Minister for Racing Paul Toole joined Parliamentary Secretary for Northern NSW Ben Franklin MLC today to announce $207,000 for construction of the Duck Creek Mountain Bike Park at Alstonville.

Mr Franklin said the new park will include eight kilometres of world-class cross country and all mountain-style trails, and a skills park.

“I’m delighted the NSW Government has partnered with Ballina Shire Council and the Northern Rivers Dirty Wheels Mountain Bike Club to deliver this great new sport and recreation facility,” Mr Franklin said.

“Once completed, the park will be available to local riders who want to practise their skills and boost their fitness. It will also be a drawcard for mountain bike enthusiasts and competitors from further afield, boosting tourism opportunities.”

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Mr Toole said the project is one of 26 across NSW funded from the latest round of the Clubgrants category 3 infrastructure program.

“More than $50 million in Clubgrants infrastructure funding is being provided in the current term of government for projects across sport and recreation, emergency preparedness, and arts and culture,” Mr Toole said.

These grants are funded through a rebate on the state’s registered clubs’ gaming machines to reinvest profits back into community projects.

“Our Government is pleased to provide this funding to help more people experience the many benefits of taking part in sport and leisure activities including improved fitness and well-being and greater social interaction,” Mr Toole said.

“We improved the program in 2017 by giving community organisations more chances to apply for a wider range of projects.

“New funding ranges are encouraging more diverse projects, and a streamlined application process is cutting red tape and allowing for faster assessment.”