Staff writers
WORK has begun on Stage 2 of the Haunted Hills Mountain Bike project in Newborough.
Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing announced last week the work would add up to 15km in additional trails to the popular mountain biking track.
The project has been supported by $1 million through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund – Stimulus Round, underpinned by the Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan.
“Tourism and recreation projects like this are vital when it comes to building regional economies, supporting jobs and creating new experiences for Victorian families to enjoy – it’s helping to make the Latrobe Valley an even better place to live, work, visit and invest,” Ms Shing said.
“Now is the perfect time to invest in tourism infrastructure projects and back our iconic attractions to become even more compelling drawcards for visitors as the state opens up.
“With Halloween just around the corner, it seems perfectly fitting to announce stage 2 of the Haunted Hills project, which will attract more visitors to our beautiful region, particularly those looking for an adventure-filled getaway.”
Once complete, the Haunted Hills Mountain Bike Park will become a gateway to the Central Gippsland Mountain Bike Hub (G7) – a collection of seven diverse Mountain Bike Parks in Central Gippsland.
The state government has partnered with Gippsland MTB, Latrobe City Council, Energy Australia, Destination Gippsland, Trailscapes, and locally based HCM Constructions to deliver Stage 2 of this project.
Stage 2 will also add new paths, picnic shelters, electric barbecues, a mountain bike skills area, bicycle wash, fencing and improved carparking.
Stage 1 of the park was funded by the federal government and is currently nearing completion.
It is expected to open for community use later this year.
