Strategy endorsed to guide expansion of Cairns’ recreational trails

August 23, 2023

Strategy endorsed to guide expansion of Cairns’ recreational trails

Cairns Regional Council has today endorsed a strategy to guide use, maintenance and future expansion of Cairns’ recreational trail network.

The Recreational Trails Strategy aims to reflect community needs and expectations, formalise Council’s role and responsibilities, and develop a framework to respond to growing demand for walking and mountain biking experiences.

Mayor Bob Manning said Cairns is undergoing transformative change through the expansion of its trail network and noted “these initiatives, headlined by the Wangetti Trail, a 94km coastal and hinterland track from Palt Cove to Port Douglas, are bolstering growth in the walking and mountain biking.”

Other significant trails include:

The Smithfield MTB Park plans to expand its current 30km routes to 82km. In Cairns, mountain biking supports about 206 jobs with an economic output of $35.4 million.
In areas like Mount Peter, where residential growth is substantial, there are opportunities to create a new trail network for outdoor activities, connecting communities and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

Those living in Cairns have ranked paths and tracks as the second highest for improving liveability in the region indicating a clear need to better provide, manage and maintain our trial network.

In developing the Recreational Trails Strategy, Council identified six key priorities:

Clearly articulate Council’s role and responsibilities in relation to local trails, investment, and resourcing
Adopt a clear position on informal trails that reflects Council’s capacity.
Improve community safety and wellbeing in using recreational trails.
Provide clear guidance for strengthening our existing walking and mountain biking trails asset provision.
Outline key actions for how to better deliver, maintain and manage the trail network.
Establish and support strong partnerships to improve the trail network.

Mayor Manning added “the Strategy provides a foundation for responsible financial decision-making, ensuring Council has a framework in place for defining, providing, managing and maintaining trail assets to align with existing and future needs for the region.

“It recognises that a strong network of recreational trails will help build the region’s economy and expand ecotourism opportunities as a key infrastructure component of community and visitor experiences of Cairns.”

13th August 2023 - Explore Worldwide study reveals Australia’s most photographed walking trails

23rd May 2023 - Walking Trails upgrades for Grampians

22nd May 2023 - Frematle’s Boo Park Mountain Bike Trails exceed all expectations

16th March 2023 - New Hobart trails to attract more mountain bike tourists and events

12th January 2023 - Christchurch’s new Rapaki trails proving popular and ease pressure on busy Rapaki Track

22nd October 2022 - WA Strategic Trails Blueprint aims to improve connection with country, community and culture

14th June 2022 - Works commence on first stage of Omeo Mountain Bike Trails project

6th May 2022 - New website promotes Western Australia’s trails network

26th April 2022 - New Barossa Heritage Trails App makes region’s history and heritage more accessible

10th January 2022 - Lake Macquarie new nature trails aim to attract families to explore local wilderness

14th October 2021 - Western Australia forum plans future of state’s trails industry

8th September 2021 - Campaign launched to promote Rockhampton’s mountain bike trails

12th July 2021 - Tasmania’s West Coast Council continues to deliver mountain bike trails

2nd February 2021 - New recreational trails opened in Myponga Reservoir Reserve

7th October 2020 - New nature walking trails open in the Sunshine Coast hinterland

8th January 2020 - Great Southern Regional trails master plan open for public comment

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