The president of Stack City Mountain Bike Club says the development of a purpose built track at Mount Isa will make the city a destination for cycling enthusiasts.
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“It would be a track for everyone,” James Postle said.
The area of land proposed is located on the R48 Reserve, about one kilometre from Lake Moondarra and features a hilly landscape.
The group was referred to in the Mount Isa City Council Sport and Recreation Strategy.
The paper recommended the development of a mountain bike strategy, with the assistance of professional track builders and sport experts.
“The recommendation explores strategic facility provision for the growth sport of mountain biking,” it outlined.
Mount Isa City Council Mayor Joyce McCulloch said council fully supports the concept of a mountain bike track being constructed.
“Cycling is a very popular sport and pastime,” she said.
“A mountain bike track would perfectly complement the Lake Moondarra cycle path that was completed last year and runs parallel to the main road that leads to the lake.”
Cr McCulloch said a purpose-built mountain bike track would have additional benefits for the whole community.
“A dedicated and purpose-built mountain bike track would attract many more mountain-biking enthusiasts to our city,” she said.
“It would also improve awareness of the city and its services, attractions and facilities, which can definitely have very real flow-on benefits to our economy.
“We would love to see such a facility up and running here.”
Cr McCulloch said the city’s surrounding local terrain is ideal for mountain biking activities.
“It includes hills of various gradients, as well as flatter land, which is suitable for beginners as well as more seasoned bike riders,” she said.
James has approached council with a plan and he said the club has to obtain required approvals, such as an Environmental Impact Statement before the track can go ahead.
Alice Springs, James said, has become a major hot spot for mountain bike enthusiasts and he believes that Mount Isa can become one too.
The mountain bike group hopes having a designated track will also encouraged more people to join and take up the sport.
As yet it is not known how much the track will cost.
James said the group is currently applying for grants through council and the state government to help fund the project.
Cr McCulloch said at this stage, the project is out of council’s hands.
“However council is supportive of the mountain bike club’s endeavours,” she said.
Cr McCulloch said council is happy to advise or assist the club, when it comes to the applicable council approvals or requirements that correspond to the project.
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