Planning progresses for Toowoomba Escarpment Mountain Bike Trails
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Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has unanimously agreed to progress renewed planning and seek external funding for the proposed Toowoomba Escarpment Mountain Bike Trails Project.
At this week’s May Ordinary Meeting, Council agreed to progress the planning and implementation of a nationally significant mountain bike trail network for the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley Regions.
TRC Parks and Recreation Services Councillor, Cr Tim McMahon, said Council had been working hard to progress plans after a decision was made that impacted the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley Escarpment Mountain Bike Master Plan 2019-2026 following community feedback.
“Following overwhelming community feedback expressing concern about the potential use of Redwood Park to implement the Master Plan, Council listened to the community and took Redwood Park out of the scope of the project in 2022,” Cr McMahon said.
“Since that time, Council has been exploring the options of Jubilee and Prince Henry Drive Parks instead.
“Council has undertaken assessment of environmental constraints and opportunities and completed flora, fauna and cultural heritage studies to better understand the environmental and heritage values of Prince Henry Drive Park and Jubilee Park.
“The results of these studies, along with a recent traffic study which looked at the use of these parks for the project, has given Council a level of confidence to continue to progress planning for the trail network.
“Consultation with key stakeholders has occurred as part of the work.
“Council has now submitted an Expression of Interest for funding to the SEQ Liveability Fund for the project, which if successful, may result in a better financial outcome for the community than the previous Building Better Regions Fund, as the SEQ Liveability Fund has a smaller co-contribution requirement for local governments. This funding application will be focused on planning and construction of trails within Jubilee Park.”
Council also will review and update the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley Escarpment Mountain Bike Master Plan 2019-2026 and economic assessment to reflect changes to the Escarpment Mountain Bike Trails Project.
Further information regarding current Mountain Bike routes across the Toowoomba Region can be found here - https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/sport-recreation/walks-trails/15402-mountain-bike-routes