SIGNIFICANT funding has been awarded to Alpine Shire Council to support local projects including 150,000 to upgrade the Mt Beauty skate park and $130,000 for a second stage of new mountain bike trails at Dinner Plain. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) was in Mt Beauty last Thursday to award the three winners of the Pick My Project scheme, but then went on to make the surprise announcement of an extra $280,000 worth of funding. A major upgrade to the Mt Beauty skate park will provide users with more areas to ride and skate, especially during warmer months when skaters, scooter and BMW riders flocking to the park. The Dinner Plain mountain bike trails project will see the construction of a further 4km of all-ability trail to link to existing tracks to form a loop to go with new signage. These are two very exciting projects for the Alpine region that cater for all abilities, beginners and experienced dare devils, Ms Symes said. The Alpine region is renowned for its beautiful surroundings and people like to enjoy the outdoors in this part of the state, so I am sure these new investments will be well utilised. The grants were awarded through the State Governments Community Sports Infrastructure Fund. Talking about the Dinner Plain project, Alpine Shire mayor Cr Ron Janas said securing the funding has been a fantastic community effort. Its something the mountain bike riders up there have been after for some time, and now that weve got this extra funding well be on track to deliver that, he said. Its a beautiful place up there, and it will hopefully boost the economy. Sharon Plummer, who has been active in the push for an improved Mt Beauty skate park was exciting by the funding announcement. Plans have been drawn up for some time, and we were just waiting for the money to become available, she said. When it is finished, it will be something unique in the area, a major feature in the skating world which we hope will attract high-profile skaters and events and be a real drawcard for the town.