Construction of 100 kilometres of trails for Stage 1 of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination Project is underway.

World Trail, renowned for crafting extraordinary trail experiences, are on site delivering the much-anticipated Warburton Mountain Bike Destination project.  The first trails are expected to be open in the first half of 2025, subject to weather conditions.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Councillor Sophie Todorov said while the start of construction had taken a little longer than expected, the project is now well underway.

“Much work has been done to ensure that during the delivery of this project protections are put in place from an environmental, cultural and emergency management perspective. And this will go beyond construction with plans in place for the future protection of our community and local environment.

“We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our partners and stakeholders as this kind of large-scale legacy project can only be delivered in collaboration.  We thank every single person who has contributed to this project during its planning phases including the state and federal governments, Traditional Owners, statutory authorities and the Warburton Yarra Junction Community Bank as we start to see this project become a reality,” said Cr Todorov.

O’Shannassy Ward Councillor Jim Child said, “This project is the vital economic boost that this region needs, particularly with the closure of the timber industry. It’s also important to ensure that with this project we balance the needs of our local community with the economic and tourism benefits that this project will bring. This is something we will continue to monitor and prioritise during and after construction.

“This project has been in the making for many years and at long last, it has become a reality,” said Cr Child.

Since its inception in 2013, the vision for this project has been guided by meticulous planning, culminating in the most comprehensive approvals process ever undertaken for a recreational project.

The rigorous evaluation of environmental and social impacts, as demonstrated by the Environment Effects Statement, ensures a sustainable legacy for generations to come.

All plans have now been endorsed by the State and Federal governments and an official sod turning ceremony will be announced shortly.