Cairns mountain bike SkyTrails proposal gains political support
A push to establish Far North Queensland as a global force in mountain biking is gaining traction in the state’s capital.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Heroin intercepted at Cairns Airport
- Million-dollar apartment sells off plan
- FNQ town records subzero temps
A PUSH to establish Far North Queensland as a global force in mountain biking is gaining traction in the state’s capital.
SkyTrails proponents Tony Trafford and Gus Soper have been pushing for investment to enhance existing tracks, forge new ones and use the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway as Australia’s only mountain bike gondola.
They believe trails around Smithfield could become an eco-tourism attraction to rival the likes of Queenstown in New Zealand, and have launched a petition with more than 5400 signatures from people who agree.
Opposition tourism spokesman David Crisafulli threw his support behind the proposal during a speech on the floor of parliament this week.
“I inform the House that a petition that has been led by these people, with the support of the candidate in Barron River, Linda Cooper, has amassed over five-and-a-half thousand signatures to get this vital project up and running,” he said.
“All it needs from this place is the attitude to make it happen, a government to get out of the way and work with the council … and a little bit of funding to undertake a feasibility study.”
Mr Crisafulli said Cairns had the potential to become the “Derby of Queensland” – a reference to the mountain bike-mad area of Tasmania – if state politicians unlocked the eco-tourism venture.
“ People will come to this magnificent city and help it get off its knees in its hour of need,” she said.
“This is an opportunity for the Far North.”
Originally published as Cairns mountain bike SkyTrails proposal gains political support