Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain biking on track for big things
Mackay Regional Council is in the design phase of the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike trails project.
A feasibility study found a world-class network of mountain bike trails in the Pioneer Valley provides a unique opportunity to grow the tourism economy and deliver a destination product that has extensive economic benefits to Finch Hatton, Eungella and the wider Mackay region.
When fully operational, the Mountain Bike Park is estimated to generate:
- an additional 31,000 annual visitors, including 5,000 international riders
- an additional $18M annual economic benefit in the Mackay region
- an additional 110.4 FTE jobs
- significant construction and ongoing job opportunities
- improved national and international awareness of Eungella and the Pioneer Valley as a tourism destination
- an opportunity to capture a market segment of one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
About the project
The Mountain Bike Park will comprise of a 100km network of single-direction mountain bike trails that caters for all levels of riders and provides visitors with the opportunity to navigate through Australia’s longest stretch of lush subtropical rainforest, Eungella National Park to Crediton State Forest.
Both Eungella and Finch Hatton will act as key service hubs for the trails and offer starting/finishing points and additional ancillary services, such as accommodation, food and eateries, shuttle services and supporting infrastructure.
The Mountain Bike Park project includes the construction of the international standard trail network, capable of hosting world-class events, and ancillary infrastructure, such as trailheads, car parking, toilets and recreation facilities. The Mountain Bike Park project is estimated to cost $16.9 million.
- Download the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails fact sheet
- Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails investment prospectus
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| TImeline | Finch Hatton trailhead masterplan | Frequently asked questions |
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| Eungella and Finch Hatton township's local area planning frameworks | Small business mentoring program | Document library |
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Project update #34 - June 13, 2022
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Our team will be at the Mackay Show!
You can check out the mountain bike trailhead site and learn about stage 1 of the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails project at the Mackay Show.
Plus you can have a go of an interactive mountain bike.
When: 14,15 & 16 June
Where: Council display, Mackay Showgrounds, Pavilion 500.
Visit the display to go into the draw to win a mountain bike and one of two $200 bike vouchers. T&C's apply.
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Project update #33 - May 2, 2022
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Explore our epic trails at the Pioneer Valley Show!
You can check out our mountain bike trailhead site, see our newly restored Cattle Creek Mill building and learn about the exciting Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail project at the Pioneer Valley Show. Plus - hear about local planning in the Valley.
When: Sunday, June 12, 2022 (9am to 1pm)
Where: Cattle Creek Mill building, across the road from the Finch Hatton RSL
Visit the display to go into the draw to win a mountain bike and one of two $200 bike vouchers. T&C's apply.
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Project update #32 - April 28, 2022
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Finch Hatton and Eungella gearing up for mountain bike trails
Council is gearing up to help Finch Hatton and Eungella capitalise on economic benefits to flow from the Pioneer Mountain Bike Trails.
Proposed changes to the Mackay Region Planning Scheme are intended to help facilitate commercial and other non-residential uses in those townships.
They would also encourage a wide range of uses or adaptive re-use and reduce the levels of assessment for certain developments that would support the mountain bike project.
Click here to read more.
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Project update #31 - April 27, 2022
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Major amendment 3 to commence state interest review
On Wednesday, April 27, 2022, council endorsed the prepared major amendment 3 to the Mackay Region Planning Scheme 2017 (the proposed amendment) and resolved to give notice to the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning to undertake the state interest review.
The proposed amendment focuses on the Pioneer Valley townships of Finch Hatton and Eungella to support these towns becoming a trail town for the future mountain bike trails.
The purpose and general effect of the proposed amendment to the planning scheme is to:
- Facilitate commercial and other specific non-residential uses within designated precincts and through appropriate provisions under the Township Zone in the Finch Hatton and Eungella townships
- Encourage a wider range of uses or adaptive re-use by changing the zone of a small number of lots to Township in the Finch Hatton and Eungella townships
- Reduce the levels of assessment for certain uses to facilitate appropriate development outcomes for the Finch Hatton and Eungella townships in support of the Pioneer Valley mountain bike project.
Once the state interest review is completed, all supporting documentation including the schedule of amendments will be made public and residents will have the opportunity to lodge a properly made submission on the amendment documentation.
Click here to see the initial presentation of the proposed recommendations.
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Project update #30 - April 11, 2022
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World Trail inspects stage 1 trails this week
World Trail will be inspecting the trails for stage one of the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails project on April 12 and 13.
They will be ground truthing on council's freehold land behind the Finch Hatton trailhead site, assessing the terrain, and mapping the preferred trail alignments.
World Trail will then return in late-April/early-May to continue their work.
The Queensland Government has contributed $500,000 towards this project including the detailed design of the trailhead and environmental assessments.
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Project update #29 - April 8, 2022
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Newly restored Cattle Creek mill building wins bronze
The Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail's newly restored Cattle Creek Mill Administration Building has claimed bronze in council's 2022 Heritage Awards.
BH Building restored the building early this year, bringing it back to its former glory.
The works included asbestos removal, roof replacement, a new kitchen, a paint job and the revitalisation of the existing signage and façade.
The building may be used for ticket sales, events, marshalling or visitor information.
Click here to watch the restoration process.
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Project Update #28 - March 21, 2022
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Watch update in the comfort of your home
If you couldn't attend the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail Community Update Session on Sunday, March 20, at the Eungella Hub, council has created a video of the presentation, so you can watch it at a time that is convenient for you.
The presentation features a project update, a planning update and an economic development update, as well as the contact details of the relevant council departments, should you have an enquiry.
Click here to watch the presentation.
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Project update #27 - March 18, 2022
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Don't forget - Mountain Bike Trail Community Update Session on this Sunday (March 20)!
Council will be holding their Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails community update session at the Eungella Hub this Sunday (March 20).
The session will include a project update, a planning update and an economic development update. Plus question time.
Session details:
Date: Sunday, March 20, 2022
Time: 10am to 11.30am
Venue: Eungella Hub, North Street, Eungella.Online registration for this session is required. Please visit www.eventbrite.com.au/e/pioneer-valley-mountain-bike-trails-community-update-session-tickets-290080898777 to register.
If you cannot attend the session, the presentation will be made available online at connectingmackay.com.au/mountain-bike-trails after the session.
Should you have any questions, please contact council's community engagement officer Rebecca Batzloff on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or email rebecca.batzloff@mackay.qld.gov.au.
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Project update #26 - March 3, 2022
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Save the date - Mountain Bike Trail Community Update Session (March 20)
Council will be holding a Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails community update session in Eungella on Sunday, March 20.
The session will include a project update, a planning update and an economic development update.
Session details:
Date: Sunday, March 20, 2022
Time: 10am to 11.30am
Venue: Eungella Hub, North Street, Eungella.Online registration for this session is required. Please visit www.eventbrite.com.au/e/pioneer-valley-mountain-bike-trails-community-update-session-tickets-290080898777 to register.
If you cannot attend the session, the presentation will be made available online at connectingmackay.com.au/mountain-bike-trails after the session.
When visiting the Eungella Hub, please register your arrival via the Check in QLD app.
Should you require any further information please visit connectingmackay/mountain-bike-trails or contact council's Community Engagement Officer Rebecca Batzloff on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or email rebecca.batzloff@mackay.qld.gov.au.
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Project update #25 - March 2, 2022
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Closing date extended
The closing date for Expressions of Interest for council's Small Business Mentoring Program has been extended until Friday, March 11.
Existing businesses, as well as start-ups with a business idea that supports the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails, are eligible to apply.
The fully subsidised six-month program provides participants with a detailed business assessment, one-on-one mentoring sessions, practical workshop style webinars and much more.
Pilot program participant Mary-Ann Refalo from family owned and operated Walkerston-based business Retrospect Life said the program was easy to follow and she walked away with a deeper understanding of her customer and pricing strategies.
To find out more about the program or to apply, visit www.mackay.qld.gov.au/businessmentoring. Applications close Friday, March 11 at 5pm.
Have a question?
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Mackay Regional Council
Phone 1300 MACKAY (622 529) Email engagement@mackay.qld.gov.au
