779th Council Meeting 20 September 2019 916 Economy, Planning & Environment Committee Meeting 18 September 2019 ADOPTED REPORT Trails were therefore evaluated as having more undesirable elements, than desirable. Quantity Trail networks at Old Tambo were said to be limited. There is only one trail at Old Tambo, and as such respondents noted that the site needed more challenging trails if it was serious about attracting visitors. Diversity of Biking Experiences The biking experiences were evaluated as limited because there is only one trail (DH). Especially given its relative location and the effort involved in getting up the mountain, and alternative options available in the region. Trail Care and Maintenance Respondents major concern was the need for better trail care and maintenance at Old Tambo, particularly at the bottom section of the trails. Respondents suggested a volunteer trail care crew to improve the maintenance issues at this destination. - “Could really do with some trail maintenance and rebuilding all the way to the bottom” - “The bottom section is washed out and had not had any care provided for a long time” - “Top section is OK but last 2/3 is too rough to be worth the effort. Many wash outs and overall needs work to be usable.” - “The bottom section need lots of work, actually as I say it will be a great place to develop gravity trail there.” - “We need to have a trail care crew (volunteer) like Nerang trail care that can access to the gate. I will be happy to volunteer.” Trail Network Development Proposals Taking into account its history as a noted DH track and its location, respondents suggested that any changes or developments would need to be attention grabbing trails to account for the distance travelled to and lack of diversity at this facility. More specifically, suggestions for trail types to be developed are DH and /or Enduro trails. Also, trail features to be developed should include flow tracks, jump trails and climbing trails. Additionally, easier, ridable trails for beginners and intermediary-level riders should ideally be added. - “Should be more trails at this location this is a perfect spot for DH riding and enduro trails. […] Think big needs flow tracks jump trails and DH specific trail.” - “Needs more trail to really make it worth the drive up the mountain. More descending trails and a climbing trail.” - “Needs more than 1 trail & a dedicated climbing trail” - “Tambo is good; however, it needs a lot of work to make it ride able and enjoyable for anyone under an advanced rider.” 779th Council Meeting 20 September 2019 917 Economy, Planning & Environment Committee Meeting 18 September 2019 ADOPTED REPORT Quality of Amenities and Support Facilities Respondents highlighted two key issues as hindering growth of MTB at Old Tambo; bike- transport services and riding-support services. With regards to bike-transport services, respondents emphasised a lack of (regular) shuttle/uplift services. This was the most mentioned complaint of respondents regarding the facilities/amenities for MTB at Old Tambo. This shortage is said to reduce the overall attractiveness of the trails at Old Tambo. Respondents therefore suggested offering either long shuttled routes or direct access to fire road. - “Not in my interest, especially due to the need to shuttle.” - “A short section that is good but can’t be shuttled as a DH.” - “Needs a lift or direct access to fire road.” - “Long shuttle route unless fire road is open.” In terms of riding support services, respondents stated the need of better signage, water stations, trailheads and ideally bike parks / features. Further support facilities mentioned was the expansion of services in the surrounding community, such as better accommodation and food and beverages suppliers. - “Access is not very easily noticed, and signage is poor” - “Needs signposting and trail maintenance.” - “Add water point for drinking and more trails please” - “Trailhead and more trails would be great.” - “Could have a proper bike park in this location with a chair lift, accommodation, bars.” Accessibility / Convenience of Location As noted above, a lack of signage has rendered this venue to be regarded as hard to access, according to respondents. - “Access is not very easily noticed […]” - “Hard to access.[…]” Uniqueness Old Tambo is perceived as possessing good topography (elevation, descents). - “340m+ vertical descent is a world class location and should be better utilised with more trails.” - “[Old Tambo has] lots of potential with the elevation that it has.” 779th Council Meeting 20 September 2019 918 Economy, Planning & Environment Committee Meeting 18 September 2019 ADOPTED REPORT Satisfaction with Boomerang Farm Figure 36: Satisfaction Levels with Boomerang Farm Your overall experience Quality of trails Quality of support facilities - trail heads, signposting, skills parks, food and drink etc Diversity of biking experiences, trails and parks Accessibility/convenience of the location Trail Congestion Uniqueness -20% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Very Dissatisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Neither Somewhat sattisfied Very satisfied Amongst all of the surveyed MTB sites in and around Gold Coast (i.e. Nerang National Park, Hinze Dam, Old Tambo, Boomerang, Illinbah and NV Gravity Farm), Boomerang Farm riders reported the highest levels of satisfaction with their riding experiences. Notably, no respondents reported any element of their experience at this venue as very dissatisfied. There were however 95.7% of respondents who rated their overall ‘Boomers’ trail experience as Somewhat Satisfactory (29.2%) or Very Satisfactory (66.5%). This was the highest satisfaction level among the six MTB venues evaluated. It scored well across the board (80%+ rider satisfaction), with trail quality (95.7%) and uniqueness (90.5%) taking top honours, and accessibility (85.8%) and support facilities (85.4%) following. Areas identified for marginal improvement was its trail congestion (80.2%) and diversity (80.7%). Justifying the Ratings Overall Impressions with Boomerang Farm MTB Trails / Venue Almost all of the respondents who visited Boomerang stated that Boomerang is a great park. Positive responses related mostly about trail diversity relative to other MTB facilities, well- built trails, great vibes and community, excellent facilities and trail care, and its ongoing progression. - “I cannot give this place enough praise. What had been achieved at Boomerang farm is on an international scale. With better marketing this place would be a drawcard for Gold Coast. Unfortunately, few people outside SEQ in the mountain biking community have even heard of it. Please build more facilities like this.” 779th Council Meeting 20 September 2019 919 Economy, Planning & Environment Committee Meeting 18 September 2019 ADOPTED REPORT Quality of Trails and the Diversity of Biking Experience Quality Respondents highly commended the trail quality at Boomerang. Trails were evaluated as well- built, having world-class quality. - “Nothing else like it, everything is extremely well built.” The only minor issue raised by respondents, was the soil quality, with a tendency to dry out. Recommendations to overcome this was to potentially water the trails manually. - “All good but can get a bit dry at times, perhaps some watering etc.” - “The dryness of the location is the only real problem.” Quantity Boomerang was said to have great variety of trails and a constant progression and development. Respondents noted Boomerang’s ability to cater for different riding levels (from beginners to advanced levels), different trail interests (such as Enduro, DH and free rides) and different trail features (natural trails, jump lines). - “It is the only place that caters for all levels of riders. The trails gradings are actually consistent to MTBA standards.” - “Lots of different riding in one easy to get to location.” - “Great place, diverse tracks from enduro, DH to free ride with dirt jumps and pump track going in.” - “Haven’t ridden myself but I believe the tracks are more suited to DH or enduro than park or xco.” [Visitor to site] - “Proper DH trails.” - “Always have a good time, usually ride the natural trails but sometimes jump lines.” Trail Network Development Proposals Even though the site is regarded as accommodating to different MTB riding levels, respondents recommended the development of more trails, particularly easy trails for beginners/novices to intermediary trails. Specifically, blue trail types, flow trails, and better jumps were suggested. Trails were also expected to extend longer. - “Needs more blue/flow trails to compliment the black trails” - “Needs more trails for intermediate riders. Flow trails” - “A great place for advanced riders but not really catering for novices” - “The jumps are too big for me.” - “Great facility, wish they had longer trail ride type tracks.” - “The trails are far too short to be considered be true MTN biking experience.” 779th Council Meeting 20 September 2019 920 Economy, Planning & Environment Committee Meeting 18 September 2019 ADOPTED REPORT Quality of Amenities and Facilities The shuttle services were highlighted as contributing to the advantages of Boomerang. Respondents noted that Boomerang was the only track the offers a shuttle services and self- shuttling. To improve the amenities/facilities at Boomerang, respondents suggested to build a chairlift. - “It's the only track that provides a shuttle service and allows for self-shuttling.” - “Among the best built trails, I have ridden. Just need a chairlift