Calls for funding at Hammon Park

CRESWICK’S community are asking the State government for funding for the Hammon Park Trail Head Bike Park and Recreation Facility project.

The initiative aims to provide amenities and activities to those utilising the town’s 100-kilometre mountain bike trail.

This track previously received $2.5 million in funding from the State government and has commenced construction.

A member of The Villages of the Old Goldfields Association (VOGA) Cycling Club Paddy Kinnersley said that the proposed all-abilities, world class facilities would be a great addition to the area.

“It’s the piece of the puzzle that is missing at the moment,” she said.

With the plan estimated to cost $2.47 million, The Hepburn Shire Council are hoping the State Government will approve their application under the Local Sport Infrastructure fund.

The Council is asking for $2.1 million from the government and $250,000 from community contributions with the remainder of $130,000 to be subsidised by the local office.

Member for Ripon Louise Staley said the initiative ticks all the boxes for this kind of funding.

“If the government is serious about recovery being for all of Victoria, this is exactly the kind of project that we need to see funded,” she said.

The project is said to be shovel ready with funding being the only factor holding it back.

Hepburn Shire Council’s chief executive officer Evan King said of all the projects the town has put forward for COVID-19 stimulus funding, this one is the best fit.

“Once we can start, it will employ people.

“It will have great flow on effects from a tourism perspective, bringing people in to the shire, spending money and getting our businesses operating,” he said.

Endorsers for the project said that a world class track of this calibre should have its own state of the art facilities at the start and end.

Cr Louise Staley said re-imagining the area would not only make the space more attractive to local cyclists but also to tourists and event organisers.

“It’s a great project, great for activity with huge support. We’re talking about an asset that’s not only for the community, but for the broader, national and international community,” she said.