Major Move For Finch Hatton Trailhead

Mountain bikers, rejoice.

Three contracts have been awarded for the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike project, with a total value in excess of $6.25 million, to complete stage one of the project.

The approved plans for the major development include 26 trails, a 100-kilometre network of mountain bike trails that navigate Eungella and Sky Window to Finch Hatton, with a 36-kilometre trail to connect Sky Window, Broken River, and Finch Hatton.

A potential trail has been proposed for the northern side of Cattle Creek has been sidelined at this stage.

The Finch Hatton development will provide facilities for the community, including carparks, bathrooms, signage, and event hosting capabilities, with the trails being designed of various difficulty levels, from beginner and family friendly, intermediate, shuttle-accessible gravity trails, and extended experienced tracks.

“These three contracts will bring the Finch Hatton trailhead, and the first of associated trails, to life,” Mayor Greg Williamson said.

This is a significant move, with two of the three contracts being awarded to Mackay local companies.

The first contract, awarded World Trail, is worth $2 million, and encompasses the design and construction of 16 trails, of 13.5 kilometres and a provisional sum for a six-month maintenance program.

The largest contract, with the value of more than $3.8 million, was awarded to Mackay company JMac Constructions, with another, worth $395,583, tendered to local TKK Service, trading as Bike Track Australia, for the pump track.

Specialising in landscape and building construction, JMac Construction has been previously completed various rejuvenation projects throughout North Queensland, including the Heatley Park upgrade in Townsville, and Cone Street Park, Mackay.

“JMac Constructions will provide the landscape construction of the trail’s entry statements, picnic shelters, amenity blocks, car parks and open recreational space at the trail head providing connections to the mountain bike trails and the township,” said a JMac Constructions spokesperson.

“JMac will endeavour to source as much labour, plant and materials from the Finch Hatton and greater Mackay region to support the local community,” the spokesperson confirmed.

Once complete, the Mountain Bike Park is estimated to generate an additional $18 million is economic revenue, another 110 permanent positions, and send an increase of 31,000 visitors to the region.

“Excitement is building and that will only be heightened with tenders awarded for stage one and the start of construction is upon us,” Mayor Williamson said.

“There has been a huge amount of community consultation done, especially with the Finch Hatton and Eungella communities, throughout planning for this project.”

“Onsite work is due to commence from approximately mid-June 2023,” JMac spokesperson said.

“[We are] not anticipating any significant disruptions to local businesses and residents, and we will work closely with the Mackay Council and locals to minimise construction impacts where possible.”

Estimated in 2020 to be costing $27 million, the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Park will be to international standards to host world-class events once complete.

Stage one will begin mid-June 2023 with JMac’s earth works and set to be completed by October of this year, weather permitting.

A potential trail has been proposed for the northern side of Cattle Creek has been sidelined at this stage.

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Finch Hatton Trailhead to undergo major updates. Photos supplied

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