When you think of the Maas Titan Macquarie Mud Run and the Maas Group Dubbo Stampede, you think of two uniquely different but similar fun and fitness events.
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But the ongoing benefit of those events to the community shined bright on Friday when stage two of a lighting program along the Tracker Riley Cycleway was officially unveiled.
The funding for the program came from proceeds of the Stampede and the Mud Run, as well as a contribution from Dubbo Regional Council through its Stronger Communities Fund.
Dubbo Stampede president Rod Campbell said the new lighting will make the river a safer area for people to be active and get in some exercise
“It’s all about making Dubbo more liveable and more accessible for people who want to be more active and live a more active lifestyle,” Mr Campbell said.
“We’re really excited to work with the Mud Run and council to help people move a little more and be a bit more healthy.
“Our feedback, and what I’ve seen myself, is that people are more active on dusk and dawn when it’s a little bit marginal whether you got for a walk or a run, but because the lights are here we’re able to get people down here more.
“Safety is obviously paramount and this makes the river safer, and makes people feel they can come down here and exercise.”
Dubbo Regional Council administrator Michael Kneipp said his organisation was only too happy to contribute to the project, which he says will have far-reaching benefits for the community of Dubbo.
“It’s very exciting. Rod and the Dubbo Stampede team have done a really excellent job, and we were really fortunate when the councils merged to get $10 million from the State government for the Stronger Communities Fund,” Mr Kneipp said
“So council was happy to put forward $16,500k towards the money that the Stampede group had put forward
“If you have a look at the backdrop behind us the Macquarie River is a magnificent waterway and to have more people using it is fantastic.
“For people’s safety you need good lighting, particularly when morning and late in the day is peak time.
“One thing I’ve noticed is the age range of people, it’s not just younger people but older people are using the Tracker Riley area since the lights have been installed.”
