Gympie Regional Council engaged Blue Sky Trails to investigate the potential for a new mountain bike trail facility in the Mary Valley, a landscape with enormous outdoor recreation potential but no clear direction on how, where, or if such a facility should be delivered. Council needed expert support to move from uncertainty to confidence, and from broad opportunity to a clear, actionable pathway.
Blue Sky Trails delivered a comprehensive feasibility study that cut through complexity, clarified the real opportunity, and provided Council with an evidence-based roadmap for decision-making.
Our role was to define what success could look like, understand community expectations, evaluate site suitability, and determine whether a future MTB trail facility could deliver meaningful social, economic and recreational outcomes for the region.
Working closely with Council, we began by framing the project: identifying critical drivers, constraints, and the trail experiences that would genuinely add value to the Gympie region. Through a robust stakeholder and community engagement program delivered alongside Tilma Group, we captured insights from local businesses, tourism bodies, riding community, clubs, schools, Traditional Owners, elected members and the wider community. This ensured the project was shaped by real voices and grounded expectations.
Blue Sky Trails then undertook a detailed needs assessment and site evaluation, combining GIS analysis, desktop review and on-ground site visits. Each potential location was tested for landscape suitability, access, environmental sensitivity, operational requirements and the ability to deliver a distinctive riding experience.
The final feasibility assessment provided Council with a clear recommendation on which sites should progress, detailed cost estimates, opportunities and constraints analysis, and an implementation plan guiding next steps. The result: clarity, confidence, and a strong foundation for future investment.
This Feasibility Study Enabled:
- Clear evidence on whether a Mary Valley MTB facility is viable and worthwhile
- Identification of the most suitable and unsuitable locations
- A deep understanding of the trail experiences riders are seeking
- Transparent comparison of potential sites
- Insight into community, stakeholder and tourism-industry sentiment
- Clarity on required supporting infrastructure and site readiness
- Robust cost estimates and a cost–benefit analysis aligned with Council’s financial processes
- Identification of regional differentiation opportunities within SEQ’s trail market
- Guidance on governance, land management and long-term operational needs
- A clear, step-by-step implementation pathway
- Stronger alignment across Council teams and external partners
- A credible foundation for future business-case development and funding applications
