Mount Morgan is set to show the world how it rolls with construction well underway on 25kms of mountain bike trails near the No. 7 Dam, so get set to weave your way through historic hills of cycads and ironbark.
The project is made possible through more than $600 000 in funding from Round 3 of the Works for Queensland program.
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the project would have some great benefits for the community.
“The $600 million Works for Queensland program and the new $200 million COVID Works for Queensland plan are all about creating jobs and bringing real benefits to communities,” said Minister Hinchliffe.
“This program has a great track record of kickstarting jobs and investment in the Rockhampton Region.
“Through the original Works for Queensland program, the Council has received more than $27 million for 37 projects, estimated to create or support almost 750 jobs, while the COVID-specific program will create or support up to 60 jobs.
“Across the world, the pandemic has felled economies and Queensland has not been immune but we have an economic plan that is already in place and these programs are a significant part of those plans.”
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said this is one of the key projects that was identified in Council’s ‘Advancing Mount Morgan’ strategy, which was adopted in November last year.
“We spent a lot of time working with the passionate residents of Mount Morgan to map out the future of this historic town,” said Mayor Strelow.
“These trails were one of the projects that the community was very excited about as a way to not only draw tourists but also further activate this stunning recreational area for residents.
“Council’s economic development unit, Advance Rockhampton, have been collaborating closely with the community on the development of these trails, which will offer varying levels of difficulty for riders.”
Divisional Councillor Cherie Rutherford said these trails are a major project for the community.
“We have already seen how successful the First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve has been as a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around Australia,” said Cr Rutherford.
“This world-class trail will do the same thing for Mount Morgan, as well as provide a fantastic place for people from across our Region to get out and explore.”
The trails are expected to open before Christmas this year.
Council will soon begin targeted consultation around the naming of the bike trails.
