Released 17/06/2023 - Joint media release
The ACT Government has partnered with the University of Canberra to deliver $2.8 million in new funding for improvements to enhance Stromlo Forest Park.
The ACT Government investment includes a commitment to build a $1.8 million new flow trail from Stromlo to the Cotter, adding another feature mountain biking experience to Canberra’s cycling and nature tourism offering.
The 15km flow trail will create a link between the two popular recreation hubs and pass through nature reserves, allowing riders to experience the unique landscape of the ACT.
This announcement is boosted by a significant $1 million sponsorship agreement with the University of Canberra for naming and branding rights to the park.
University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park will continue to be a nationally significant, multi-use recreational sporting facility, with the university committed to strengthening the park and collaborating with government on sporting and academic opportunities.
The five year agreement coincides with the ACT Government’s new Tracks and Trails Masterplan, with the wider community now invited to have their say on the park’s tracks and trails development and expansion.
The masterplan will review existing sanctioned tracks and trails, and plan for new tracks and trails located on both the eastern and western sides of the park.
World Trail has been appointed to create the Tracks and Trails Masterplan and engage with key stakeholders and the community on its design.
There are a range of ways the community can take part in the process, including via the YourSay website [link], or at pop up information sessions on site on 30 June and 1 July 2023.
This additional investment in University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park comes after the ACT Government committed to investing paid parking revenue back into the park.
Paid parking arrangements will be implemented following the construction of the formalised car parking facilities towards the end of 2023, potentially generating up to $238,000 to be directly invested back into the park’s tracks and trails and general maintenance.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
The ACT Government is keen to ensure Canberra is recognised as a great place for cycling and nature tourism, and the development of the flow trail from University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park to the Cotter will provide a unique offering to mountain bikers from around Australia and the world.
I’d like to thank the University of Canberra for partnering with the park and helping to promote the site as a world-class facility.
The welcome investment from the sponsorship deal will go towards enhancing Stromlo Forest Park to ensure it remains a premier biking and recreational facility.
Quotes attributable to Special Minister of State Chris Steel:
Stromlo Forest Park has been open for over 15 years and there is a need to ensure that this popular facility remains an exciting experience through the development new, interesting and challenging tracks and trails.
We have heard from the mountain biking community that designing a new Tracks and Trails Masterplan is the best place to start to guide trail and mountain biking infrastructure investment over the next five years.
Engagement on the masterplan is now open, and I would urge anyone with an interest in the park to get involved and help shape the future of this great facility.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman:
The construction of a flow trail from University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park to the Cotter recreational area will implement a key community recommendation from the Mountain Biking ACT Report.
This demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing and developing a new ‘All Mountain’ biking experience which will highlight Canberra’s natural beauty and elevate it as a popular destination for cyclists.
Quotes attributable to Professor Paddy Nixon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra
The University of Canberra is the home of sport in the ACT. This partnership is another example of the depth of the University of Canberra’s connection with the Canberra community.
This partnership is ideal for both UC and Stromlo Forest Park as it enables us to bring research and teaching expertise across a broad range of sports, tourism and business specialties to bear on the challenges and opportunities faced by the facility.
UC will benefit from this partnership through access to a world-class sport and recreation facility, through increased collaboration with sporting communities across Australia and internationally, and by building stronger connection and ties with our community to enable learning, sport and social experiences for our students and enhance our research capabilities.
The University of Canberra’s Sport Strategy, Game On 2021 – 2024, underpins our approach to our academic teaching, research and community sport engagement ambitions. We are committed to working with our partners, like Stromlo Forest Park, to help position Canberra as the nation’s preferred study, work and sport destination.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases