Cyclists of all ages and abilities will soon be able to hit new mountain bike trails in Creswick, thanks to a project funded by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Creswick to view progress on the Hammon Park Trail Head and Bike Playground, backed by $2.1 million from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund - Stimulus Round.
Built on the old Hammon Park football oval in the Creswick Regional Park, the Hammon Park Trail Head is designed to encourage riders of all abilities to safely build up their mountain bike riding skills before taking on the more challenging trails in Creswick.
The project is being delivered by the Hepburn Shire Council and will also showcase the surrounding bushland, lakes and hills.
The bike playground will help young people become more experienced riders through a series of small hills and outdoor terrain. The project will also include new restrooms, along with barbecue and picnic areas to encourage outdoor events and family gatherings near the trails.
Excavation works are well underway at the Hammon Park Trail Head and Bike Playground, which is expected to be completed at the end of the year. The project is being delivered by Victorian contractors Naturform and will support up to 20 jobs during construction.
Located between Ballarat and Daylesford, Creswick is an old gold-mining town famous for its scenic bushland areas, existing mountain bike trails and bushwalks.
The Labor Government is investing in several projects to transform Creswick into a mountain biking destination for all ages with the Hammon Park project adding to the existing Creswick Pump Track and the Creswick Mountain Bike project. This is all part of the Government's $30 billion investment in regional Victoria since 2015.
The Regional Tourism Investment Fund forms part of the $465 million Victorian Tourism Recovery Package from the $633 million Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan.
The statewide strategy has a goal of achieving $35 billion in annual visitor expenditure and supporting 300,000 jobs by June 2024.
For more information on the Regional Tourism Investment Fund, visit rdv.vic.gov.au/rtif.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
"The Hammon Park Trail Head and Bike playground will be an asset for the local community, encouraging riders of all abilities to hit the tracks, while creating more jobs during construction."
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
"This project will be a drawcard for the region by attracting more mountain bike riders, which will deliver a boost to local businesses."
