Omeo has marked a key milestone with the official opening of Stage 1 of the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails.

At a ceremony held at Livingstone Park on Friday 6 December 2024, community members, mountain bike enthusiasts and dignitaries came together to celebrate the project, which is already establishing Omeo as a nationally significant mountain biking destination.

Stage 1 of the project includes 50km of professionally designed trails catering to riders of all abilities, as well as state-of-the-art facilities at the Livingstone Park trailhead, including showers, changerooms, a bike wash, trail maps, skills park and a pump track, offering a functional and inviting space for riders to gather and prepare for an adventure.

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We will formally open three major projects in coming days, celebrating with the community new facilities that are supporting people, social connections and economy.

The official opening of Orbost Forest Park will take place at 10.30am this Friday, 29 November, followed by the WORLD Sporting Precinct at 5.30pm on Thursday 5 December, and Stage 1 of the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails at 11.30am on Friday 6 December.

Each project features a formal ceremony, and community celebrations, with all residents and visitors encouraged to attend.

WORLD Sporting Precinct: Building on a long history

The WORLD Sporting Precinct represents a $17.4 million investment in regional sport and recreation. Featuring new netball courts, hockey pitches, and a modern pavilion, the facility builds on decades of community effort and volunteer dedication.

“It’s not just a place for sport - it’s a hub where friendships are formed, skills are developed, and communities come together,” Fiona said.

The opening event will include an exhibition netball game by the Bairnsdale Netball Association.

Orbost Forest Park: A draw for locals and visitors

The $1.9 million revitalisation has transformed the park into an inviting and accessible space, complete with enhanced amenities and new playground.

It includes enhanced walking paths, expanded parking, new picnic facilities, a barbecue area, and a modern adventure playground designed input with local students. The park is a leading example of community-focused design and reflects the importance of listening to our communities.

The result is a vibrant space that caters to everyone - from families enjoying a picnic to visitors discovering the region.

The opening event will feature a teddy bears’ picnic for kids, as well as a barbecue and formal ribbon cutting with more than 100 children expected to head to the park for the event.

Putting Omeo on the MTB map

The opening of Stage 1 of the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails marks the completion of the first 50km of trails. Designed for riders of all abilities, the trails are complemented by Livingstone Park’s new facilities, including changerooms, showers, a bike wash and pump track.

When finished, the trail network will extend over 100km, positioning Omeo as a premier mountain biking destination.

Locals and visitors are invited to bring a bike and give the trails a try after the formal opening.

To read more, visit:

Media Release: Council to launch major sports and recreation projects (eastgippsland.vic.gov.au)

Further updates will be provided on YourSay following the Council Election on 26 October 2024, and the questions/feedback tab will be reinstated.

From 12.00 noon Tuesday 17 September until 6.00 pm on Saturday 26 October (Election Day) we will be in the Local Government Election Period (also known as Caretaker Period).

During this time, we will limit our printed communications, website content, social media activity, and community consultations. The ability for people to comment on our social media content will also be disabled during the Election Period.

Each of these steps is to ensure our content does not affect voting in the election and is consistent with steps taken by other Victorian Councils and the Local Government Act 2020.

These changes are only temporary; we'll be back to normal communication activity after the election.

CLICK HERE to view the July project update

Our crews have spotted riders using closed trails in active construction areas. While we love your enthusiasm, riding on unfinished trails involves significant collision risks with machinery – including active excavators – and with trail testers.

There is also a real potential for rock falls if you cross an unfinished section. In addition, unopened trails are not yet signposted – making locating an injured rider difficult in the event of an emergency. So, check out the map, observe signage on the trails, and stay safe.

Riders are asked to avoid areas marked as construction sites.

CLICK HERE to view the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails - May 2024 update

This Is Going To Be Big | Omeo 1.0 to be ready by spring 2024 (flowmountainbike.com)

Photographer Sam Purdie (Instagram: sgpurdie) captured the trails from above, revealing a canvas of single trail and switchbacks.

Safety on the trails

Our crews have spotted riders using closed trails in active construction areas. While we love your enthusiasm, riding on unfinished trails involves significant collision risks with machinery – including active excavators – and with trail testers.

There is also a real potential for rock falls if you cross an unfinished section. In addition, unopened trails are not yet signposted – making locating an injured rider difficult in the event of an emergency. So, check out the map, observe signage on the trails, and stay safe.

Riders are asked to avoid areas marked as construction sites.

CLICK HERE to view the February project update

Media Release: Omeo MTB Trails Project update - February (eastgippsland.vic.gov.au)

New images have been added to the photos tab.

Photos - Omeo Mountain Bike Destination Project

CLICK HERE to view the December project update

Council have been appointed as the Committee of Management (CoM) over certain sections of the Bingo-Munjie Forest Park (formally Mt Sam State Park), specifically focusing on the Omeo MTB Trails.

One of the most notable aspects of this appointment is the endorsement of the trail corridor network for the Omeo MTB Trails in Bingo-Munjie Forest Park. This is a significant development that promises enhanced trail management, preservation and an improved experience for all trail users.

Importantly, the Department of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action (DEECA) has appointed Council as the land manager for Mt Sam Road. This allows us to collaborate on road maintenance and potential enhancements for a better and safer trail network.

CLICK HERE to view the September / October project update