3 AUGUST, 2022 - COMMUNITY, COUNCIL AND STATE TO FUND BUSINESS CASE FOR RIDE DESTINATION

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Published
3rd August 2022

Thanks to a combined funding effort from the Cardwell Community, Cassowary Coast Regional Council and the Queensland Government, the Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Trials Business Case is now fully funded.

Tourism portfolio holder, Councillor Renee McLeod said the Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Trails Project concept came from community and continues to be driven by community. 

“The business case will evaluate the benefits, costs and risk associated with establishing a world-class network of mountain bike trails in Cardwell and highlight the economic benefit which this project could bring to Cardwell, the Cassowary Coast and the broader Far North Queensland Region,” Councillor McLeod said.

As part of the Queensland Government’s 2022-24 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP), Council has secured $60,000 toward the Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Trails Business Case in addition to $15,000 which was raised by Cardwell Care and the Cardwell and District Community Branch of the Bendigo Bank.

At the July Local Government Meeting, Council approved a contribution of $25,000 be reallocated towards the Business Case, following the postponement of the 2022 TARGA Great Barrier Reef event resulting in the business case now being fully funded.

Councillor McLeod said since being invited by the community to assist and support their vision, Council adapted its project management and engagement processes to complement the community leadership, to partner with community in decision-making, and to provide agility to adapt to community and Girramay timelines and methods. 

“Together we have already achieved completion of the early mountain bike infrastructure - Cardwell Pump Track and facilities."

Hinchinbrook MP, Nick Dametto, congratulated Council and the Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Network for their advocacy and efforts in securing funding through Queensland Government’s LGGSP.

“The increasing popularity of mountain biking has fuelled the development of trails and competitive events all over Australia and with Cardwell’s diverse terrain and magnificent scenery this project has the opportunity to restore the region’s tourism industry,” Mr Dametto said.

“Cardwell is ideally placed between Townsville and Cairns and surrounded by beautiful natural assets like Hinchinbrook Island, Cardwell Spa Pools and Five Mile Creek, throw some challenging mountain bike trails in the mix and you have the right formula to create the ultimate eco-tourism destination.

“I look forward to working with all stakeholders to progress the Business Case for the Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Trial Project.”

Council’s partnership with the Girramay Traditional Owners, Cardwell Community representatives and other key stakeholders will continue as the project progresses.

The LGGSP provides funding to support councils to deliver priority infrastructure projects that improve the liveability of communities and support economic growth and employment.

For more information on the Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Trail Project visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/CardwellMTBproject. Alternatively, for more information you can contact Council at 1300 763 903 or via email at enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.