Orange councillor Ash Brown believes Lake Canobolas is one of the region’s biggest hidden treasures and is totally under utilised as a tourist attraction.
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He revealed yesterday that during his four year tenure on council that he hopes to play a major role in transforming the lake into a recreational hub for families.
It’s this desire that played a crucial role in his push to help the Central West Off Road Bike Club’s proposal to build an 11 kilometre mountain bike trail at the Lake Canobolas earth sanctuary.
Mr Brown said at last week’s council meeting, councillors voted unanimously in favour of approving the club’s bid for a international-standard course and provided $10,000 in assistance.
“My vision is to make Lake Canobolas much more user friendly and turn it into an area that is at the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to family fun and recreation,” he said.
“We already have triathlons and bike races out there and the opportunity to construct a new mountain bike track will help my vision and I’ll push over my term for better facilities.
“At the moment we’re not getting enough people out there. We need to get more bums on seats.”
Included in Mr Brown’s vision is the construction of a water ski park, bigger and better walking and cycling tracks, and more improved and new tourist attractions.
Central West Off Road Bike Club president Scott Charlton was thrilled council bought into his club’s vision of creating one of the central west’s best off road bike courses.
“Our idea was obviously very appealing to council because it’s a local attraction that will help council expand attractions at Lake Canobolas,” he said.
“We believe that it will be an attraction that will bring thousands of people to the region each year.”
Mr Charlton said his club was busy drafting ideas for the course. He said council wanted it completed by its annual race meeting in November, but said he could not guarantee it will be.
“Our November race is set down for Kinross but council would like the race at the new site,” he said.
“Obviously we can’t guarantee that but we’re hopeful. We won’t be cutting any corners and a proper and successful course is paramount.
luke.schuyler@fairfaxmedia.com.au