Mountain biking and brilliant outdoor learning
Published on 09 February 2018
Mount Archer’s tourism potential was on full display today, with an event to mark key projects totalling half a million dollars. These include new trails at the First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve, an outdoor learning area, and a concrete creek crossing for emergency access across Moore’s Creek.
The new infrastructure has been jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Council with Mayor Margaret Strelow joined by the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick to see how the projects will benefit residents and tourists alike.
“The Palaszczuk Government is proud to support job-creating infrastructure both through the direct construction of these projects as well as the flow on benefits for tourism operators in the local economy,” Minister Dick said.
“The new bike trails at the First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve are really impressive. It is fantastic to officially open the new trails, and meet members of the Rockhampton Mountain Bike club who tell me they have fast become a must visit destination.
“Not only does Rockhampton have world class mountain biking trails for the community to enjoy, the region now also has this fantastic open learning area which means the local schools, scouts, guides and others can get out of the classroom and into nature to find out more about the wonders of our environment.
“This area is the gateway to the Mount Archer National Park. The pairing of the high quality infrastructure with the incredible scenery means Mount Archer has a bright future ahead as a tourism destination, while also celebrating the area’s cultural heritage.”
Mayor Margaret Strelow said Council was delighted to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver the projects and provide the infrastructure the Region needs and deserves.
“Mount Archer is an icon of Rockhampton and the steps we are taking now to realise its tourism potential will ensure that locals and visitors alike get an experience like no other when they come here,” Mayor Strelow said.
“Council has invested in these projects along with the Queensland Government because we recognise the enormous benefits an activated Mount Archer represents to our local economy and community.
“It is an absolute pleasure to join the State Government here today to mark this work, and I look forward to more projects down the track,” Mayor Strelow said.
You can watch footage of people using the trails and get in touch with Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club on their facebook page.
First Turkey Mountain Bike Trail
The First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve has 29 trails over 30km, with a total descent of over 500m. A concrete crossing over Moore’s Creek has also been constructed, allowing for emergency vehicle access. The outdoor learning area features semi-circle sandstone seating, with presentations given from a structure with a skillion roof. A compostable toilet is also located on site.
The $500,000 project has been funded by;
$250,000 – Building our Regions (Queensland Government)
$245,000 – Rockhampton Regional Council
$5,000 – Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club