Andy Visser
17 June 2023: Today marked the launch of the ACT Government partnership with the University of Canberra to deliver $2.8 million in new funding for improvements to enhance Stromlo Forest Park.
The ACT Government investment includes a commitment to build a $1.8 million new flow trail from Stromlo to the Cotter, adding another feature mountain biking experience to Canberra’s cycling and nature tourism offerings.
The University of Canberra has contributed $1 million in sponsorship that will further boost the ACT Government’s investment in Stromlo Forest Park, and will see the University taking on the naming and branding rights to the park.
“The ACT Government is keen to ensure Canberra is recognised as a great place for cycling and nature tourism, and the development of the flow trail from University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park to the Cotter will provide a unique offering to mountain bikers from around Australia and the world,” said Chief Minister Andrew Barr.
“I’d like to thank the University of Canberra for partnering with the park and helping to promote the site as a world-class facility,” said the Chief Minister. “The welcome investment from the sponsorship deal will go towards enhancing Stromlo Forest Park to ensure it remains a premier biking and recreational facility.”
“The University of Canberra is the home of sport in the ACT, and this partnership is another example of the depth of the University of Canberra’s connection with the Canberra community,” said Professor Paddy Nixon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra.
The University will benefit from this partnership through access to a world-class sport and recreation facility, through increased collaboration with sporting communities across Australia and internationally, and by building stronger connection and ties with the community to enable learning, sport and social experiences for students, as well as enhance research capabilities.
“This partnership is ideal for both UC and Stromlo Forest Park as it enables us to bring research and teaching expertise across a broad range of sports, tourism and business specialties to bear on both the challenges and the opportunities at the facility,” said Professor Nixon.
The 15km flow trail will create a link between the two popular recreation hubs and pass through nature reserves, allowing riders to experience the unique landscape of the ACT.
University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park will continue to be a nationally significant, multi-use recreational sporting facility, with the University committed to strengthening the park and collaborating with government on sporting and academic opportunities.
“The University of Canberra’s Sport Strategy, Game On 2021–2024, underpins our approach to our academic teaching, research and community sport engagement ambitions. We are committed to working with our partners, like Stromlo Forest Park, to help position Canberra as the nation’s preferred study, work and sport destination,” said Professor Nixon.
The five-year agreement coincides with the ACT Government’s new Tracks and Trails Masterplan, and the wider community has been invited to have its say on the park’s tracks and trails development and expansion.
“We have heard from the mountain biking community that designing a new Tracks and Trails Masterplan is the best place to start to guide trail and mountain biking infrastructure investment over the next five years,” said Chris Steel, Special Minister of State.
The masterplan will review existing sanctioned tracks and trails, and plan for new tracks and trails located on both the eastern and western sides of the park.
World Trail has been appointed to create the Tracks and Trails Masterplan and engage with key stakeholders and the community on its design.
Watch the University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park video here.
