Cardwell Mountain Bike Trails well on track

Hinchinbrook MP and KAP Deputy Leader, Nick Dametto with Alex, Andrew and David from PwC Australia.

30 June 2023

What was once a vision for Cardwell locals and members of the Community Bike Trails Action Group has progressed through a Business Case study with promising prospects that the Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Trails will proceed to the next planning phase.

The proposed development will encompass a 94 kilometre, 26-trail mountain bike network through the World Heritage rainforests of Cardwell. Aimed at becoming a “Ride Destination” that incorporates and promotes the cultural heritage of the Girramay people, the bike trails will well and truly put Cardwell on the tourism ‘must do’ list.

The next stage of the project will be to engage with key stakeholders including local government and tourism bodies to discuss regional mountain biking strategies and promotions. Funding for environment and cultural assessments will be sought from the Queensland Government before commencing the approval and due diligence processes which will identify any potential environmental and cultural heritage impacts on the area.

Hinchinbrook MP and KAP Deputy Leader, Nick Dametto said that it was exciting to see another great tourism project progressing forward in the Hinchinbrook electorate.

“I say it all the time, but we really do live in paradise here in Hinchinbrook,” Mr Dametto said.

“Projects such as the Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Trails will give visitors from all around the globe the chance to experience the beauty and wonder of Hinchinbrook’s natural assets that we get to see and enjoy daily.

“At a time when many Australians are still opting to travel and holiday domestically, there has never been a better time to develop eco-tourism opportunities.

“Earlier this month I met the team from PwC Australia who conducted the Business Case Study to discuss the viability of the project. It was pleasing to hear that even using their conservative figures this project looks to be viable with the right state and local government support.

“I am committed to working closely with the Cassowary Coast Regional Council and lobbying the State Government for funding of this project.”

-END-