FIFTY-SIX active and engaged groups on the Mornington Peninsula are waiting anxiously to see the results of the Pick My Project “competition” being run by the state government.
The Victorian-first community grants program is offering at least $1 million to clubs, groups and associations as well as a range of independent bright ideas from people working for their communities.
They are all vying with one another to win public online support – or votes – for projects ranging from lighting at football ovals, paths for the disabled, club extensions to music afternoons, yoga and suicide prevention.
Voting closed Monday 17 September with results to be announced later this month.
Mornington Peninsula’s largest mountain bike club, the Red Hill Riders, are seeking money through Pick My Project to build a trail network that will take riders from the top of Arthurs Seat to the bottom at Hillview community reserve.
“The Mornington Peninsula is well regarded as one of the hot spots of mountain biking in Australia, and the town has long been a beneficiary of mountain bike related tourism,” Red Hill Riders president Terence Toh said.
“If we were to be successful in our bid, we would be able to seriously expand the park’s trails, which would provide better access for riders of varying ages and abilities, including beginner riders.
“We also have a vision of pitching for national and international mountain bike events to be hosted on the Mornington Peninsula in the future.”
The mayor Cr Bryan Payne said he was “ecstatic that we have such an active, engaged community” participating in the fundraising project.
“I encourage community members to get behind these wonderful local initiatives taking place throughout the peninsula,” he said.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 18 September 2018
