The State Government’s $1.57 million investment in the expansion of the Forrest Mountain Bike Trails will secure Forrest’s future as a key mountain biking and tourist destination.
The Forrest Mountain Bike Trail is a leading track of the Adventure Trails, which is a G21 priority under the Great Ocean Road project.
The trail revitalisation project includes the creation of a variety of new trail experiences and will create construction and ongoing jobs in the Forrest area and provide a vital boost to the local and regional economy.
Over the past six years, in partnership with key agencies, user groups and the Forrest community, Colac Otway Shire Council has completed a Strategic Plan, an Economic Analysis and a costed Detailed Design Plan for the trails and township.
The funding supports a move to construction, and the State Government’s announcement has come at a vital time in helping restore some confidence for businesses and the wider community.
Mountain bikers will come to Forrest for the new and revitalised trails – a world-class mountain-biking destination – and see a glimpse of what the region has to offer.
The project will add value to the existing local nature-based attractions and support the growth of the tourism and hospitality industry which is just starting to recover after months of COVID-19 restrictions.
The $1.57 million Building Works funding adds to $500,000 from the state government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund and Colac Otway’s $250,000 budget allocation announced earlier this year.
