PRESS RELEASE

3 February 2023

Cycling and walking trail proposal wins NSW Grant to
supercharge Central West tourism

Local cycling advocacy group, the Orange Bicycle Users Group (BUG), is delighted to have their proposal for cycling and walking trails linking wineries and food producers in the Orange region move closer to reality.

The Orange BUG received a grant of $270,000 from the NSW Government’s Business Case and Strategy Development Fund. The grant will fund a comprehensive analysis of a feasibility and benefits of an off-road network of multi-purpose cycling and walking trails to attract all year round tourism to the Central West.

Announcing the grant at Printhie Wines on Friday 3 February 2023, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole said “Any successful project starts with evidence-based planning, and this fund is helping turn great ideas and concepts into a reality, not just for individual organisations but for entire communities.”

“The ‘Orange Regional Trails’ concept is for an off-road network of multi-purpose cycling and walking trails that will link our food and wine venues. These trails are separated from motor vehicles providing both cyclists and walkers a safe and all year round tourism opportunity. The trails aims to capitalise on the boom of domestic tourism and champion the unique features of food and wine in our region” says Virginia Flanagan, Orange BUG Vice President.

Ms Flanagan added “We are looking to attract the growing active travel market who are proven to stay longer and spend more in our region but also create a community asset that can be enjoyed by locals and be accessible and safe for people of all abilities”

The grant will enable the BUG to comprehensively assess the benefits to the region, consult widely and scope the best routes that recognise the needs of the community and businesses.

The evaluation of the proposed Orange Wine Trails has been supported by the Orange Council, the Central West Joint Organisation of Councils, the Orange Regional Vigneron Association, Orange 360 Tourism, the Orange Mountain Bike Club and peak body, Bicycle NSW.

For more information about the proposal go to www.orangebugs.org Email admin@orangebugs.org

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