Northern Territory advances plans to become world-class mountain biking destination

The release Northern Territory’s Mountain Biking Master Plan details an objective to become Australia’s leading mountain biking destination.

Introducing the Plan, Northern Territory  Chief Minister Adam Giles stated “our Mountain Biking Master Plan will establish the Northern Territory as the adventure riding capital of Australia.

“From the dramatic landscapes and red dirt of Central Australia to the tropical reserves of the Top End, the Territory is the perfect backdrop for mountain bike riders.

“Our new master plan will help us grow this niche tourism market and attract even more holiday makers to the Territory, which will have positive spin-offs for local businesses.

“The master plan identifies the commercial and social opportunities that will help establish the NT and Alice Springs as a mountain-biking destination of genuine international standing.”

The master plan, developed collaboratively by government agencies, land managers, the tourism industry and community groups, has been endorsed by all stakeholders.

The single-track trails in Alice Springs are considered among the best in the world, with the added feature of being set in a unique, scenic, desert environment.

Alice Springs hosts two nationally recognised mountain biking events each year.

Parks and Wildlife Minister Bess Price said the Parks and Wildlife Commission had been leading the development of mountain biking experiences in the Territory.

Minister Price said the Northern Territory Government understands the value of this lucrative niche tourism market and has delivered $1.33 million over two years to upgrade mountain bike trails across the Northern Territory.

There are now professionally designed and constructed trails at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, Charles Darwin National Park and Casuarina Coastal Reserve.

Minister Price stated “through the master plan, Alice Springs’ potential to become a truly world class mountain biking destination will be fully developed, with a range of trails and events suited to local, national and international tourist markets.”

In the 2016 Budget, the NT Government has allocated $200,000 for trail development in Alice Springs in 2016/17 and $250,000 in 2017/18.

Priority will be given to consolidation and improvement of the existing trail network in the Telegraph Station, West MacDonnell Ranges and the Westside and Eastside areas to build a world-class network.

As these plans come to fruition it is intended to pursue Ride Centre status, as recognised by the International Mountain Bike Association.

Other Budget provisions for developing mountain bike experiences in Territory Parks in 2017-18 include:

• $300,000 for Nitmiluk and Litchfield National Parks;
• $150,000 for Darwin Parks including Charles Darwin National Park;
• $180,000 for the West MacDonnell National Park;
• $250,000 for Watarrka National Park.

Minister Price concluded “these trails will deliver health and social benefits for Territorians and contribute to a stronger tourism economy.”

Images: Legendary Alice Springs mountain bike stage race The Redback.

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