Riders ready to hit the trails

MOUNTAIN bike riders can now enjoy world-class mountain biking opportunities through lush sub-tropical forests of the Wooroi section of the Tewantin National Park.
The opportunities are thanks to a Queensland State Government ‘Get Playing’ grant and a successful partnership between the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing (NPSR) and the Trailblazers Mountain Bike Group.
Administered by the department’s Sport and Recreation Services team and supported by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers on the ground, the successful grant project was the initiative of the Trailblazers.
The group has been instrumental in providing a volunteer workforce over two years to ensure proposed upgrades to track design, trail heads and signage were in line with International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) guidelines and were completed to the highest of standards.
QPWS ranger and avid mountain bike rider Eugene Craddock said a pivotal role in liaising with the Trailblazers group was ensuring the obligations of properly managing the national park were upheld.
“I acknowledge the efforts of the Trailblazers as there has been a noticeable decrease in the formation of unapproved tracks in the park since the new upgrades have been completed,” Mr Craddock said.
Trailblazers president David McLennan said none of it would have been possible without the support and leadership shown by QPWS.
“QPWS not only granted us permission to upgrade the trails but has been actively involved in the planning, co-ordinating and supervising the works at every stage of the project. A special thank you must go to QPWS Ranger Eugene for his countless hours of friendly support. You’re a champion,” Mr McLennan said.
“I believe our objective to create a progressive trail network that is family-friendly, fun, challenging and sustainable has been achieved and we are all the beneficiaries.”
Mr McLennan said the success of the project was obvious to anyone who had been on the trails.
“Recent trail counts have revealed a significant increase in trail use since 2014. I’d call that a successful outcome. Let’s make sure we respect the trails and all their users and we stay active with helping QPWS maintaining the park,” he said.
NPSR regional director Geoff Brittingham said the project had been a great example of government and community working together.
“We’ve achieved an excellent recreational and environmental outcome for the local community and visitors to the Sunshine Coast and that’s a win for everyone,” Mr Brittingham said.
“The outcome achieved and the efforts of everyone involved could not have been better.”
For park information check out the NPSR website at www.npsr.qld.gov.au