NSW Labor will commit $700,000 to support Dungog become a world-class biking destination and boost tourism across the Upper Hunter.

This support package would include $50,000 for Dungog Shire Council to promote Dungog as a major tourist destination and support the further diversification of Dungog’s tourism sector.

Labor’s pledge will further boost tourism in Dungog which is experiencing an economic revival thanks to new mountain bike trails, which attract hundreds of riders from across NSW. However, local not-for-profit clubs have been left scrambling to build new tracks and toilet facilities to cater for large visitor numbers.

Today the National Party once again made the same promise given to the people of Dungog by disgraced former Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen, who committed $630,000 to Dungog’s burgeoning mountain bike tourism sector.

Shadow Minister for Active Transport Jo Haylen said: “The Nationals love to splash cash but not deliver. Labor will make sure Dungog gets the funding it needs to maintain its mountain bike paths and promote itself as a world class tourist destination.

“This is a clean, green and cheap way to create support local jobs when they are needed most and help diversify the growing tourist industry in and around Dungog.

“Dungog has a golden opportunity to position itself as a world-class biking destination and it’s important the community has the support to make it possible.”