Just to clear up the misinformation
The Cairns WC track is able to be accessed by commercial operators. Commercial operators can apply for a Commercial Activity Agreement (CAA) to access the Restricted Access Area (RAA).
This CAA has certain requirements and they are Risk management, appropriate liability insurance and industry credentials. These conditions were set by Parks who funded the rebuild and were party to the return of the World Cup. Their support for MTB Tourism in this area is fairly solid given the money being spent in Parks on trails etc.. Parks created this facility and have sought advice from experts in the field.
So for those who want to access they should apply for one, meet the criteria and then they can get access.
If they can't meet the criteria then perhaps they shouldn't have access. Not for me to make that decision that is for Parks, and the Govt, they funded it, they set the guidelines based on what they feel will protect their investment in MTB tourism.
The Cairns MTB Club only has access as long as it complies with MTBA policy with regard the running of events, whether they be social or competitive.
Walkers are not permitted on the trail because, as it was explained to me, Parks are worried that walkers will not hear a Downhiller doing 70kph through the fast areas of the track and there will be carnage. Seems fair to me. You wouldn't see walkers walking against the flow of Downhillers at Fort William, Stromlo, Thredbo, Buller?.
Seems to be a lot of hysteria being stirred up for what? I am not sure but perhaps instead of wasting time and energy on this rubbish they should be focusing on meeting the criteria so they can get a CAA.
To run around yelling that the restricted access to this trail means the end of MTB tourism for this region is pretty irresponsible. That sort of thing affects the entire region from Townsville up. A 1.9 kilometre section of trail, purpose built for WC downhill, is not going to be the sole dictator of the growth of MTB tourism in this region. That will be based on how we market the region to the masses (the masses don't all ride DH) The Paluma Push MTB race sold out in 4 days (500 riders). The RRR this year sold out 650 riders, the biggest in the history of the RRR and plans are for the numbers to be increased next year.
Similar numbers are expected for the Cardwell race planned for the 150 year celebrations of Cardwell. TTNQ is creating more marketing campaigns for southern states, who pretty much have nowhere to ride this time of year. Ride cairns is getting more and more hits a day.
A new Fat Bike Tour in the Cape York exploring remote beaches sold out its inaugural tour, sold out Cairns to Karumba (dirt boys) charity ride, More MTB tour operators seeking to enter the industry. A quick chat to other tour operators in the region indicates that the industry is seeing significant growth. The list goes on to show this irresponsible ranting is simply inaccurate.
Talk to local bike shop owners who have noted a significant increase in MTB interest, growth in junior development days at the Cairns MTB Club, sold out Social MTB retreats for women etc..
It is getting a bit old this carry on, criteria exists for a CAA, meet it or diversify. If any business is basing it's sole success around 1.9 km of trail then that may not be the most viable business. In the MTB tourism market diversity is the key. With hundreds of kilometres of trails in the region built and being planned it is ludicrous to have to address this issue over and over again.
Access can be obtained through the club, until another entity meets the criteria to gain access. Club access is determined by weather and volunteers. More volunteers, more access, as long as the weather is kind.
The options exist for access, Can we move on?