Douglas Integrated Riders & Trailbuilders Incorporated (D.I.R.T.) met before Christmas to discuss the requirements and conditions after Council granted a trustee permit to build a mountain bike family skills park at the Port Douglas Sports Complex.

Secretary Lachlan Pearce and the group worked tirelessly on the Project Plan presented to Council stating that D.I.R.T want to enhance the mountain bike culture in the Shire, with the proposed family skills park.

D.I.R.T. Project Plan

“Traditionally the area was a BMX mountain bike track,” said Pearce referring to the proposed location of the family skills park.

The proposed mountain bike family skills park will be designed as a cross-country-style circuit approximately 1.1km long incorporating a 150m pump track circuit, a 300m skills section and 30-90m of bridge work through the tidal areas of the three-hectare allotment.

D.I.R.T. received $10,000 under Council’s Community Support Program in May to assist in building the skills park which aims to develop an interconnecting trail system that provides alternative opportunities for local mountain biking enthusiasts and attracts more riders.

Mayor Julia Leu said the mountain bike family skills park was a fantastic concept that would further support the Douglas Shire’s reputation as a mountain bike tourist hub.

“The Douglas Shire is renowned for our amazing mountain bike trails such as the Bump Track and the new skills park will add to our reputation as an adventure tourism hub and make these healthy experiences even more accessible,” Mayor Leu said.

“By creating a family friendly riding space to help skill development, D.I.R.T. is also providing another great activity for locals.”

Council will now prepare a Land Management Plan for the site which will be submitted to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines before D.I.R.T. begins work on the track construction.

D.I.R.T. are also in the process of sourcing additional federal grant funding and continue to raise funds.  They plan to establish a fundraising sub-committee and seek volunteers for the club.  If interested, please contact Secretary Lachlan Pearce 4099 3221 or email dirt-club@hotmail.com