THE CREATION of a grid of cycling trails using idle land is the keystone of an ambitious five-year plan to grow Mount Burr into a world class mountain bike destination.
The comprehensive 20-page project proposal, created by resident Thomas Josephs, maps a stack loop network of shared use recreational trails in degraded and unused sites throughout the forests.
Building upon the town’s reputation, the proposed project aims to establish Mount Burr as a hub for family friendly, nature-based activities.
The document highlights the development of 10 trails, including a ‘Lookout Loop’, ‘Gran Gran Graves and Caves Trail’ and a nature play space area.
Trails for dirt bikes, four-wheel driving and horse riding are among the complementary projects floated in the document, as well as the development of a number of town events, including the Burr to Bluff Cross Country Mountain Bike Race.
Developed as an addendum to the Mount Burr Community Town Plan and tabled at a recent Wattle Range Council meeting, Mr Josephs said he was inspired to author the report after returning to the region.
“Nothing has really changed since I had moved away and I thought things needed to happen,” he said.
“I have done a little bit of mountain bike riding and I have seen things in other parts of the country operate and thought we are sitting on a gold mine here.
“Nature-based experiences are becoming very popular and I think Mount Burr is in a great position to capitalise on that.”
Mr Josephs said the project had the potential to create numerous economic opportunities for existing businesses, as well as entrepreneurial investment.
He said increased visitation would have a flurry of advantages not only to the tourism and hospitality sector, but also a wide range of sectors including retail, construction and primary production.
“Project development has the potential to create numerous economic opportunities for the residents of the region by offering unique selling points to the overseas market,” Mr Josephs said.
“There are also community, health and environments.”
The project lists a number of potential partners, including council, ForestrySA, OneFortyOne, State Government departments and environmental groups.
“Responses from Forestry SA and the Wattle Range Council have been extremely positive as project objectives are in line with their respective future management actions,” Mr Josephs said.
“Both Forestry SA and Wattle Range Council have offered to assist the project objectives where they can, provided structured planning, goals and costs are established.”
Wattle Range Council development manager Steve Chapple said council was attempting to determine whether the State Government-owned land could be developed.
Mr Chapple said he would “see what comes” of the proposal when discussed again at an upcoming council meeting.
