Forrest is set to become a must-see destination for mountain bike riders with a detailed design process underway for a new skills park and an upgrade to the park’s signature Red Carpet trail close to completion.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today (18 November) announced that Velosolutions Australia will design and construct the skills park at Forrest, in the heart of the Otway Ranges.
The bike trail network is being upgraded and expanded through the Forrest Mountain Bike Revitalisation Project thanks to $2.07 million from the Victorian Government and $250,000 from the Colac Otway Shire.
The skills park will replace an existing dirt pump track and children’s pump track. It will feature an asphalt pump track with a circuit of rollers, jumps and banked turns. The asphalt surface will be suitable for skateboards, rollerblades and scooters as well as bikes.
Two jump lines will also be installed, with features ranging from tabletops for novices to step-up and step-down sections for more advanced riders.
During community consultation, residents and riders provided valuable input about their requirements for the park and this input will be incorporated during the design process.
Meanwhile the upgrade of the signature Red Carpet trail − which stretches from the Lake Elizabeth area to the Barwon River − is close to completion. The upgrade includes resurfacing to allow for year-round riding. New jumps, shaped features and berms (banked turns) are also being built along the 4.5 kilometre trail.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio says, “This new skills park will have a range of jumps, rollers and other features that will give riders of all ages and abilities the opportunity to sharpen their skills – bringing more tourists to the area and creating jobs. Now more than ever we can appreciate being able to get out in nature and visit amazing parts of Victoria, including this beautiful park and trail.”
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas says, “This is great news for the Forrest community and beyond. This project will support local jobs, provide a boost for local businesses and drive more visitors to the area.”
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney says, “The community has been very involved in planning for the park, providing ideas and suggestions that designers will take on board as they design the best possible use of this space.”
Source: state government media release
