THE possibility of 5000 long-distance recreational cyclists coming to Millicent in November has increased with Wattle Range Council pledging a sum of $12,000 to organisers of the event.
The allocation was made during a marathon five-hour council meeting in Millicent tomorrow.
Council will also provide a small amount of in-kind support.
Negotiations have been held with the organisers of the Great Vic Bike Ride with between 4000 and 5000 participants expected to participate in the annual event.
The ride is proposed to start in Robe on November 22 and travel through Beachport for an overnight stay in Millicent.
It would finish in Torquay Victoria on December 1.
The three places which have been earmarked to host the riders are the Millicent Showgrounds, Bolton Oval and McLaughlin Park.
All councillors who participated in Tuesday’s debate supported the allocation which the exception of Councillor Peter Dunnicliff.
“It is too much money and I am not in favour,” Cr Dunnicliff said.
However, Cr Moira Neagle said the ride would be a promotional opportunity for the district.
Cr Kevin McGrath said local community groups could turn a profit by establishing mobile phone charging points for use by the cyclists.
According to Cr Dean Burrow, he had been involved with the successful staging of a similar ride through Penola 25 years ago and it had incorporated a street market.
Mayor Des Noll (OAM) said the Great Vic Bike Ride was a unique opportunity for the district for a small outlay.
Wattle Range Council staff members have met with the organisers of the 2019 Great Vic Bike Ride and the neighbouring councils of Robe and Mount Gambier.
Development services director Steve Chapple said the Great Vic Bike Ride is a fully supported annual bike riding holiday and it would create many tourism and other economic benefits for the council area.
Millicent businessman and Acky’s Deli owner Mark Pilmore has welcomed the concept.
“It is a great idea,” he said.
“Anything that brings people to Millicent is a good thing.
“A (council) investment of $12,000 is reasonable because of the spin-offs it would create.”
