The Beechworth to Yackandandah Epic Mountain Bike Trail is expected to cost $2 million and could be ready for construction next year.

It would be the only all-weather, epic-standard bike trail in the southern hemisphere.

Councillors at this week’s meeting unanimously voted to put forward the project for funding as part of the federal building better regions fund, but not before a debate.

The contentious project would require $1 million of council funding to be set aside over the next three years, forcing other capital works projects to be delayed.

The scale of the bike trail means the council would have to employ a full-time maintenance specialist at a cost of $80,000 per year, plus spend another $100,000 on specialised equipment and materials.

But councillors were encouraged to support the project because it would bring $3.7 million per year to the region through tourism.

Cr James Trenery said the money would have a flow-on effect for businesses who could then sponsor smaller sporting clubs and festivals.

“To have one of the most epic tracks, or one of the biggest tracks, in the southern hemisphere in North East Victoria, to have it in our shire, is going to be fantastic,” he said.

“The tourism slant could disappear if, heaven forbid, the (federal) government changes next year so this is a once-off opportunity we can take and the benefits are huge.”

Cr Sophie Price said she was concerned the bike trail was getting approval before the council had finalised its cycling strategy, to the detriment of other projects.

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