Funding for St Helens Trail Network announced

The following media release was made on 16 May 2017.  The Break O'Day Council has also allowed the release of the background report prepared by World Trails on the network for those who want a bit more information.

$1 million mountain bike boost for North-East Tasmania

Tourism in Tasmania’s North-East is set to receive a major boost in the State Budget with the Tasmanian Liberal Government investing $1 million into the St Helens Mountain Bike Trail Network.

The funding will be used to create the 66 kilometre Stacked Loop Network south of St Helens, which is part of stage 2 of the expanded Derby - Blue Tiers project.

Tasmania has earned an international reputation for the quality of its cycling and biking offerings from mountain bikes and cross country trails to relaxing rides along quiet country roads with magnificent scenic views.

In particular, the trails at Blue Derby, Blue Tier and Hollybank are a major draw card for the region and the State. The success of the MTB Enduro World Series recently staged at Derby was outstanding and further boosted mountain biking as an activity of choice for many of our visitors.

By supporting the Break O’Day Council’s St Helens Mountain Bike Trail Network with a $1 million investment we are capitalising on our growing reputation as a cycling destination.

This Network will be a unique experience and addresses a gap in the market for a coastal mountain bike destination in Tasmania. The trails will cater for both the hard core and novice mountain bike riders in a unique coastal destination that will be attractive to family visits and encourage people to stay longer in the region.

The Tasmanian Visitor Survey findings for the year ending December 2016 shows mountain biking has experienced huge growth over the past two years, increasing by 56 per cent from 8000 visitors to more than 20,000.

The Government is Building Tasmania’s Future by investing in tourism infrastructure which grows our visitor economy, supports regional economies and creates jobs.