Council approved a $10,000 Recreational Track Grant for the Point Bush Ecological Restoration Trust to regrade a section of the Whitehorse Big Easy trail at its Ordinary Council Meeting on 20 August.
This landscaping work will make the trail comply with the New Zealand Cycle Trails Grade 2 (Easy), meaning it is suitable for most riders including beginners, occasional cyclists, and families with limited cycling experience.
The total cost of the project is $12,000. The application stated that the work would improve the safety and accessibility of the track by reducing the gradient, repairing side slump cambers, and improving drainage and surfacing on a section of the track identified as too difficult for Grade 2 riders and walkers.
Encouraging more visitors would have a positive impact on the local economy, as more track users means more visitors to the district.
The Recreational Track Grant is for projects involving track signage, GIS mapping, development of new recreational tracks, and improvement and/or the maintenance of existing tracks.
Council will receive applications on a six-monthly basis in February and August each year with $10,000 available for each round.
