As the wheels of progress turn in the Pioneer Valley, Finch Hatton and Eungella are gearing up for an exciting new chapter. The mountain bike project that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike is moving into its next stage, with council inviting the community to hear the latest updates.
Council will be providing a community update on the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Project in Finch Hatton and Eungella on Monday, December 1 from 4pm to 5pm at the Eungella Hub and 6pm to 7pm at the Finch Hatton Cattle Creek Admin Building.
These sessions will include an update on the stage two feasibility study, a project update and an economic development update. Online registration is required. Please go online to council’s Connecting Mackay website to register: https://www.connectingmackay.com.au/finch-hatton-mtb.
If you cannot attend the session, the presentation will be made available on Connecting Mackay after the session.
Council recently sought community feedback on proposed changes to its planning scheme that could reshape Finch Hatton and Eungella – two townships at the heart of the Pioneer Valley’s ambitious mountain bike project. The Major Amendment 3 to the Mackay Region Planning Scheme seeks to enable commercial and non-residential development in specific precincts of Finch Hatton and Eungella.
Two new precincts would be established in Finch Hatton – a town centre precinct (TS1) and a trailhead precinct (TS2) – plus a town-centre precinct in Eungella (TS3).
A key driver behind the amendment is the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail network. These changes will better support tourism and trail-related activities while still protecting residents, the environment and infrastructure.
Community planning for the two towns began with a Local Area Planning project, which examined their character, heritage, environmental constraints and infrastructure. The goal has been clear – to transition Finch Hatton and Eungella into thriving “trail towns” that complement the MTB network with amenities like accommodation, eateries and connectivity – without losing their small-town charm.
These townships will also serve as service hubs, offering shuttle services, tourist offerings and rider infrastructure. The Finch Hatton Trailhead, located in the town centre, features ample amenities: parking, bike racks, a water station, a wash station, rest areas, picnic spots and even historical features such as the old Kungurri turntable.
As the Pioneer Valley prepares to redefine adventure tourism in Central Queensland, the Finch Hatton MTB project stands as a bold example of how nature, sport and community can ride together into a prosperous future.
Let’s Chat – Council Connect
Residents can catch up with councillors in person at upcoming Let’s Chat - Council Connect sessions held across the region. The next session will be at the Northern Beaches Community Hall from 5.30pm on December 3.
Details on upcoming sessions can be found on the Connecting Mackay website.
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