Cr Jim Child - O'Shannassy Ward, Yarra Ranges Council : What's Happened So Far

Warburton Mountain Bike Destination timeline:

December 2011 - Parks Victoria approached Council to undertake a feasibility study for developing Warburton as a mountain biking destination in Victoria. Parks Victoria contributed $40K, Council funded $20K. Other stakeholders represented on the Project Reference Group included the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) (then DSE/DEPI), Yarra Ranges Mountain Bikers, Warburton Valley Community Economic Development Association (CEDA), Warburton Advancement League and Sport and Recreation Victoria. Underlying this objective is the need to create new economic stimuli and job opportunities in Warburton. The development of a mountain biking trail network is proposed as one method by which this could be achieved. The study supported the Mountain Bike Policy on Public Land, adopted by State Government in 2013. The policy framework supports the development of “sustainable trails” and application of International Mountain Bike Association design standards. The Recreation and Open Space Strategy specifically supports the feasibility study and development of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination.

April/May 2013 – In April 2013, Yarra Ranges Council released a tender seeking the services of a consultant to undertake a feasibility study investigating the possibility of making Warburton a regional mountain biking destination in Victoria. World Trail was awarded the contract in May 2013 and commenced working on the project in late May 2013.

WARBURTON MOUNTAIN BIKE FEASIBILITY STUDY

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June 2013 – Council formally recognises mountain biking as a legitimate recreation activity within the Yarra Ranges. https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Lists/Minutes-Agendas/Council-meeting-25-June-2013?agenda

May 2014 – Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Ltd (Warburton and Yarra Junction Bendigo Bank, Community Bank® branches) give conditional agreement to a contribution of $300K to the project. http://upperyarra.net.au/mountain-bike-trail-absolutely-amazing-for-our-town/

Warburton Valley CEDA response to the Warburton Mountain Bike Hub proposal

July/August 2014 - Warburton Mountain Bike Feasibility Study - 8 week public exhibition period where 238 responses were received with 232 in support and 6 objecting. https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Lists/Current-consultation/Warburton-Mountain-Bike-Feasibility-Study http://upperyarra.net.au/ceda/warburton-mountain-bike-feasibility-study/

April 2015 – Executive Officer Recreation & Active Living took a report to Council Forum and recommended that Council refer the Warburton Mountain Bike Feasibility Study for adoption at a future Council Meeting and that Council consider and discuss the merit of providing $500K towards the project.

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May 2015 – Council’s Director Environment & Engineering took a report to Council Meeting recommending that Council adopt the Warburton Mountain Bike Feasibility Study; allocate funding of $500,000 “in principle” towards planning, design and construction of the project, subject to confirmation of the provision of external funding for the project; and seek future external funding opportunities for achieving the project.

On 26th May 2015 Council resolved:

That Council

1. Adopt the Warburton Mountain Bike Feasibility Study.

2. Allocate funding of $500,000 “in principle” towards planning, design and construction of the project, subject to confirmation of the provision of external funding for the project.

3. Seek future external funding opportunities for achieving the project. https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Lists/Minutes-Agendas/Council-meeting-26-May-2015?minute

On 24th November 2015 Council resolved unanimously:

That Council

1. Allocate funding of $300,000 for the design and planning stage of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination project from unallocated funding listed for 2016-17 within Council’s Capital Expenditure Program – Future Community Projects program.

2. Approve forward spending of up to $300,000 during the current financial year for this project from the 2016-17 budget allocation for Future Community Projects within the Capital Expenditure Program.

https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Lists/Minutes-Agendas/Council-meeting-24-November-2015?agenda
2015 - to Now.... COX Architecture appointed to develop a master-plan, detailed design and tender documentation for the construction of the project.

Residents, special interest groups and the public will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the master-plan.

https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Places-events/Visit-Yarra-Valley-the-Dandenongs-Warburton-Valley/Ride-Yarra-Ranges-Warburton-Mountain-Bike-Destination-and-Yarra-Valley-Trail