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GOLDEN TRAIL BENEFICIAL TO REGION
 Ararat Rural City Council has agreed in principle to the establishment of the Golden Trail project.
The Golden Trail will be a walking/bicycle trail following the route taken by the Chinese between Robe and Bendigo . Council received a deputation from the committee in August seeking Council's in principle support for the project and commitment to work in partnership with the eight other councils through which the trail is proposed to traverse.
Council indicated that it is aware of the historical significance of this to the founding of Ararat.
The trail is proposed to enter the Ararat Rural City near Glenthompson and exit near Elmhurst , an approximate distance of 100 kilometres, or one fifth of the total distance of the trail.
The Golden Trail project committee believes the trail will have great benefit to the region, with the tourism industry contributing more to the Victorian economy than agriculture, mining, electricity, gas and water and government administration.
It is believed 27 per cent of international visitors to Victoria want to do a walk of some kind and nine per cent of domestic visitors.
the benefits to Ararat Rural City 's existing tourism and hospitality businesses would be very significant, particularly Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre.
Chief executive officer Bill Braithwaite said the trail would generate visitation and economic growth.
"However it doesn't come without cost and it needs to be considered," he said.
Cr Gwenda Allgood said the project had huge potential for Ararat Rural City but Council needed to consider the cost.
Council will consider the Golden Trail project for inclusion in the update of the Council Plan.
Ararat Advertiser - 19 August, 2006 |
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