AusLeisure

Tasmanian Minister for Sport and Recreation, Michelle O'Byrne MP, has encouraged councils and community groups to take advantage of the $1 million worth of funding available from the Trails and Bikeways Program.

Minister O'Byrne explained "the Trails and Bikeways Program offers grants of up to $100,000 to create new trails or significantly upgrade existing ones, which we know will help encourage people to get active in their local communities."

Minister O'Byrne said the $1 million provided to the Trails and Bikeways Program for the next two years is in line with the Tasmanian Government's commitment to providing high quality sport and recreation facilities.

She added "walking and cycling are two of the most popular physical activities for Tasmanians, who are now above the national average in terms of participating in sport and recreation.

"The Trails and Bikeways Program has played a large role in achieving that result, helping develop more than $10 million worth of tracks and paths around Tasmania."

Minister O'Byrne said 34 tracks and trails had been developed as part of the Trails and Bikeways Program, including:

• North South Track (Mount Wellington)
• Devonport-Quoiba Cycleway
• Kate Reed and Trevallyn reserves (Launceston)
• Clarence Foreshore Trail
• Kingborough Mountain Bike Park

The Minister continued "the Trails and Bikeways Program is a great way to support the efforts of Tasmanians to keep physically active."

"Good recreation facilities help communities stay socially and physically active, making people healthier and providing them with a great lifestyle."

Minister O'Byrne said helping Tasmanian communities develop healthy and active lifestyles also ensured their long-term economic future, concluding "the Tasmanian health system saves $60.2 million each year from people participating in sport and physical recreation."

"Overall, sport and physical recreation is a significant contributor to the Tasmanian economy, generating $4 in benefits to the state for every $1 invested."

For details of the Trails and Bikeways Program opens tomorrow go to the Sport and Recreation Tasmania website at www.sportandrecreation.tas.gov.au

Image courtesy of the Bicycle Network.

16th April 2013 - MOUNTAIN BIKING TOURISM BOOST FOR LAUNCESTON

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