The Country Liberal Party have committed to auditing a possible bike trail out to Nitmiluk National Park should they win government in the coming election.
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The party has promised that planning for the trail led by NT Tourism and the Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Logistics will produce a report by the end of 2021.
CLP's local candidate for the seat of Katherine Jo Hersey says the idea had been proposed and discussed under past governments, but no progress was ever made.
She says there is significant local support for the idea which she became aware of while door-knocking for her campaign.
"A bike path from Katherine to Nitmiluk will complement the recently opened mountain bike track in the national park," Ms Hersey said.
"It's something which will benefit both locals and the tourism industry we have here in Katherine.
"It's come out of local feedback, cyclists including myself would love to make this ride but it isn't safe enough at the moment especially for families.
"We're looking at a paved path running within the existing road reserve which is all-access for riders of all ages and abilities.
"It contributes to the lifestyle we have to offer people in this region, and would enhance the existing Ultra Challenge which is already a great draw-card for our community.
"This suggestion has come straight from the community and it has dual benefits for both residents and tourism alike," she said.
Country Liberal Party leader Lia Finocchiaro was on hand in Katherine for announcement, and said if the path is feasible then these dual benefits makes it a no-brainer for the region.
"We know that Katherine is a service centre as much as a tourist destination," she said.
"So infrastructural initiatives such as this are a way in which to try keep those people moving through Katherine in the region for longer.
"If they each stay an extra day or two then that's more money in the pockets of cafes, more money in the pockets of caravan parks and the town as a whole.
"I do go for rides with my own family and I wouldn't take them on this stretch of road with the dangers as they are.
"With COVID-19 we can really see the rise in interest for these recreational activities, you can barely buy a bike in stores at the moment.
"It also improves the lifestyle of people within this region.
"People will come to work and contribute to Katherine if we can offer them the lifestyle they're looking for.
"So we do think these sorts of improvements have the capacity to aid in population as well," the Opposition Leader said.
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Katherine's own Greg and Vickie Bird were also on hand to celebrate the announcement this morning.
As a rider with 45+ years of experience, Mr Bird says he and 30 friends ride the road fairly regularly.
They've had near-misses particularly with tourists who don't realise the extra width of their vehicles, but they're mad or passionate enough to continue regardless.
For Ms Bird however she said a safer path is the difference between her getting out on the bike or staying in the gym.
"I wouldn't be comfortable to ride this route as it is," she said.
"If I ride I just ride out to Tindal on the bike path, but if this were to start at the hospital then I could go all the way to the National Park.
"The lack of options for a safe and secure place to ride is a deterrent from the sport for me personally.
"Greg will ride anywhere but there's plenty of young families who would appreciate this as an option for them," Ms Bird said.
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