We had quite the response to August’s editorial on the funding of MTB maintenance. For those who would like the chance to read all of the letters sent in, we have published them here on the website where there are no space restraints such as there is in the newsletter.

To the Editor,
Re: 3799 Connect #10 Edition – Who Should Pay for
Our Mountain Bike Trails?

Thank you for opening up an important community discussion regarding the funding and management of the Warburton Bike Park (Warburton Mountain Bike Destination). While exploring different financial models is a healthy part of public policy, it is important to recognise that Council’s current approach, where shuttle service revenue contributes to the ongoing sustainability of the park, delivers significant benefits for both the trail network and the wider community.

Throughout the development of the project, Council has undertaken extensive work to understand the revenue models that could support the long-term sustainability of the facility. This work has also considered the substantial safety, environmental and public amenity obligations associated with the park, as well as identifying opportunities for private businesses to provide complementary products and services that support economic growth and local employment.

The two primary revenue opportunities available to support the ongoing operation and maintenance of mountain bike destinations are shuttle services and trail passes. Council has implemented a shuttle service and is committed to delivering a high-quality experience at a reasonable price point. Customer feedback since the service commenced in April has been overwhelmingly positive, and Council will continue to refine and enhance the service as demand grows. Council-operated shuttling ensures that revenue generated by the facility is reinvested directly back into the destination. These funds support trail maintenance, infrastructure renewal, environmental management, safety compliance and the broader stewardship responsibilities associated with operating what is expected to become Australia’s most visited mountain bike park. Unlike commercial operators, Council’s objective is not profit maximisation, but ensuring the long-term sustainability, accessibility and quality of the visitor experience.

Council acknowledges that trail pass systems are increasingly common at mountain bike destinations across Australia and internationally. While trail passes can provide an additional revenue source, they typically contribute a relatively modest proportion of overall operating income compared to shuttle services. At present, Council is unable to introduce a trail pass due to land tenure arrangements and associated regulatory constraints. Council continues to work with DEECA to explore options that may enable fee collection in the future. Should a trail pass model become available, careful consideration would be given to affordability, accessibility, equity and the needs of local residents.

Importantly, the current model has also created opportunities for local businesses and community organisations. A range of complementary services have already emerged around the destination, including bike hire, rider coaching and hospitality offerings such as the successful Bulldog Café at the Wesburn Park trailhead, operated by the Wesburn Junior Football Club. These businesses and organisations play an important role in enhancing the visitor experience while contributing to local jobs and economic activity.

The Warburton Bike Park was delivered through a significant public investment with the aim of driving regional economic growth, creating local employment opportunities and providing a world-class recreational asset for the community. By retaining responsibility for both stewardship of the park and operation of the primary shuttle service, Council can ensure revenue remains within the destination, safety and service standards remain consistent, and the facility continues to deliver lasting social, economic and recreational benefits for the Upper Yarra region and surrounding communities.

Mayor
Cr Richard Higgins

To whom this may concern,

Thankyou first of all for all your hard work in producing this amazing booklet. It is a great, humble resource providing great local insight into where we live.

Yes the council did say the park was going to benefit local businesses which i believe will happen over time. But in the meantime we have had a lot of new people, including young families and couples come to live in the valley in anticipation of the park which and bringing in freshness and new businesses, which is a great thing.

Unfortunately the council’s approach of overreach and not being upfront with their ideas goes against its original idea of supporting community enterprise.

There should have been more discussion and community involvement (not consultation) about how to move forward.

Local businesses could have been involved in producing merchandise and other things as there are alot of talented people around.

We all know that some companies have been setting up for this park for years and now feel let down with the way council are approaching this.

As far as I’m aware no other councils run shuttle buses. They are all private companies which makes financial sense as you can be sure by the time the council have spent money on buses, trailers and staff wages there really isn’t anything left. If the ratepayer is paying this there should be open policy on showing us the numbers! They could then only have the expense of the trail maintenance crew and not all the overheads.

As a bike rider myself I don’t believe anyone else should have to pay. The user pays is a great idea and nobody would argue with this.

There are plenty of successful parks in Australia, so no need to redesign the wheel.
Everyone wants to see this work now that it is here, but it involves everyone working with each other and respecting others ideas.

Thankyou for the opportunity to express my personal opinion.

Kind regards,
Christine

Hi.