Media Release – 05/05/2023
Following a lengthy process, the Mitta Valley Mountain Bike Park Cultural Heritage Management Plan has been completed. Similarly, a Native Vegetation Assessment was recently completed that has determined the cost of offsetting biodiversity loses associated with the construction of the proposed trail network. The purchase of a vegetation offset is to ensure there are zero loses and improved biodiversity outcomes resulting from the park construction. Following the assessment, proposed trail alignments have been revised to avoid and minimise impacting areas of higher value or sensitivity.
Finalising the environmental reports took much longer than anticipated. Now complete, the Project Steering Group (PSG) has turned their attention to developing the social enterprise associated with the project. The social enterprise is an important component; it will assist generate income to support the park’s ongoing maintenance.
The Victorian Social Enterprise Strategy 2021-2025 defines social enterprises as:
- Led by an economic, social, cultural or environmental mission consistent with a public or community benefit.
- Derive a substantial portion of their income from trade.
- Reinvest the majority of their profit/ surplus in the fulfilment of their mission.
In March this year, Mitta Valley Inc. released a Request for Quotation to commission the development of a business plan for the social enterprise. Tourism Recreation Conservation (TRC) consultants successfully secured the work.
TRC will be in region 14 – 16 June to conduct community engagement. The PSG and Mitta Valley Inc. are keen to hear what ideas the community may have for the social enterprise. A community engagement session is set for 6.00pm Thursday 15 June 2023 at Magorra Park, visit https://MMBPcommunitysession.eventbrite.com.au to register your attendance. Residents can alternatively provide their input through an online survey found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/72NVGXY
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