FEDERAL Member for Gippsland Darren Chester officially opened the Haunted Hills Bike Park recently.
Mr Chester secured $976,950 for the bike park through the federal government’s Regional Jobs and Investment Package.
“The project has delivered 13.5 kilometres of progressive mountain biking trails as well as an asphalt pump track, car park, accessible toilets and a sheltered area for seating,” Mr Chester said.
“The opening of the bike park will attract visitors to our region and allow for mountain bike
competitions and events to take place locally.
“Having such exceptional facilities locally means that people of all ages can enjoy mountain bike riding in an appropriate setting and promotes a different way for locals to keep physically active.”
Mr Chester said the completed park is a fantastic tourist attraction for the region.
“The bike park is a drawcard to our region and will boost the local economy with visitors stopping in nearby towns for a coffee, bite to eat and to fuel up their cars,” he said.
“Well done to all involved but especially Gippsland MTB who have worked tirelessly over th years to get this project underway.”
“Stage one of this project was funded by the federal government and delivered by Gippsland MTB Inc in partnership with Latrobe City Council, Energy Australia Yallourn Mine, Destination Gippsland, and our contractors Trailscapes and HCM Constructions.
“Stage two is currently underway and funded by the state government. We also acknowledge the support of many locally employed subcontractors who have helped us to bring this project to fruition. We thank everyone who has been involved in this project for their on going support to deliver this community recreational infrastructure.”
Haunted Hills Bike Park Superintendent and Gippsland MTB member Nicholas King said it was fantastic to see the bike park opened.
“Projects such as this take a long time to plan and even longer to come to fruition,” he said.
“Through various stages of the process, there are back tracks and setbacks followed by periods of progress. It is through these challenging times that the strength of partnerships come to the fore.
“We are so grateful to the federal government, our friends at the Gippsland MTB Inc, the
Latrobe City Council, Energy Australia Yallourn Mine and of course Destination Gippsland.
Along with the contractors Trailscapes and HCM Constructions and a host of other local sub-contractors, the completion and opening of stage one is a case study in collaboration, resilience and vision.”
