The Victorian Government is supporting the extension of a popular mountain bike track in Gippsland, which will draw even more riders and thrill seekers to the region.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing announced on Friday that work has begun on Stage 2 of the Haunted Hills Mountain Bike project in Newborough, which will see up to 15 km in additional trails added to this important new attraction.

The project has been supported by $1 million through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund – Stimulus Round, underpinned by the Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan.

Once complete, the Haunted Hills Mountain Bike Park will become a gateway to the Central Gippsland Mountain Bike Hub (G7) – a collection of seven diverse Mountain Bike Parks in Central Gippsland.

Haunted Hills is set to become an oasis for mountain bike riders of all skill levels, ranging from beginners through to advanced.

The name of the park is steeped in history. Local legend suggests it was first labelled the Haunted Hills in the 1800s because of a rumbling noise that sounded like stampeding cattle when stockmen passed through – a fitting story in time for Halloween.

The project is expected to generate three full-time equivalent jobs during the construction period and upon completion is set to attract more visitors to the region and provide important recreation opportunities for the local community.

The Victorian Government is partnering with Gippsland MTB, Latrobe City Council, Energy Australia, Destination Gippsland, Trailscapes, and locally based HCM Constructions to deliver Stage 2 of this project.

Stage 2 will also add new paths, picnic shelters, electric BBQs, a mountain bike skills area, bicycle wash, fencing and improved carparking.

The Government’s Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan sets out a state-wide strategy to drive annual visitor expenditure to $35 billion and tourism sector jobs beyond 300,000 by June 2024.

Stage 1 of the park was funded by the Commonwealth Government and is currently nearing completion. It is expected to open for community use later this year.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Tourism and recreation projects like this are vital when it comes to building regional economies, supporting  jobs and creating new experiences for Victorian families to enjoy – it’s helping to make the Latrobe Valley an even better place to live, work, visit and invest.”

“Now is the perfect time to invest in tourism infrastructure projects and back our iconic attractions to become even more compelling drawcards for visitors as the state opens up.”

“With Halloween just around the corner, it seems perfectly fitting to announce stage 2 of the Haunted Hills project, which will attract more visitors to our beautiful region, particularly those looking for an adventure-filled getaway.”