Funding Bike Facilities: Private Contributions
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Community fundraising, developer contributions, corporate donations and philanthopic trusts can all help fund better bike facilities.
BHP Billiton kick starts one of Victoria's best Rail Trails
Stage One of the Coast to Crater Rail Trail will be completed in late 2007 - early 2008 and will run from Camperdown to Timboon in western
The trail received a commitment for over $200,000 from BHP Billiton in mid 2006 which was quickly followed by the announcement of $250,000 from the State Government’s Small Town Development Fund.
The Rail Trail Committee of Management and Bicycle Victoria approached BHP Billiton because they are operating a large gas production facility in the region and have a strong community grants program.
BHP Billiton was very impressed with the rail trail project because of the strong community benefits it could deliver; particularly the health, recreation and community building benefits.
The funding application was developed by Bicycle Victoria, the Rail Trail Committee of Management, and Corangamite Council. Its success in a very competitive selection process was partly due to the strong support for the project across the whole community and the detailed nature of the works program and associated costs.
While not all projects will have a BHP Billiton in the area, there are a number of large companies that are keen to fund high quality projects that will strengthen and improve local communities. For example Fosters has a very active community grants program.