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OAKESHOTT INDEPENDENT

OAKESHOTT WANTS MORE BIKE MONEY FOR THE MID-NORTH COAST

 

Following the 12-hour Mountain Bike endurance race presentations at Telegraph Point, Independent MP for Port Macquarie, Rob Oakeshott, today said the event could be doubled in size with the support of the State Government.

"The course is a cracker, and the support of the mountain-biking community is strong. This is developing into yet another important event on our local calendar, Mr Oakeshott said.

"I will be talking more with Lloyd and Billy from Gordon Street Cyclery about plans to grow this event to at least double its current size, said Mr Oakeshott.

"The Ironman is an important example of where State money can make a difference. This event most likely wouldn't be in Port Macquarie if the State didn't contribute $50,000 a year for the five year period, said Mr Oakeshott

"After looking at the set-up, I am confident the Enduro is ready to start chasing some State dollars to really grow the event to the next level, said Mr Oakeshott.

"At the same time, we are seeing the start of works on the Criterion Track that received $250,000 from Government, and this will be able to attract a range of cycling events in the future. We really are starting to position ourselves as the cycling capital of NSW, Mr Oakeshott said.

'What is currently missing is the recreational option that is off-road. I noticed over the weekend at website domain.com that the number of people from the Lighthouse Beach area that ride to work is an embarrassing 0%, said Mr Oakeshott.

"And this is entirely understandable due to the current riding options. $25,000 was provided to Council last year for a bike-track on Pacific Drive, and I am not sure of progress of that money, but we really need to get serious about providing safe, family-based cycling tracks as viable options for our community, said Mr Oakeshott.

"And with the Big Bike Ride due in town in a couple of weeks, this message will only become louder and clearer with about 1000 cyclists expected to hit town as part of this major annual cycling event, Mr Oakeshott said today.

5 March 2007