Forrest is set to become a must-see destination for mountain bike riders of all ages and abilities, with works to begin on the Barwon Flow Trails.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green today visited Forrest, in the heart of the Otway Ranges, to announce that construction will begin this month on the Barwon Flow Trails supported by $500,000 from the Regional Infrastructure Fund.
Home to events like the Otway Odyssey, Forrest is already a go-to destination for skilled mountain bikers and this project will maintain and modernise the trails to ensure they are an asset for years to come.
The Barwon Flow Trails are part of a package of works in the Forrest Mountain Bike Revitalisation Project that will deliver 9.3 kilometres of new mountain bike trails and rejuvenate more than 8 kilometres of existing ones. It has been backed by $2.07 million from the Andrews Labor Government and $250,000 from the Colac Otway Shire.
The Barwon Flow Trails are downhill mountain bike tracks that will have turns and jumps that allow riders to keep up speed or 'flow' going with minimal pedalling. The new trails will provide one of Victoria's best beginner and intermediate jump-trail experiences and a new challenge for riders of all abilities.
A new trailhead, skills park and visitor precinct will be designed and constructed as part of the project, with the skills park to cater for people using skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, and bikes.
Australian company Dirt Art, who are world leaders in designing and constructing more 1,000km of trails, will deliver the Barwon Flow Trails.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Government's flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, which helps businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria, supports community projects and helps councils to build the infrastructure locals need.
The Fund is key to the Government's almost $30 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria since 2015. Information about the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund is available at rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif.
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green
"The Forrest Mountain Bike Trails showcase the natural beauty of the Otway Ranges - this project will not only attract skilled riders to the region but be a world-class asset for locals for years to come."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
"The Forrest Mountain Bike Trails will continue to gain popularity giving riders of all ages a new challenge and opportunity to sharpen their skills, while bringing more tourists to the area and creating more local jobs."
As stated by Colac Otway Shire Council Mayor Kate Hanson
"The Forrest Mountain Bike Revitalisation Project is a significant investment toward the future of Colac Otway and will enhance Forrest's reputation as one of Australia's premier mountain-biking destinations, adding to the local nature-based attractions and supporting our tourism and hospitality industries as they bounce back."
