Community
7 September, 2020
Cardwell – King of the Mountain bike
Cassowary Coast continues to offer excitement and spectacular scenery for tourist and locals. The region continues to be showcased to adventure-lovers world-wide, Red Bull Defiance, World Rafting and now world-class mountain biking
Cardwell is on track to achieve its vision of becoming a world leading mountain bike (MTB) destination following the appointment of internationally renowned specialist agency, World Trail who have commenced feasibility investigations.
World Trail is one of the largest and most experienced MTB trail companies in the world having designed, planned and constructed hundreds of projects across 20 countries. Among their achievements is the Blue Derby trail in Tasmania which is now synonymous around Australia and the world as the nation’s premier mountain bike tourism destination, accredited for revitalising the regional township’s economy.
Director of World Trails, Glen Jacobs will lead the feasibility study which he anticipates to deliver positive findings.
"When we first heard news that the Cassowary Coast Regional Council were considering entering the global ride destination market, our whole team was excited,” said Mr Jacobs.
“The destination features spectacular coastlines, pristine sandy beaches, beautiful tropical islands, the Great Barrier Reef, the majestic Hinchinbrook Island and stunning rainforest mountains, complete with amazing waterfalls and swimming holes.
“Combine these extraordinary natural assets with a friendly forward thinking community, we see Cardwell’s potential as a significant ride destination not only in Australia, but throughout the World."
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor, Mark Nolan is confident that through this appointment Cardwell will receive the best possible advice toward seeing this vision come to life.
“Glen Jacobs is the first and only Australian to be inducted into the MTB Hall of Fame and the fact that he is so enthusiastic about Cardwell gives us great confidence that we’re on the right track,” said Mayor Nolan.
“We look forward to receiving the results of this study later in the year in anticipation of progressing our plans to the next phase.”
‘Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Destination’ is a community initiative led by the Kirrama Range Road Support Group Inc., Girramay Aboriginal Corporation and Council which aims to diversify the local economy and provide meaningful opportunities in accommodation, food and beverage, bike-economy as well as cultural, adventure and eco tours.
World Trails’ study is expected to be delivered late 2020, and should it demonstrate that the project is feasible, the project will enter the next phase; a detailed business case.
The $100,000 study is co-funded by Council with the Queensland Government.
For further information about World Trails go to https://world-trail.com/.
