East Gippsland Shire Council recently awarded the contract for the design and construction of the Omeo Mountain Bike Pump and Skills Track in Livingstone Park, a component of the Omeo MTB Trails Project.

The successful tender was from Common Ground Trails Pty Ltd, a specialised contractor with extensive experience in pump and skills track projects from design through to construction. Common Ground provided a considered proposal that met the tender criteria and budget.

Council’s General Manager Assets and Environment Fiona Weigall said a preliminary design was due next week, with a detailed design released to the public in September and construction soon after.

“Being the first area of construction for the Omeo MTB project, it will be exciting to see the works commence with a planned completion of the Omeo Pump and Skills Track prior to Christmas 2020,” Ms Weigall said.

“The pump and skill track area will comprise an undulating asphalt surfaced pump track, complemented by a natural surface skills area, which provides obstacles and features to challenge riders’ technical skills.”

The objective of the pump track is to improve bike handling skills for a range of riding abilities from beginner upwards, with a view to developing and promoting these skills for riding the Omeo MTB trails. Initially from Western Australia, Common Ground has a Victorian base in Woodend.

In June, Council received both the Omeo Mountain Bike Complex Master Plan and destination business case for the Omeo MTB Trails Project - a significant milestone for the project, which has the potential to offer the Omeo Region significant economic and social benefits.

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