At the July Council meeting, Latrobe City Council endorsed an application to the Regional Tourism Investment Fund to seek funding to upgrade the Tyers, Glengarry, and Boolarra dirt BMX tracks, with matching funds provided from the adopted 2024/25 Budget allocation for the Tyers project. The application aims to convert all three tracks to sealed Pump Tracks, boosting tourism appeal along nearby Rail Trails.
The purpose of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund (RTIF), administered by Regional Development Victoria (RDV), is to provide funding for tourism infrastructure projects that improve visitor experience and increase visitor spending in regional and rural Victoria.
When determining the projects to put forward for funding, Council's 'shovel ready' projects were reviewed against the eligibility criteria of the funding program, as well as the priorities detailed in the draft Youth Infrastructure Plan 2024-2034. This resulted in the Pump Tracks being identified as the most suitable and eligible projects for this funding application.
The existing dirt BMX tracks in Glengarry and Boolarra are near the popular Grand Ridge and Gippsland Plains Rail Trails respectively. Their proximity to the Rail Trails is considered important from a tourism perspective, as the Pump Tracks would add to the appeal of the towns as destinations along the trails and encourage visitors to stay longer.
Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Daren Howe, reflected that this funding opportunity aligns with the objectives of Council's Municipal Health & Wellbeing Plan and Council Plan, and would have a far-reaching impact on the community if the application is successful.
"Council is committed to providing spaces and services that support the community's physical health and mental wellbeing. The Pump Tracks would address Council's priority to build connected pathways and offer a diverse range of people the opportunity to be active on their bike. A Pump Track is an inclusive asset as it can be used by any wheeled recreational user, including BMX, mountain bike, skateboard, scooter, rollerblades, or adaptive bikes. The facility is free for public use, which would also make it affordable for families," said the Mayor.
West Ward Councillor, Councillor Sharon Gibson, moved the motion to support the funding application, believing it will greatly benefit Latrobe City's smaller towns and give locals an outdoor space to enjoy all-year-round.
"We have seen the brilliant benefits generated by the Pump Track at our popular Haunted Hills Bike Park, for our locals and those who have visited from afar. This funding would enable Council to deliver a larger network of Pump Tracks that could be used for special events at these nominate sites, and build on the momentum generated from the Haunted Hills Bike Park. This would inject new income opportunities into the economy of the local small towns where the tracks are located," said Cr Gibson.
Applications close on 19 July 2024 and if successful, projects must have commenced construction within nine months of when the Grant Agreement is executed and completed by 30 June 2027.
To read further information about the funding application as discussed at the Council meeting, please see the agenda here: https://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Council/Our_Council/Lists/Minutes_and_Agenda_Entry/CM_1_Jul_2024
The Council meeting is also available to watch on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS38rLO0nOM
