FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LYONS
5 June 2016
Mountain Bike enthusiasts, as well as businesses and residents in the Meander Valley and Latrobe-Kentish areas, will benefit from a re-elected Turnbull Government with a commitment of $450,000 for the Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Development and the Meander Valley Mountain Cycling Strategy.
Minister for the Arts and Communications Mitch Fifield joined Eric Hutchinson, Federal Liberal for Lyons to announce this funding that will create local jobs and growth through increased tourism numbers and have many flow on benefits for surrounding towns.
“Tasmania’s diverse terrain has become an ideal location for a range of cycling and biking experiences which has seen an increase in tourism numbers in recent years,” Mr Hutchinson said.
The investment $300,000 for Stage 1 of the Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Development will connect the towns of Sheffield, Railton and Latrobe with a focus on green and blue trails aimed at beginners, families and intermediate mountain bikers.
“This will be a fantastic addition to the local area and the funding will also see a flying fox to be built over the Mersey River which I have no doubt will be a major attraction to the Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails,” Mr Hutchinson said.
The $150,000 investment into the Meander Valley Cycling Strategy will focus on planning and mapping potential mountain bike trails from existing tracks, unused forestry and logging trails and private properties.
“Visitors to both of these trails will not only ride the trail but will stay in local accommodation, visit other tourist attractions, eat at cafes and restaurants which all results in a boost to the local economy,” Mr Hutchinson said.
Mr Hutchinson has seen the success of other mountain bike trails around Tasmania.
“I have been working closely with Mayor Craig Perkins, Mayor Don Thwaites, Mayor Peter Freshney and their councils who have done an outstanding job preparing these developments and advocating for the benefits to the community,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“This development will result in jobs during the construction phase, furter growth of local businesses once the trails are operational and will open up the region to new opportunities to host events and major attractions.”
Minister Fifield praised the advocacy of local member Eric Hutchinson and his commitment to communities across his electorate.
“Eric understands that for communities to prosper, there needs to be local opportunities and this is achieved by investing in projects that will create jobs, foster growth and allow new opportunities to be created for the community,” Minister Fifield said.
A Turnbull Liberal team is dedicated to building stronger communities across Tasmania and jobs and growth for local residents.