Finch Hatton MTB

Pioneer Valley presents great development potential

In 2018, Mackay Regional Council engaged consultants Otium Planning and World Trail to investigate how the Mackay region’s mountain bike industry could be better enhanced, promoted and managed. The key finding was the Pioneer Valley presents great development potential for a nationally and internationally recognised mountain bike park.

Council endorsed further work to explore the feasibility and economic impact of the trail development around Eungella and Finch Hatton.

Mackay Regional Council has been briefed about the outcomes of the Feasibility Study on May 20, 2020. Council is supportive of progressing this project further.

The next steps will involve:

• negotiations with Native Title claimants, land owners and stakeholders and government agencies to seek approvals for the proposed trail network
• ground truthing
• ecological and cultural heritage assessment
• secure funding
• detailed design

Mountain bike park project pedals forward

An investigation into the feasibility of a mountain bike park in the Pioneer Valley has revealed a wealth of opportunities.

The business case and feasibility study, prepared by Otium Planning Group World Trail, considers the trail network concept, construction/maintenance costs and economic benefits.

They also undertook consultation with targeted stakeholders to address any ideas, issues or concerns with the Eungella-Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Park project.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the investigation presented some exciting opportunities for the region.

“The business case estimates that the mountain bike park will attract more than 22,000 riders annually,” he said.

“This will include about 19,000 non-resident visitors by its fourth year of operation.

“It is also expected to generate 28 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and would support 28 new jobs in its first year of operation, increasing to 67 jobs by year 10.”

Mayor Williamson said the Eungella-Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Park would deliver 100km of national-international standard mountain bike track across 11 individual trails as proposed by the business case.

“The trail network will span from Eungella to Finch Hatton,” he said.

“Most of the trail network will be located within National Park and State Forest, however four parcels of freehold land will need to be purchased to facilitate the trail network concept and infrastructure.”

Council will now begin negotiations with landowners regarding freehold land purchase and commence work on a detailed design for the mountain bike park.

A Regional Mountain Bike Alliance will also be established to act as the key reference and coordination group to support the delivery of the mountain bike strategy and its specific actions.

The total capital cost of the mountain bike park is estimated between $10.7 and $12.6 million.

Mountain biking on track for big things

Mountain biking is tipped to reach new heights in the Mackay region.

The potential of the region to become a signature mountain biking destination has been highlighted in a strategy prepared for council.

The possibility of developing a nationally and internationally significant mountain bike park based around Eungella and Finch Hatton is part of that strategy.

An ordinary meeting of council today endorsed the Mackay Region Mountain Bike Strategy, prepared by Otium Planning Group in partnership with World Trail.

As a part of the strategy, council’s Economic Development program will begin preparation of a business case and feasibility study for a mountain bike park in the upper Pioneer Valley.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the strategy estimated such a bike park around Eungella and Finch Hatton could attract up to 18,000 extra visitors a year.

He said the estimated direct economic benefit from such a surge in visitation was more than $6 million for the region’s economy.

“The strategy identified gaps in the Queensland and Australian mountain biking markets and how the Mackay region is ideally suited to fill those needs.

“Our main advantages, particularly in the Eungella-Finch Hatton area, include the stunning natural environment and excellent elevation.

“There is also substantial trail land available in that area and it would suit all mountain biking disciplines and levels.”

Any developments of infrastructure will be subject to future funding submissions and council budget considerations.

The Mackay Region Mountain Bike Strategy was one of two strategies endorsed by today’s ordinary meeting.

The Mackay Sport and Recreation Strategy (2018-2028) was also adopted.