February 28, 2022- CARDWELL SET FOR A WHEELIE GOOD TIME WITH CONTRACT AWARDED
The news of the contract being awarded to design and construct a pump track in Cardwell is welcomed news for local residents, who have been a driving force behind the project.
Cassowary Coast Councillor Barry Barnes said the news was the culmination of many people coming together for the shared goal of establishing Cardwell as a ‘ride destination’.
“The Cardwell community has a long term vision and it is thanks to their work that we can make this announcement.”
At Local Government meeting, Councillors voted to award the tender to Far North Queensland company, World Trail.
Councillor Barnes said that World Trail has a wealth of experience and has designed, planned and constructed hundreds of projects in over 20 countries.
“A pump track is a progressive riding track suitable for bikes, scooters and skateboards. Its unique modular design is made up of rollers and berms creating a fun riding flow that propels riders around the track without pedalling.
“It’s a great way to increase bike skills for younger riders, and for the whole family to enjoy cycling in a safe, traffic free environment. A pump track is not only for the young, even I’m keen to give it a go. I’ve used the Bunya pump track before and thought it was great and I am excited we will be able to bring this facility for the Cassowary Coast residents to use and enjoy.
Right now, many residents are travelling to Cairns or the Tablelands to utilise other pump tracks and soon we will have one for use in our great region. The pump track will add a new attraction to encourage tourists to stop and explore Cardwell.
The project will establish early works mountain bike infrastructure that will catalyse development of further mountain bike trails in the Cardwell area, in line with the community's aspirations to build a mountain bike tourism economy and Council’s adopted
‘Cardwell Tropical Mountain Bike Project Feasibility Report’.
More information on the project can be found by visiting the project page; https://bit.ly/3HsVG5h. Alternatively, contact Council on 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.
“Stage 1 – Early Works
The Australian Government, through the COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund, has allocated close to $500,000 for the Cardwell Mountain Bike Trail Network Stage 1 – Early Works project. The funding was allocated for sustaining tourism at Australia's iconic World and National Heritage sites and ensuring regional communities can benefit from increased tourism when COVID-19 related travel restrictions have eased.
The Early Works project will create new mountain bike infrastructure in Cardwell such as a trail head, pump track, bike wash, car parking and signage, which will link to the existing informal trails and position Cardwell as a bike-friendly destination.
The Queensland Government will administer the funding and continue to work closely with the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, and the broader Cardwell Mountain Bike Trail Network Project Control Group to ensure collaboration between the two projects.”