A Mount Cotton conservation area has been upgraded to the tune of $2,050,000.
The upgrade to the Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area was on council's to-do list until works were brought forward as a result of Queensland government's Covid Works for Queensland funding.
On Saturday Springwood MP Mick de Brenni and Redland City Mayor Karen Williams met with outdoor enthusiasts to have a closer look at the latest improvements to the Redlands Coast Eastern Escarpment Hinterland Experience project.
Rising mountain biking star, 16-year-old Bailey Meares, and adaptive mountain biker Renee Junga got to try out the new trails.
"Today is a celebration of what can be achieved when different levels of government work collaboratively together to deliver for the community," Cr Williams said.
The area is a regional destination enjoyed by avid cyclists, bushwalkers, horse riders and nature lovers with connections to broader trail networks of Venman Bushland National Park in Mount Cotton and Daisy Hill Conservation Area.
Mr de Brenni said the state government had provided council with $2.8m for works to the Eastern Escarpment and the Cleveland Aquatic Centre as part of its plan for Queensland's economic recovery from Covid 19.
"Our government was keen to support more investment in high quality mountain bike trails to meet the growing demand for this incredibly popular sport.
"As a mountain biker myself, I'd like to acknowledge the team who delivered the project which has been acclaimed as one of the best rides anywhere in southeast Queensland," he said.
He said the trails were custom-built with trails to challenge advanced riders as well as green beginner trails for the whole family.
"This project has created jobs in delivering the infrastructure and more broadly in local tourism, hospitality and the cycling economy," he said.
He said mountain biking was one of the fastest growing sports in the country and with the countdown to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games he encouraged youngsters to take up the sport and compete.
Ms Junga had an accident when training for the Beijing Olympics as part of Australia's first BMX squad in 2006, leaving her a paraplegic.
The 35-year-old biker has recently taken up adaptive mountain biking, and provided advice on the design and accessibility of the new trails.
She said she hoped that having the aMTB trail at the Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area would encourage more people to give aMTB a go and get into the sport because they know the trails are suitable.
"It's a scary thing finding tracks that are doable... I find out by trying them out which can be dangerous to get part way down a trail and find it's not suitable," she said.
Ms Junga rides most weekends and said she loved the freedom of the sport.
"I can leave my wheelchair in the car, ride with my mates and feel included," she said.
Mr Meares said he enjoyed the two new black diamond runs because they provided scope for his intense training schedule.
"It has a cool range of tech and flow... a range of features for everyone. I'm used to the gnarly stuff, but there are some big features for more advanced riders... but there's something for everyone, no matter your skill set," he said.
The 16-year-old said his goal was to keep riding professionally, but it had been a tough year with the pandemic and lockdowns.
He hoped to qualify for the 2022 UCI MTB Downhill World Championships, which would require a top 5 finish at February's national titles.
Cr Julie Talty said the popularity of the area had greatly increased since word got out about the new trails and facilities.
"In addition to upgrading 7km of existing trails, more than 13km of new trails have been created with new wayfinding signage, along with new viewing opportunities out to our Moreton Bay Islands," Cr Talty said.
New trailhead facilities at Gate 2 (near Schoek Road) include a small sealed car park, amenities, potable water and shelter with signage incorporating a map.
"As well as providing an improved experience for recreational users, the upgraded trails will also provide better access for the effective management of weeds and fires in the reserve," she said.
