Work starts on multimillion-dollar mountain biking project with a $348,000 overhaul of the Cattle Creek Mill building

A four-month overhaul marks the start of a North Queensland attraction set to lure ‘cashed-up’ mountain bike riders from across the globe. See the trail sites from the sky.

In a matter of days, construction will begin on a world-class mountain bike trail project in the Pioneer Valley anticipated to attract “cashed-up” riders from across the globe.

BH Building starts a $348,000 overhaul of the Cattle Creek Mill Administration Building in Finch Hatton that will “play a key role” as the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail’s trailhead site.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the refurbishment included demolishing an attached dilapidated toilet with new separated toilets to be built once the trailhead is complete.

Works also include removing asbestos and external and internal improvements such as a new roof, windows and painting.

“An exciting aspect of the project includes reinstating the original building signage as well as revitalising the existing facade to pay homage to the building’s history,” Cr Williamson said.

The plaque on the stone outside of the Cattle Creek Mill Administration Building. Picture: Heidi Petith

Cr Justin Englert said the trailhead and its pump tracks would be like a practice zone before riders hit the mountain trails, allowing them to adjust to the different shocks they may encounter.

“It’s a bit like a skate park for mountain bikes,” Cr Englert said.

“It helps you manage your fatigue while mountain bike riding and it helps you with your skill set.”

Cr Englert, speaking at a recent Daily Mercury and Mackay Regional Council My Town visit to the region, said the Pioneer Valley Trail had the potential to be a “premier” global attraction and the launching platform for homegrown talents.

“This is the most significant development this region’s seen since timber and coal and milk,” he said.

“You’ll see Australian champions come out of here because the kids now will come out of school, they’ll get on their mountain bikes and they’ll ride straight to the bottom (of the trailhead).

“Every kid in town will own a mountain bike.”

As well as being a training zone, Cr Englert said the trailheads were the launch point for riders travelling to the trails’ starting lines with looping vans able to take them to the top of the twin peaks.

The twin peaks of the Finch Hatton mountainside that will form the first two trail starting points of the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail. Picture: Heidi Petith

And in future, a $126 million chair lift may operate from Finch Hatton to the Eungella trails.

“That’s something that I would like to see turn out in five years easy,” Cr Englert said.

For more information and to see the trailhead concept designs, head to council’s Community Connect page.