New year, new news on Stage 2
We’ve been quiet on Stage 2 but don’t worry, things have been happening in the background.
Summary – a busy rider’s version:
- Feasibility Study completed in June 2025
- Staged approach to next phase of FHMTB proposed (2A, 2B, 2C)
- Recommendations approved by Mackay Regional Council
- Stage 2A to consist of 22.1km of new trail
- World Trail engaged to prepare construction documentation
- Tourism Icons Funding Round 2 application to be prepared
- Pending funding and approvals, Stage 2A shovel ready in September 2026
All the details …
Back in January 2025 we shared that AEC Group and Blue Sky Trails, working with Mackay Regional Council, had been contracted to complete a feasibility study for the next phase of Finch Hatton MTB. The aim was simple: confirm the best way to bring more great riding to Finch Hatton and set up the long-term plan for epic trails in the Pioneer Valley for years to come.
That study wrapped up in June 2025. It recommended a staged approach to grow the network, and Council has agreed to progress Stage 2A: 22.1 km of new trail – 13.8 km of downhill and 8.3 km of climbing.
What’s been happening behind the scenes
To keep things rolling, Council has been lining up the groundwork, including:
- Transferring tenure from Forest Reserve to Conservation Park, allowing Council to become trustee and manage MTB trails appropriately.
- Engaging AECOM to carry out environmental approvals and a gap analysis.
- Re-engaging our friends at World Trail to confirm and review the climbing trail and prepare construction documentation.
- Progressing a Cultural and Heritage Agreement with Traditional Owners.
Council has also been chasing funding. An application to the Tourism Icons Fund in September didn’t get up, but the feedback was positive and Council has been encouraged to apply again in Round 2, opening July 2026.
If funding and approvals fall into place as planned, Stage 2A should be shovel-ready in September 2026.
What’s next?
With this update comes a commitment to more frequent communication on Stage 2A, 2B and 2C (the Wilderness Trail). This follows the community update sessions held in Eungella and Finch Hatton earlier this month, where locals, riders and stakeholders asked for clearer, more regular updates. The Mountain Bike Reference Group will also be re-engaged for technical input as the project moves ahead.