Fleurieu mountain bikers on track with new park

15-year-old Karl Lang spoke at the region’s Country Cabinet forum in October 2024, calling on a new mountain bike trail to be created to help young people get active.

In response, the state government has given a $1 million grant to Victor Harbor Council to acquire 50 hectares of land at Brown Hill for the new mountain bike park.

The site, which is now secured, follows the Department for Environment and Water working with Karl, the biking community and council to determine a location which offers challenging mountain bike trails without impacting the environment. A previous project proposed in Hindmarsh Valley National Park did not proceed amid environmental and biodiversity concerns.

A management plan for Hindmarsh Valley National Park confirmed it was ecologically significant and home to numerous rare native fauna and flora including 11 bird species along with threatened mammal, reptile and amphibian species.

With the new land acquired at Brown Hill, the council will create a masterplan for the new mountain bike park – which will include a review of the previously proposed trails and facilities and establishing at least one shared bike and walking track.

City of Victor Harbor will oversee the works and manage and run the park once complete.

Mountain biker and community advocate Karl Lang said the project will  significantly benefit Victor Harbor, the Fleurieu region and South Australia.

"Where else can you ride trails with an outlook like this?

"I’ve analysed and assessed the potential of mountain biking sites across the region, and to settle on one so close to Victor Harbor that meets every criteria for mountain biking is so good!

"I would like to encourage other young people to get involved in shaping their communities. If they see a need, don’t whinge about it, push for change and don’t give up until you achieve what you hope to. The community will benefit from what you do," Mr Lang said.

City of Victor Harbor Mayor, Dr Moira Jenkins said that since the Council adopted its Mountain Bike Strategy in 2021, many in the Victor Harbor community have been eagerly awaiting the identification of a suitable option for a Mountain Bike Park.

"There is strong enthusiasm for mountain biking to be developed in our region, and we know there will be keen interest in seeing this project move forward.

"Elements of the Victor Harbor Mountain Bike Park will be delivered within five years along with public access to both walkers and Mountain Bike riders.

"We look forward to working closely with community members throughout the planning process to ensure the facility meets local needs and aspirations," Dr Jenkins said.