The Victorian Government has signed off on the majority of the proposed Warburton Mountain Bike Destination Project.
The Minister for Planning Lizzie Blandthorn, signed off on the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) on October 28th, an important step that ensures there are no adverse effects to the pristine forest area resulting from the delivery and use of the trails.
The ministerial approval is conducive on a number of project modifications. Amongst these modifications is the removal of four key trails from the project.
The Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) who assessed the EES have recommended that the four trails, commencing from the summit of Mt. Donna Buang and weaving towards Warburton via the Yarra Ranges National Park, will not be built due to potentially adverse environmental effects.
The Warburton Mountain Bike Destination Project has been in planning for nearly a decade, with the first feasibility study launched in 2013.
In 2018, the project received $3 million in development funding from the State Government.
However, there have been a number of roadblocks along the way, including the request for an EES by the former Minister for Planning Richard Wynne.
Despite the delays and project modifications, riders are happy that the project is finally moving forward. President of Yarra Ranges Mountain Bikers Andrew Howieson told Star News Group he was “still in shock” regarding the decision.
“To have some sort of understanding and clarity, I can’t really put into words how it feels, I’ve never experienced a feeling like this. It’s just brilliant,” Andrew said.
The Warburton Mountain Bike Destination will involve the creation of more than 150 kilometres of new mountain biking trails, 12km of upgraded existing trails, and a number of other facilities across the Yarra Ranges National Park.