Tourism told to step up

By CASEY NEILL
HILLS tourism operators need to capitalise on a new fitness track being built alongside the popular 1000 Steps.
That was the word from Dandenong Ranges Tourist Information Centre manager Michael Axel after Sport and Recreation Minister Hugh Delahunty launched the start of construction on the $400,000 project last Wednesday.
The new bluestone fitness challenge steps will run along the 1500 metre Lyrebird Track, parallel to the original Kokoda Track Memorial Walk.
The project is designed to take pressure off the congested 1000 Steps, better protect the surrounding natural environment, and allow better step design to reduce fatigue for those who use the steps for exercise.
“We are wildly in favour of it,” Mr Axel said.
“We think it’s a wonderful thing from every possible point of view.
“It will allow the 1000 Steps to cope with more people safely and enjoyably.”
Mr Axel said the new track would make it more possible for a wider range of people to enjoy the experience.
“This refurbishment will make it more friendly for families,” he said.
He said a percentage of those who used the steps stayed in Dandenongs to enjoy other activities.
“The challenge is now to grow that percentage,” he said.
“Some use the steps as fitness training before or after work, so they’re not staying in the area afterwards.
“But an awful lot of them are.”
Mr Axel said the Burwood Highway tourist centre attracted many visitors looking for the 1000 Steps.
“We try to steer them to the 1000 Steps that they’ve asked for but also to other venues, other attractions,” he said.
“We need to step that up.
“They’re people who are interested in natural attractions, in the parks. People who enjoy the sorts of things we have up here.
Parks Victoria acting district chief ranger Steve Pellen said more than 500,000 people used the 1000 Steps each year.
“The new purpose built fitness challenge steps currently being constructed will offer new opportunities for people who want to fitness/training challenge,” he said.
“The new steps will have three fitness stations and distance markers so people will be able to measure their time and improve on their personal best.”
The new steps have been designed with input from sports scientist Dick Telford.
“The new fitness challenge steps will reduce pressure off the 1000 Steps, which were not designed as running steps,” Mr Pellen said.
“We’re sure they’ll prove popular with those who visit the park for a physical challenge, and we’ll be continuing to monitor the number of people using the steps.”
The new steps are expected to be completed in August.