Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

First Look At The Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trailhead Design

The final design for the Finch Hatton Trailhead has been unveiled and it is packed with features you would expect from a world-class trail network.  

Mayor Greg Williamson said council went the extra mile and conducted extensive community consultation with the Pioneer Valley community and industry experts.

“We needed to ensure the design met the needs of both the local community and visiting mountain bikers,” Mayor Williamson said.  

“This trailhead site will be a place where you start and finish your mountain bike adventure and enjoy a family day out,” he said.

“There’s a pump track suitable for all ages and riding abilities, plenty of picnic shelters, amenities and some local historical features.

“The historic features include the bin shop where cane trains were repaired and the old Cattle Creek Mill Administration building, which has been restored back to its former glory.

“This building will likely be used for tourism information and events.

“The area will be nicely landscaped, offer plenty of parking and feature footpaths and connections to the mountain bike trails and the township.”

The Mayor said community consultation had also lead to the inclusion of a landscaped buffer zone between the local residential properties and the trailhead site.

The design has been included in a development application that will now be considered by council and the State Government over the coming months.

Council will hold another community update session before the end of the year.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the State Government had invested $500,000 in the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Network.

“The State Government’s $500,000 investment in trail design elements delivers on an election commitment and brings this wonderful project a step closer,” Ms Gilbert said.

“I want to thank Mackay Regional Council for its dedication to this project that will put the region on the world map for mountain biking,” she said.

“The Finch Hatton Trailhead will enhance Queensland’s great lifestyle and help to create more secure jobs for the region’s visitor economy.

“It’s the beginning of a new visitor experience that will attract riders from Australia and overseas and give local families more options for staying active.”

To stay up to date on this project, please subscribe to project update emails at connectingmackay.com.au/mountain-bike-trails

The Queensland Government have contributed towards design elements of the project, including the detailed design of the trailhead and environmental assessments.

A concept design of the Finch Hatton Trailhead

A concept design of the Finch Hatton Trailhead showing shelters and picnic tables. Images supplied: Mackay Regional Council

In other news