Forrest Mountain Bike Revitalisation Project

Please click the following link to download a copy of the new southern network trail map: ‘Southern Trail Map(PDF, 931KB)

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Project Background

The Forrest Mountain Bike trails were originally constructed to stimulate local economies through Tourism initiatives within the Otway Ranges Hinterland, in an effort to offset employment downturn following the cessation of commercial hardwood harvesting in the Otway Ranges.

While Forrest was initially a benchmark development as a leading Mountain Bike Trail destination in Australia, the town's Trail network appeal has experienced a decline in recent years in becoming a Trail destination of lesser national significance. Recent trends show that visitation is decreasing, and that Forrest is losing its market share and competitiveness.

The improvements to mountain bike and recreational trails infrastructure at Forrest are underpinned by the following strategies, which can be viewed here :

  • The Forrest MTB Strategic Plan (Thompson Berrill Landscape Design 2015)
  • Forrest Mountain Bike Trails – Economic Cost Benefit Analysis (MacroPlan Dimasi 2018)
  • The Forrest MTB Detailed Design Plan (Dirt Art 2020)

To develop these strategies, Council undertook extensive stakeholder engagement including formal public exhibition processes, which considered many submissions from key stakeholders.

Project Overview

The Forrest Mountain Bike Revitalisation Project will enhance and expand the existing mountain bike trail offering in Forrest to ensure it maintains its position as one of Australia’s premier mountain biking destinations.

Stage One of the Forrest Mountain Bike Revitalisation Project is a capital works program that will secure the economic future of Forrest and the community’s social value as follows:

  •  A new and exciting closed circuit of three flow trails:

Flow trails typically contain features like banked turns (berms), rolling terrain, various types of jumps and offer consistent and predictable surfaces. These trails allow riders to gain flowing momentum from rolling (rather than peddling), so riders focus on speed, style and riding off technical features like jumps.

  • Southern Trails Network improvements:

New mountain bike trails and infrastructure will be constructed at the Southern Trails Network. Existing signature products within the Southern Network will be reinvigorated to create a network of world-class experiences.

  • Trails re-profiling and year-round use:

All new and reworked trails will be re-profiled, including redirection of Trails from areas with sensitive riparian values. Imported gravels will be used to resurface the Trails to enable year-round use.

Anticipated completion date for Stage One is October 2022.

Project Funding

Funding for the Forrest Mountain Bike Revitalisation Project Stage One is being provided as follows:

  • Victorian Public Land Economic Stimulus package (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) - $1.57 Million
  • Regional Infrastructure Fund (Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions) - $500,000
  • Colac Otway Shire - $250,000

Project Benefits

The Forrest Mountain Bike Revitalisation Project will deliver the following project benefits:

  • Re-establish Forrest as a nationally significant mountain bike destination.
  • Improve economic development in the local economy by generating additional employment opportunities through increased visitation and tourism spend. The new Barwon Flow Trail concepts will meet emerging target markets, as a key objective of regional infrastructure funding.
  • Enhance the networks market appeal by upgrading and improving the existing trail experience.   
  • Create landscaped visitor precincts that celebrate the history of Forrest, the town’s connection to mountain biking and the Otway’s rainforest experience.
  • Position Forrest as one of the best and safest places in Australia to learn and progress mountain biking.
  • Produce experiences that specifically cater for other recreational user groups.
  • Build a facility that complements the world class nature-based and foodie experiences that are already on offer in Forrest and the Great Ocean Road region.
  • Increase and enhance the southern trails networks mountain bike offering.
  • Drive jobs creation in construction and ongoing employment. 

Location

Forrest, Forrest 3236  View Map

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