Smithfield MTB Park Expansion:
Key Findings from Cairns MTB Club Survey
The chart displays the priority areas for expansion and improvement as expressed by the mountain biking community comments in the recent survey conducted online, in person at the trailhead over the month of September.
The highest emphasis is on Trail Variety and Expansion, followed by Trail Maintenance and Shuttle and Trail Access.
Facilities, Events, Environmental concerns, Signage, and Skill Development also feature prominently but with less frequency.
Thanks for getting involved and having your say! Now lets get to work together in creating the vision for the future !!!
Trail Variety & Expansion
- Demand for more diverse trails: flow, technical, jump lines, blue to black levels
- Desire for advanced and beginner trails
- Creation of a signature trail to attract MTB tourism
Trail Maintenance & Management
- Need for regular, professional maintenance beyond volunteers
- Call for full-time paid maintenance staff
- Scheduled maintenance aligning with seasons for trail longevity
Shuttle & Trail Access
- Daily and weekend shuttle services essential
- Both commercial shuttles and private vehicle shuttle roads requested
- Improved accessibility across the park
Facilities & Infrastructure
- Improved trailhead amenities: parking, toilets, cafe, bike shop
- More skills parks and safer progression areas
- Suggestions for chairlift and enhanced visitor facilities
Events, Community & Tourism
- Support for more local and major MTB events
- Desire to build Cairns as a premier MTB destination
- Emphasis on community rides and social activities
Environmental & Cultural Care
- Preservation of raw MTB culture and natural environment
- Rehabilitate abandoned trails and control erosion
- Sustainable trail building and collaboration with local experts
Signage & Navigation
- Clear, uniform trail signage at all trailheads and intersections
- Detailed maps for trail difficulty and features helpful to newcomers
Skill Development
- Facilities and trails supporting progression from beginner to expert
- Skills areas focusing on jumps, drops, and technical riding
- Coaching and education programs encouraged