Walking and biking enthusiasts can look forward to an upgraded track on the lower bush section of The Big Easy as the Whitehorse Mountain Bike Riders have been awarded a Recreational Track Grant from Council for $10,000 excluding GST. M3 Contracting will carry out the work on approximately 550m of track.
The upgrade will provide an easier, more comfortable ascent to the White Horse Monument and improve track safety. Work will include reducing the steepness of some sections, widening narrow sections, installing drainage features, cambering corners and smoothing the trail surface.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we receive from Council and the Recreational Track Grant,” says Paul Buckley, Whitehorse Mountain Bike Riders club secretary. “This follows work M3 Contracting did last year on sections of the track that go through the ecosanctuary which exceeded our expectation. This grant will help us realise our vision to create world-class mountain biking and walking trails in Waimate.”
Council has allocated $20,000 per year for a contestable grant to support the development of new tracks and the maintenance and upgrade of existing ones. Council recognises that our recreational tracks are important for the wellbeing of residents and an attraction to visitors. Applications are invited in February and August each year, open for projects including track signage, GIS mapping and upgrade work.
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