Dametto backs Cardwell Bike Trail Proposal

1 July 2021

Nick Dametto, Member for Hinchinbrook has today restated his full support for the Cardwell Mountain Bike Proposal, in a letter to Mayor Mark Nolan at Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

“North Queensland is fortunate to have world class natural assets at our doorstep. Developing the eco-tourism brand is crucial to ensure Cardwell is a destination that attracts tourists interested in riding, hiking, swimming, or strolling.

“Visitor statistics have decreased immensely in Cardwell since Cyclone Yasi, long standing issues with tidal access and now COVID-19,” said Mr Dametto

The Cardwell Mountain Bike Proposal is an innovative initiative that will attract domestic and international tourists when restrictions ease and boarders re-open.

“If we can mirror the success World Trail has had in other regions, the economic and reputational benefits would be significant.

“Mountain bikers will travel the distance to beautiful, remote and unique regions to tackle the trails. Rural towns dealing with economic challenges are crying out for innovative initiatives that will boost tourism post COVID-19. The Cardwell Mountain Bike Proposal has the potential to revive existing businesses and entice new business opportunities” said Mr Dametto.

Community Bike Trails Action Group member Kathy Sheahan said, “There are many boxes to tick when creating a mountain bike destination however one of the key elements is location. Cardwell is ideally situated on the coast overlooking the beautiful Coral Sea, the world-renowned Hinchinbrook Island to the east and Australia’s most extensive mountain range to the west. These ranges are what excites a mountain biker.”

Ms Sheahan said Cardwell was perfect for riders as a “ride in, ride out location”.

“It’s a place where they can walk out of their accommodation, jump on their bike and be on the trails in a matter of minutes. In addition to this, we are ideally placed between Townsville and Cairns, home to both domestic and international airports with easy access by car to Cardwell. Throw some epic mountain bike trails into this mix and we believe we have the right formula to appeal to the global mountain bike community.”

This project will provide the community with an asset that will also encourage the community to improve the mental health and wellbeing.

In August 2020, World Trails were selected by Cassowary Coast Regional Council to commence feasibility investigations.  This $100,000 feasibility investigation was joint funded by the State Government and Council.

“This has my full support, and I am offering to work proactively with Council to lobby for grant funding for the project” stated Mr Dametto.

Nick Dametto, Member for Hinchinbrook, at Cardwell.