Andrew Nikolic (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Mountain biking is an increasingly popular sport in Australia and around the world. Over 25,000 tourists each year come to Tasmania and partake in some form of cycling. This demonstrates the potential of a world-class mountain bike trail in attracting this willing tourist audience. I can inform the House that a government commitment of $2.5 million has enabled construction to commence on just such a world-class track in my electorate. I thank the Dorset Council for working with me in recent years to ensure this exciting project is realised.

This venture will see nearly 80 kilometres of mountain bike habitat established through a beautiful landscape near Derby and the Western Tiers. It is a project designed to attract increased visitor numbers and to create local jobs in a region that has been hit too hard by the downsizing of the Tasmanian forestry industry.

I visited the site recently and can report construction has commenced. I walked a few kilometres of the first stage with the Mayor of Dorset, Barry Jarvis. I note that the company building it has previously designed over 250 tracks in 18 countries, including Olympic, world championship and world cup tracks. Stage 1 is due for completion this October, and we hope the trails will be used for the prestigious annual Blue Dragon endurance event in early 2015.

So, for all those mountain bike enthusiasts out there, please put the mountain bike trails in North-East Tasmania on your must-do list.

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