $155,000 through the Regional Development Australia Program and $50,000 from the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“Worldwide, cycling trail tourism is growing at a phenomenal rate and Victoria’s North East is well poised to take on an increasing number of domestic and international visitors.”
“Sport and tourism are such a good fit and this is why we are investing in projects to bring more people to regional Victoria while growing the local economy and creating more jobs.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“We’re fast becoming the cycling state. Our great natural terrain and picturesque courses makes Victoria just the place for visitors from all over Australia to come and cycle.”
Quotes attributable to the Hume Chair of Regional Development Australia Janelle Boynton
“This represents a multi departmental partnership with six local governments and the tourism industry within north east Victoria to achieve a first stage activation of a long term investment opportunity for the region.”