Mountain Bike trails in the Trevallyn and Kate Reed Recreation Areas are set for a major upgrade thanks to a $300,000 grant from the Hodgman Liberal Government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
A partnership between the Launceston Mountain Bike Club, Parks and Wildlife Service and Tourism Northern Tasmania was successful in securing the grant which will be administered by the LMBC.
The trails in Kate Reed and Trevallyn have become a popular link with mountain bikers coming to Northern Tasmania to experience trails at Hollybank, and more recently at Derby.
``Work is proposed for both reserves but Trevallyn has been identified as the priority to have those trails ready ahead of the World Enduro Series being held at Blue Derby in April 2017,’’ Ms Courtney said.
``The trail repairs in Trevallyn are expected to start before Christmas and this is a great example of the benefits that can be achieved when the Government works in partnership with community groups and industry representatives.
``We know that the trails in Derby and Hollybank are attracting thousands of bike tourists to Northern Tasmania and with Trevallyn and Kate Reed being upgraded those tourists are expected to spend additional time, and money, in Launceston,’’ Ms Courtney said
The trails were originally built in 2011 and they have seen significant use by Club events and recreational cyclists as part of the mountain bike network.
The LMBC and a team of dedicated volunteers have carried out extensive maintenance during the past 5 years but this year’s protracted wet winter caused significant damage.
The funding has already contributed to an extensive trail audit with specific works prioritised for repair and the LMBC has held discussions with suitably qualified contractors to undertake the repairs.
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