CRESWICK'S biggest new attraction, the Hammon Park Pump Track, has officially opened to the public.
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The pump track is the first stage in a larger $2.9 million project which will see 100-kilometres of track built through plantation forest and goldfield areas. The trail head will begin at Hammon Park.
President of the Villages of the Old Goldfields Association (VOGA) Cycle Club, Chris Chatham, said the re-development of Hammon Park was a "game changer".
Hepburn Shire Council and the VOGA cycle club are currently fielding for further funding to establish the whole of Hammon Park as a hub for adventurous bikers, with the likes of a skills area, feature and dirt jumps, nature play space and bike playground.
Mr Chatham said the push behind the project had been going on for 10 years, while he had been involved for around six.
"The club itself helped to get the seed funding, getting everybody in the room at the same time to put the proposal forward, so we feel like it's our baby," he said.
"We just know it's going to be a great asset for the area. We are pushing for more high level racing events here."
Creswick will play host to both state and national cycling events this May.
VOGA's Brackenbury Challenge has been upgraded to a Tier Two National Level Event for 2019, while its CycleCross event will again attract state level competitors.
"Having a national event here will attract people from all over Australia," Mr Chatham said.
Mr Chatham said the new national status of the event was partly due to the establishment of the pump track, as Mountain Bike Australia did not just 'hand out' the certification.
When complete, the Creswick Trails Network will be the only network in Australia to be situated within 15 minutes of a regional city and accessible by public transport.
"We are very lucky we have got this space that doesn't have to be shared with sporting clubs, with public transport less than a kilometre away and accommodation just up the road."
The trail network is expected to attract more than 80,000 annual visitors - increasing demand for accommodation, new businesses and private sector investment.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the purpose built bitumen track provided a smoother riding surface suitable for mountain bikers, skateboarders and scooter riders to enjoy.
“This purpose-built pump track is one-of-a-kind and will attract local and interstate visitors to Creswick – that means more people getting active and visiting regional Victoria,” Ms Thomas said.
“The combination of a trail network that is accessible by public transport and linked to a major resort presents a truly unique opportunity that has never been delivered in Victoria before.”
Chief Executive Officer of Hepburn Shire Council, Evan King, said the successful completion of the Pump Track created more opportunity for recreation in the shire.
“The linking of the Pump Track and trail head to mountain biking trails in the future will make Creswick a world class destination for mountain bikers.”
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