Mountain Bike project marks momentous milestone

Mayor Greg Williamson said the construction contracts, awarded to three separate companies, marked a huge milestone for stage one of the signature project.

“Our Field Services crews have been onsite undertaking civil works for stage one of this project, which is exciting for the Pioneer Valley and our region in terms of tourism and being an economic driver,’’ he said.

“These three contracts will bring the Finch Hatton trailhead and the first stage of associated trails to life.”

Mayor Williamson said it was pleasing the major contract, worth more than $3.8 million for the Finch Hatton trailhead, had been awarded to Mackay company J Mac Constructions Pty Ltd.

The first contract awarded at today’s ordinary meeting was for the design and construction of 16 trails, measuring 13.5km, in stage one of the project at Finch Hatton.

This was awarded to World Trail Pty Ltd as trustee for World Trail Unit Trust, for a tendered price of $2,003,799 (excluding GST), including a provisional sum for a six-month maintenance program.

The second, for the Finch Hatton trailhead, was awarded to J Mac Constructions Pty Ltd for $3,851,928.79 (excluding GST).

The third tender awarded was for the pump track at the Finch Hatton trailhead site.

It will be built by another Mackay company TKK Service Pty Ltd, trading as Bike Tracks Australia, for $395,583.

“There has been a huge amount of community consultation done, especially with the Finch Hatton and Eungella communities, throughout planning for this project,’’ Mayor Williamson said.

“Excitement is building and that will only be heightened with tenders awarded for stage one and the start of construction upon us,’’ he said.