Palaszczuk Government funding to improve world-renowned bike trail in far north

The Palaszczuk Government today (Friday) delivered on an election commitment to fund new work on one of the world’s best-known rainforest mountain bike trails at Smithfield.

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said a new $25,000 “linking” trail will be built through the spectacular rainforest – with work expected to be completed by the end of next month.

“The new 370 metre trail will connect Wobbygong, Baramundi, Blue and Black Marlin trails to the MP39 trails,” Mr Crawford said.

“Smithfield Regional Park has 60km of trails carved out of volcanic rock that wind through short and long climbs and descents.

“The trails within the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park are used about 3000 times each week by riders, runners and walkers.

“In September 2017, the Smithfield trail was used for the Union Cycliste Inernationale (UCI) Mountain Bike World Championships.

“Importantly, the new linking trail will take riders, runners and walkers off the James Cook University fire road, which will increase their safety.”

Mr Crawford says Cairns has always been recognised as an event destination, and national and international tourists regularly travel to Cairns purely to ride along the mountain bike trail.

“I’d like to congratulate the Cairns Mountain Bike Club for receiving this funding and I know they will construct a world class linking trail that will help attract more international competition.”

Cairns Mountain Bike Club President Craig Nissen thanked the Palaszczuk Government for the funding.

“It should take us about three weeks to build the new trail which I expect to be ready for use by the end of June,” Mr Nissen said.

“The club has 400 registered members and I believe the new linking track will help boost membership numbers and attract more tourist to the region.

“The highest climb in the park is about 550m with an average climb of about 400m and there is plenty of flat trails so there is something for everyone.

“All our members are looking forward to the new linking trail opening.”

Sports Minister Mick de Brenni said the Palaszczuk Government had spent more than $188 million since 2015 on sport and recreation programs to encourage Queenslanders to get active.

“As a keen mountain biker myself, there’s nothing better than getting out on a trail, and this linking trail will open up a section of the Smithfield Regional Park to riders of all ages and experience,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Ever since I had a crack at the trails around Cairns myself, I’ve been convinced it’s worthwhile investing in - even though I lost some skin on a rocky section!

“Mountain biking is growing at break neck speed, so we’ve got to keep up with demand. That’s why this government is proud to deliver on our election commitment to the Cairns Mountain Bike Club – because every Queensland kid should have the opportunity to get in and have a go,” he said.

ENDS

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