Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails

Council update sessions delivered

On Sunday, council delivered two community sessions in Finch Hatton and Eungella.

The well-attended sessions provided residents with the opportunity to learn more about the project and have a place to ask questions.

The sessions also included a discussion on the progress of the Finch Hatton Local Area Planning Framework project.

Click here to view the presentation.

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Get involved and stay up-to-date on the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails project

These sessions will include a discussion on the progress of the Finch Hatton Local Area Planning Framework project.

Join us on Sunday, February 7, 2021
- 10am at Eungella HUB or noon at Finch Hatton Showgrounds

Online registration is required.

Please note, due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions only limited seats are available. A confirmed registration is essential

We encourage only one person per household to register and ask organisations to be mindful of the number of representatives attending

DO NOT attend this meeting if you have:
• fever or symptoms of respiratory infection (cough, sore throat, shortness of breath)
• have returned from overseas in the last 14 days
• been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

Click here to register to the Eungella session.
Click here to register to the Finch Hatton session.

Connecting Mackay for more information about this project.

Developing a local area planning framework for the Finch Hatton township

A local area planning framework is being investigated for the Finch Hatton township, with the intent of facilitating development opportunities to support the potential of Finch Hatton becoming a trail town for the future mountain bike trails.

This project will follow a ‘local area plan’ process involving background and context investigations, setting a vision and principles, the development of local area frameworks and strategies relating to land uses, access, connectivity, infrastructure, built character and the public realm. Following the completion of the local area planning framework (as Stage 1 of the the local area planning project), the focus of the local area planning project will shift towards the Eungella township as Stage 2 of the project.

The potential benefits of this project include:

• unlocking development opportunities that support the mountain bike trails and job creation
• rejuvenation of activity in the commercial heart of the township
• identifying opportunities for public realm enhancements in key locations and movement corridors
• facilitative planning regulations.

Click here to visit the Finch Hatton local area planning framework webpage.
Consultation closes Sunday, November 29, 2020 at 11:59pm.

Mountain Bike Trail Community Update

Council presented Community Update sessions to Eungella and Finch Hatton residents on August 20, 2020.

Due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, attendance was limited. To ensure all community members have access to the information provided during the update, you can click here to view the presentation.

Click here to view the proposed trail network map which was presented to attendees.

The proposed trail network offers 100km plus of concept trail alignments, covering a broad range of trail experiences suitable for all rider abilities. It is important to note that the proposal is based on desktop studies only. Depending on stakeholder approvals, the final trail network will be confirmed during the detailed trail design phase. This will be in accordance with requirements identified in the ecological and cultural heritage assessments.

The next steps are:

• Seek approvals from related stakeholders and government agencies
• Local area planning
• Development of Finch Hatton trail head master plan
• Engage local community and tourism interests
• Secure funding
• Detailed trail design

To stay informed about this project and to be notified of upcoming community engagement sessions, subscribe to this project's update emails. Click the Stay Informed button on the right of this page. You will receive an email afterwards asking you to confirm your subscription.

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.