Funding of $837,000 from the NSW Nationals in the federal government will support the showcasing of Dungog’s spectacular ridgetop trails, linking Dungog Common to the iconic Barrington Tops.
Funding has been announced under the Federal Coalition Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program to continue to make Dungog Shire an attractive and safe trail-friendly region.
Federal Nationals Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the project would allow Ride Dungog to collaborate with the community and key stakeholders on the planning and development of more than 25 kilometres of new trails, directly benefiting the region’s tourism and hospitality sector.
“An increase in recreational trail development will mean Dungog Shire can significantly broaden its tourism appeal, by tapping into the trail-based tourism and events market,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Dungog Shire is set to become an economically and environmentally sustainable trails destination, offering diverse and immersive trail experiences that will open up the World Heritage listed Barrington Tops National Park to many more visitors and locals.
“I’m delighted to be announcing this funding for Dungog and know the Ride Dungog proponents are keen to liaise closely with the community about future plans.”
Ride Dungog president Chloe Chick said the increasing demand for multi-use recreational trails would stimulate more service and business opportunities for the local area.
“We want the community to come together to develop this great tourism project,” Ms Chick said.
“With the region hard hit by drought, bushfires, floods and the pandemic, we believe there are significant opportunities to boost our local economy through the tourism and jobs that will be created.
“In addition, opening up this access to our beautiful ridgetops will provide positive health and wellbeing outcomes for the entire community.”
