Bike hire project launched

Balranald residents and visitors are encouraged to strap on a helmet and try out the Balranald Discovery Centre’s new free bike hire service.

Balranald Inc donated five bikes and five helmets to the Balranald Discovery Centre for the initiative, which was officially launched last Friday.

Council tourism co-ordinator Connie Mallet said the idea was initiated by local community group Balranald Inc.

“Committee member Di Williams spoke to us about the idea with the hope of bringing more tourism into town,” Ms Mallet said.

The five bikes were purchased by Balranald Inc through Balranald Sports, who purchased them at cost price from former Balranald resident Bruce Howard who runs a bike shop in Sunbury.

Moore’s Bus Line then donated the bike rack for the project.

Ms Mallet said the initiative was a great example of community groups working together with the Balranald Shire Tourism Committee and other community members.

“This is a wonderful project that will have great benefits for tourism and for local residents,” she said.

“I also think it will give visitors a lot of joy.

“We do have a few tracks around town for people to walk on.

“The plan is to make a formal bike track which is in the early planning stages at the moment.”

Ms Mallet said the free bike hire would provide an incentive for travellers to stop and stay longer.

“It will also help create an additional activity for visitors that provides a further incentive to select this area as a destination of choice for a holiday, a break or weekend away,” she said.

To read more about this story, grab a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (March 29).