Funding bid lodged for almost 20km of new trails
There’s more movement on Stage 2A of Finch Hatton MTB, with Mackay Regional Council taking another important step towards expanding the network.
Council has submitted an Expression of Interest under Round 2 of the Queensland Government’s Tourism Icons Investment Fund (TIIF), seeking support to progress Stage 2A and add just under 20km of new trails at Finch Hatton.
Funding of between $1 million and $5 million is available for eligible projects through the TIIF on a matched co-contribution basis, with the program focused on new and improved attractions, infrastructure and visitor experiences that can help shape Queensland’s tourism future. Mackay Regional Council will match the funding if successful.
If funding and the remaining approvals fall into place, Stage 2A would take the Finch Hatton network to around 34km of purpose-built trails, a significant step towards the long-term vision of a 100km-plus mountain bike network stretching through the Pioneer Valley.
Much of the detailed planning work has been done so the project is well positioned to move forward should the required funding and approvals be secured.
What’s planned for Stage 2A?
Stage 2A is designed to add more depth and progression to the existing network, with new gravity, adventure and climbing options.
The current trail schedule includes approximately:
- 7.45km of difficult gravity trails
- 11.45km of intermediate gravity and adventure trails
- 1.1km of climbing trail
The new climbing trail will commence from Mountain View Junction, providing another connection into the expanded network.
For riders, the big story is variety. Stage 2A will significantly increase the amount of riding available at Finch Hatton while introducing more challenging terrain and providing more reasons to stay longer, ride another lap and make a weekend of it.
And Stage 2 doesn’t stop there
Stage 2A is only one part of the bigger vision.
Council is also pursuing opportunities for Stages 2B and 2C, including the Wilderness Trail, to be recognised and supported through the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 tourism plan and its 45 by 45 ecotourism initiative. One of its major ambitions is to establish 45 world-class ecotourism experiences across Queensland by 2045.
The 45 by 45 initiative is focused on projects that can showcase Queensland’s natural environments through high-quality, sustainable visitor experiences while creating benefits for regional communities.
For Finch Hatton MTB, inclusion of future stages within this long-term state tourism framework would help reinforce the project’s significance as more than a local trail network. The vision has always been to create a mountain bike destination capable of drawing visitors to the Pioneer Valley, encouraging longer stays and supporting tourism businesses and communities throughout the region.
What happens next?
The next major milestone will come in December, when the Tourism Icons Investment Fund funding decision is expected to be announced.
We’ll keep the updates coming as Stage 2A progresses and the longer-term plans for Stages 2B and 2C continue to take shape.