Public input wanted for Rockhampton First Turkey Master Plan

A mountain biking group has put forward visionary plans that will mean people of all ages and abilities can use a popular Central Qld reserve with 40km of trails.

Mountain bike riding has seen a surge in popularity in the Rockhampton region.

Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club’s visionary plans for the popular First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve which it has put to council will mean people of all ages and abilities can use the area.

While it has received Rockhampton Regional Council’s in-principle support, council wants the community to have its say, too.

Council and the club aim to make First Turkey, made up of 40km of trails across 150ha and managed by the club, a major tourist drawcard.

First Turkey is already successful in drawing many mountain bike riders from outside the region, with the nearest comparable site more than 400km away.

This map image illustrates the First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve at Mount Archer.

The proposals in the club’s First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve Master Plan include a region first adaptive trail circuit for people with disabilities to a skills area.

Club member Joel Robinson has labelled a great opportunity.

“If (council) can expand it to make it even better and put it on the tourist map, (that’s) brilliant I say,” Mr Robinson said.

He described First Turkey as “pretty much everything” for himself and his fellow mountain bike enthusiasts.

“If we don’t have that, we don’t have anywhere to probably go within city limits basically,” Mr Robinson said.

Rein Peet with his dog Bella have a stop over in Rockhampton to ride the First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve trails.

Trail head development

With nearly 200 members forming the Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club and a significant number of riders and walkers that are not part of the club but using the trail head, council plans to put amenities in place.

Additional suggestions include cleaning areas, a storage area, formalised car and vendor parking as well as the installation of a skills area where beginners and intermediate riders can develop their skills.

Adaptive trails

The plan suggests the creation of an adaptive trail circuit to cater for people with disabilities and the requirements of their three to four wheeled reclined bikes.

The circuit would be the first of its kind in the region and would widen participation and bring more people to the area.

Trail improvements

There are plans to reinstate older trails that have been left untended and overgrown and several trails that need restoration and improvement works.

Work is planned for the Megatron and Cactus trails, and Dirt Clowns jump line, as well as a proposal for a skills park.

The entrance to the First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve.

Mr Robinson said plans to add an adaptive trail for those with disabilities was an added bonus for the area.

He is also enthusiastic about the idea of improving the car parking situation at the reserve, saying the area was inundated on weekends.

“There’s nothing much there,” Mr Robinson said.

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said the master plan was an important opportunity to shape the future of First Turkey, sport and open spaces in the region.

“First Turkey is already a favourite for locals and visitors, and we’re seeing mountain biking grow as a tourism drawcard right across the country,” Councillor Williams said.

Kobi and Jake Martin at the First Turkey Bike track

Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the plan also opens up new opportunities for the Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club and local sporting events.

“This is about creating a space that meets the needs of the club and the community now and well into the future,” Cr Rutherford said.

“We’re looking at how we can support mountain biking as a sport and make sure the facilities grow alongside the increasing number of riders.”

Council’s end goal is “world class” mountain bike trails.

The survey is open now and closes on Wednesday, May 14.