CANBERRA MOUNTAIN BIKE REPORT Draft December 2019
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N CANBERRA MOUNTAIN BIKE REPORT Draft December 2019 Prepared by The Canberra Mountain Bike Report has been prepared by TRC Tourism Pty Ltd for ACT Parks and Conservation Service. Acknowledgements We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the ACT, the Ngunnawal people. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of Canberra and the region. TRC Tourism would also like to acknowledge the contribution of the many stakeholders involved in this project, particularly the Project Reference Group: Rod Griffiths, National Parks Association, Jake Hannah, Majura Pines Trail Alliance, Mic Longhurst, Dynamic Motivation, Raynie McNee, Cycle Education, Lisa Morisset, Mountain Bike Australia, Kelly Ryan, Visit Canberra, Darren Stewart CORC, Jeff VanAalst, Stromlo Forest Park, Alan Vogt, Kowalski Brothers, Ryan Walsch, Fixed by Ryan and Claire Whiteman. Images: Courtesy of ACT Government, Spring Photo Competition, credits shown with image Front Cover Photos: Spring Photo Competition ACT Government (see credits in document) Map Design: TRC Tourism and Alan Vogt Disclaimer Any representation, statement, opinion or advice, expressed or implied in this document is made in good faith and on the basis that TRC Tourism Pty Ltd is not liable to any person for any damage or loss whatsoever which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking or not taking action in respect of any representation, statement or advice referred to in this document. www.trctourism.com DRAFT Canberra Mountain Bike Report| December 2019 i Contents Executive Summary v 1 Introduction 1 2 Strategic Context 5 3 The Mountain Bike Tourism Market 9 4 The Characteristics of Mountain Bikers 15 5 What Makes a Successful Mountain Bike Destination? 21 6 Canberra as a Mountain Bike Destination 24 7 Investing in New Trails - Potential Locations 43 8 The Canberra Mountain Bike Report 60 9 A Sustainable Management Model for the ACT 70 10 Benefits of the Report 75 11 Conclusion 79 Appendices 80 a. Appendix: Consultation Summary 81 b. Appendix : Case Studies 88 c. Appendix: Locations where cycling is permitted on multi use trails 102 d. Appendix: Mountain Bike (MTB) Trail Standards 103 e. Appendix: Rotorua Mountain Biking - Management & Governance 104 DRAFT Canberra Mountain Bike Report| December 2019 ii Abbreviations ACT Australia Capital Territory AUD Australian Dollar CBD Central Business District CBR Canberra CORC Canberra Off-Road Cyclists DH Downhill EIS Environment Impact Statement ESO Environmental Significance Opinion IMBA International Mountain Bicycling Association PCS ACT Parks and Conservation Service MOU Memorandum of Understanding MRC Murrumbidgee River Corridor MTB Mountain Bike MTBA Mountain Bike Australia NSW New South Wales NZ New Zealand SFP Stromlo Forest Park UCI Union Cycliste Internationale DRAFT Canberra Mountain Bike Report| December 2019 iii Credit: Andrew Buesnel - Spring Sunrise at Stromlo DRAFT Canberra Mountain Bike Report| December 2019 iv Executive Summary ABOUT THIS REPORT Mountain biking is one of the world’s fastest growing recreation and tourism activities and The ACT Mountain Bike Report aims to one of the most popular family friendly lifestyle establish the ACT as the Mountain Bike Capital activities in Australia. Approximately 3.5 million of Australia offering a superior trail network visitors travelling in Australia participate in with outstanding experiences for visitors. cycling activities/events (either as a participant It provides an integrated and realistic approach 1 or as a spectator). It is estimated that many of for the ACT Government and its stakeholders to these visitors participate in mountain biking. invest in and develop mountain biking Tourism is an important sector for the ACT opportunities in a way that attracts domestic economy, and it is expected to grow in the next and international visitors and provides ten years. Canberra is supported by good road meaningful recreational, social and economic access, an international airport and outstanding benefits to the ACT. national attractions. It offers quality The CBR Cycle Tourism Strategy provides the experiences relating to food and wine, arts and overarching framework for the development of culture, nature and outdoor adventure, cycle tourism in the ACT. The priorities and indigenous culture as well as events and recommendations in this report support the festivals making it a compelling destination for goals of the CBR Cycle Tourism Strategy and visitors. The ACT’s extensive trail network also complement the strategies and actions offers visitors and residents outstanding trail- contained within it. based recreation opportunities, complimenting other experiences on offer. SUCCESSFUL MOUNTAIN BIKE DESTINATIONS Canberra has an established reputation for mountain biking with interstate riders spending There are several factors involved in developing around $30 million each year in Canberra. The a successful mountain bike destination. The unique combination of high-quality trails, main attraction for most mountain bikers is the natural scenery, world class attractions, and trail network: the quality and quantity of trail; vibrant cycling culture sets Canberra apart from accessibility and the challenges and interest other mountain bike destinations in Australia. provided; and the wider tourism/ visitor Its proximity to significant source markets such experience offered, both on and off trail. as Sydney and regional NSW and the attraction of the city to international visitors presents a Many destinations throughout Australia and significant opportunity for growth. New Zealand are experiencing the benefits of mountain bike tourism. There is a groundswell of effort being put into developing purpose- built trails and facilities that are well funded, managed and promoted. For example, Tasmania, Northern Territory and other jurisdictions are currently investing in mountain bike tourism. Investment is also occurring across regional NSW, including the Snowy Mountains region. 1 National Visitor Survey March 2019 DRAFT Canberra Mountain Bike Report| December 2019 v CANBERRA’S MOUNTAIN BIKE OFFERING FURTHER INVESTMENT IS CRITICAL Stromlo Forest Park is the ACT’s only purpose- Further investment is essential for the ACT to built mountain bike park and the most popular remain competitive as a mountain bike trail hub for visitors to Canberra. There has destination. Investment is required in the been significant investment in the trail network following areas: since the multi-use recreational sporting facility was established in 2007. Interestingly, most of · New trails that provide elevation, technical Canberra’s mountain bike trails are located challenge, and aspirational experiences within plantation forests scattered across the · High-quality trails that provide for a ACT. The trails in these areas are planned, minimum of two to three days riding constructed and maintained by volunteers. · Supporting infrastructure and services at Collectively these trail hubs play a significant existing trail hubs part in Canberra’s mountain bike offer. They · Coordinated marketing and information are also important venues for mountain bike · Effective governance and management. club activities and events. A review of the ACT’s mountain bike trails and PRIORITIES FOR INVESTMENT infrastructure indicates that: Stakeholder and community consultation · Its natural landscape, proximity of trails to undertaken throughout the development of the CBD and other attractions provide this report confirmed that the success of visitors with riding opportunities that are mountain biking in the ACT will rely on offering not found elsewhere in Australia. new and unique trails in appropriate locations. · The existing network is sufficiently diverse, In order to increase participation and establish and the quality of trails is moderate to high. the ACT as an international mountain bike · Trails located in ACT plantation forests are destination it is vital that new trails are susceptible to harvesting activities. developed as the initial priority. · The trail network lacks (i) a range of trails to The areas that offer the best potential for the offer at least two days of riding for development of new trails are: interstate visitors (ii) ‘hero’ or aspirational trails that make it a compelling destination · the area between Stromlo Forest Park and (iii) trails with elevation when compared to the Cotter Recreation Reserve other destinations. · the Cotter Recreation Area · Trails are located near attractions, · the Blue Range Area, Uriarra Forest. restaurants, cafes and accommodation. · There is significant interest from the private These areas offer significant potential for trail- sector to stage mountain bike events in the based recreation and proximity to the city and ACT. suburbs makes it ideally suited for walking, · Consistent trail standards, high quality hiking, trail running and mountain biking. trailhead facilities and trail improvements Stromlo Forest Park will act as the ‘gateway’ to are required. these new trails offering high quality · The lack of a co-ordinated approach to the infrastructure, shuttle services and an event development of mountain biking, trail staging area. maintenance and marketing is limiting the potential of the ACT to become an international mountain bike destination. DRAFT Canberra Mountain Bike Report| December 2019 vi Users of these trails will be able to access · Attract national and international mountain existing infrastructure