Omeo MTB: next step detailed plans

Omeo MTB: next step detailed plans Thursday 12 September

The preliminary trail design concept for the proposed Omeo Mountain Bike Trails is complete and work is now advancing to detailed designs.

This $4.5 million project will establish Omeo as a mountain biking destination.

East Gippsland Shire Council’s project control group recently gave the tick of approval for the preliminary trail design concepts, as presented by consultant Biosis Pty Ltd. It was agreed the project should proceed to the next stage.

Mayor Cr Natalie O’Connell said the concept includes over 100 kilometres of trails consisting of beginner-friendly, long distance descending and large loop cross-country and all close to the township.

“The trails proposed are contained on public land and will feature the Mt Mesley and Mt Sam areas, Dry Gully and the Oriental Claims,” Cr O’Connell said.

“The consultants will now complete detailed trail alignments and design and site surveys. Residents may see people on the ground walking the areas, considering the terrain, environmental aspects etc.

“We should be able to provide a project design update to the community by January as part of the draft masterplan document.

“We understand community members are getting ready for this infrastructure to be in place and are working in the background preparing business opportunities related to not only the MTB trails, but to also capitalise on Omeo as an adventure experience destination.

“The work Council and our stakeholders are completing will all inform how the Omeo Region can boost adventure tourism and in turn stimulate economic activity.”

Supporting the Omeo MTB project are a range of other key projects including:

Planning around the MTB trail head requirements at Livingstone Park and implementation of the Livingstone Park Management Plan. The Maximising Future Outcomes for the Omeo Region project, which is providing a strategic analysis of the community’s needs, services and opportunities arising from investment in the Omeo Region.

A feasibility study into the Omeo MTB project was taken in 2017 which showed the trail will have positive economic impacts for the region. Council is contributing $1.5m to the project with the remainder of the $3m funding coming from both state and federal governments.

The project control group, which oversees the work, consists of Omeo Region community members, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Parks Victoria, Council and Regional Development Victoria. A community workshop earlier in August explored complimentary activities and business opportunities to make the most of the mountain bike investment.