Council announces Pioneer Valley bike trail development proposal

Mountain-biking trails through almost 100 hectares of the Pioneer Valley have been revealed for the first time, adding another major drawcard to the region. SEE THE MAPS

Bike lovers and tourist operators have reason to rejoice with the release of new biking trail alignments for one of the region’s signature recreational infrastructure projects.

The Eungella-Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trail will be a 100km network of trails that cater to all levels of riders and the project’s stage 1 development application has been lodged for assessment.

If approved, residents and tourists will enjoy an entry site that fronts up to Anzac Parade near the Pioneer Valley Showground in the town of Finch Hatton.

Finch Hatton, the entry town to the Eungella-Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trail.

The entry site includes carparking, picnic areas, a designated camping space, a pump track and the starting point for the trail heads.

A series of colour-coded trails then snake their way into the valley.

The entry site would be 5.23 hectares in size while the entire site area, including the trails, comes in at 91.96 hectares.

The application states a number of factors combine to make a mountain bike trail successful and the Pioneer Valley holds many of these advantages.

“A key factor in developing a successful mountain bike trail network is its location. It is important that the location strikes a balance between accessibility and proximity to key population centres, and the desirability of a more remote, picturesque landscape,” the application states.

The proposed trail alignments in the Pioneer Valley. Picture: Mackay Regional Council

“The Mackay region, and specifically the Pioneer Valley, holds many of these attributes and is already a popular tourism area well recognised by the broader community.

“The proposed development represents a unique opportunity for the Mackay Region to embrace the opportunity mountain biking presents and establish itself as a major destination on the mountain bike circuit, attracting both national and international interest.”