Cr Tucker said a further 46 kilometre trail would be built as stage two.

“The second stage of stage two is to come from the top of the Blue Tier down into the Bay of Fires, in behind The Gardens,” he said. “That is something that is going to be spectacular.”

Cr Tucker said proposed plans for the 66km trail two kilometres south of St Helens could be some of the best in the state, surrounded by incredible scenery.

The trail designer, Glen Jacobs, of World Trails is the only Australian in the mountain bike hall of fame, Cr Tucker said.

“His assumption is that it will be one of the best that has ever been built. The views are so spectacular looking over into the ocean. As well as being very tough country and amazing stuff for intermediate riders,” Cr Tucker said.

“He is very determined to make this one of the best that has been built in our local area.”  

The council aims to build something iconic.

“Something that is going to be able to satisfy some of the hardest, toughest riders with their double diamond, right down the real family orientated  that mum and the kids can come along too and see some of the fantastic scenery,” Cr Tucker said.  

The trail’s construction is expected to be underway by the end of winter.

“sixty-six kilometres is a fairly big trail, but there will be sections that will open up during that (construction) period. Because it is stacked looped, as we complete a section that will open up for use while we’re building the next section,” Cr Tucker said.

It is expected to take about 13 months to finish the 66km section.

“You’ll be able to use St Helens as your base. There will be tour busses taking you up to the Blue Tier and taking you to Derby and all those sort of places. There is already a lot of infrastructure and transport working behind the scenes so they can fulfill the needs of the riders,” Cr Tucker said.

“We seem to be ticking a lot of boxes now which is absolutely amazing for Break O’Day and it is going to benefit the whole of the North-East.”