$2.5 million in grants for the Regional Development Victoria – Ride High Country Fund is set to help local businesses attract more cyclists to the region, as announced by Minister for Regional Development, Mary-Anne Thomas.
The grants are part of a $12 million, ten-year plan to continue building on the High Country’s strength as Australia’s premier cycling destination.
Who can apply?
The RHCFR2 is primarily a regional business development program (individuals are not eligible to apply under this program). Applications will only be considered from private sector businesses.
Projects/activities that will be considered
- Accommodation*: Experiential accommodation, eco-pods, bike hotels, contemporary backpacker accommodation, extensive integrated resort facilities and hotels.
- Bike Hubs and services: Expansion of existing businesses or creating new businesses to enhance the cycle tourism experience and create an active precinct where cyclists gather.
- Food and beverage operators: New or expanded food and beverage offerings that are cyclist-friendly and located at strategic sites to enhance the cycle visitor experience, e.g. along rail trails, at trailheads or bike hubs.
- Tour operators: Bike hire and bike shuttle companies that enhance the cycle visitor experience through improving existing and/or providing new cycling-related services; and tour operators with a focus on increasing interstate and international visitation through partnerships with local businesses.
* Accommodation projects that add increased bed numbers to the region will have preference over projects that are refurbishment of existing room stock.
Projects must be ‘shovel ready’. If supported must be ready to begin within six months of a signed grant agreement.
Program details can be found at: https://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/cycle-tourism-investment
