Fraser Coast – Is It Ideal for Cycle Tourism? Prepared by LeadOut Consulting for Tipec Pty Ltd May 2014: V2

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1. Introduction What makes a city, town or region an ideal destination for cycling tourism? Is it having quality cycling infrastructure and end of trip facilities, a variety of built and natural attractions, is it the scenery and topography of an area, friendly and courteous motorists or useful and readily available maps and information? This paper will briefly explore this issue, analyse the Fraser Coast in terms of how it currently rates as a cycling tourism destination, identify gaps and how to address these and identify significant issues hindering the growth of cycle tourism in Hervey Bay. 2. Background There are many definitions of cycle tourism and the cycle tourist. Definitions will continue to evolve as this niche market continues to grow. However to set the context, the Cycle Tourism Strategy 2005 – 2009 by the South Australian Tourism Commission (2005:3) states that ‘cycle tourism visits are considered to be for the purpose of holidays, recreation, pleasure or sport; and to include either overnight stays, or day trips to other tourism regions during which the visitor either engages in active cycling, or is a spectator at a cycling event.’ There are many variations of a cycle tourist as defined in Table 1, therefore within cycle tourism there are many target markets. However the commonality is that the individual must actively engage in cycling either as a participant or as spectators, in a region other than their own. According to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Cycle Strategy 2011-2021 (2011), cycle tourism actively and positively contributes economically to regional, coastal and rural destinations. Cycle tourists are more likely than other tourists to participate in holiday activities like eating out, visiting art galleries and shopping.

Table 1: Different Market Segments and Characterist ics of Recreational Cyclists and Bicycle Tourists

Activity Type Market Segments User Characterist ics Day touring • Home Based

• Mountain Bike • Day Events

Half day and day trips, primarily from home, families and adult groups, younger mountain bike riders.

Cycle hirers • Casual • Holidaymakers

Holiday based for whole or part of day, experienced and inexperienced cyclists, families and youth groups, some adult groups.

Pre-planned cycle touring

• Independent • Organised

Independent, group led tours, suit the less experienced, overseas visitors, couples, individuals and families, 25-44 age.

DIY touring holidays

• Independent Touring holidays, more experienced with good knowledge, aged 15-44, couples and adult groups.

Centred holidays • Independent • Organised

Independent, group led tours from an accommodation base, popular with mountain bike riders and younger people.

Cycling events • Participants and support crews

• Spectators

Usually club members depending on type or event (competitive, non competitive) and supporters.

Source: Cycle Tourism in Australia: an investigation into its size and scope (2007)

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Besides providing for and encouraging active and healthy lifestyles for visitors and residents, the growing industry of cycle tourism has the potential to boost regional and rural economies. One way of summarising and highlighting the extent of the economic benefits of cycling is visually in Figure 1. Figure 1: Austral ian Cycling: an economic overview.

Source: Australian Bicycle Council and Cycling Promotion Fund (2011)

Examples of cycle tourism activities that are demonstrative proof of such include:

1. Regional experiences like food and wine tours, rail trails and coastal paths a. Riesling Tour – Clare Valley b. Bike, Cheese and Wine Trail – Barossa Valley c. Murray To Mountains – North East Victoria d. Brisbane Valley Rail Trail – Brisbane Valley and South Burnett regions e. Redland Bay Esplanade Path – Redland Bay

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2. Mountain bike events and connections across other national parks and publicly managed lands

a. Logan’s Run XC MTB Marathon – Mt Joyce Recreation Park, Wyrralong Dam b. Dirt Fest Off Road Triathlon and MTB Series – Vic, NSW, Qld c. The Crocodile Trophy – multi day MTB XC marathon race, North Queensland

3. Cycle-friendly tourism infrastructure and services a. Bluewater Trail – Mackay b. On road infrastructure – Noosa c. Noosa Trail Network – Sunshine Coast d. City Cycle Hire Scheme – Brisbane

4. Major cycling events a. The Jayco Tour Down Under - Adelaide b. Cycle Queensland – annual multi day cycling holiday c. Brisbane to Gold Coast – 60km, 100km charity rides d. Mt Cootha Challenge e. Great Victorian Bike Ride – annual multi day cycling holiday

Figure 2 illustrates the different types of cyclists all of which can be cycle tourists, and the different types of infrastructure that can facilitate cycle tourism experiences. Cycling is listed as one of the top things to do in Hervey Bay on a number of high profile tourism websites, such as RACQ, Lonely Planet, and Tourism Fraser Coast. Cycling into the Future 2013-2023: Victoria’s Cycling Strategy, states that ‘cycle tourists are likely to use the same cycling infrastructure as local cyclists. However, successful cycle tourism is dependent on the total tourism experience rather than just the cycling element. This includes where the trail is located, how easy it is to access, associated tourism products (such as places to see and things to do), whether there are good directions, signs and maps and secure places to store or park bikes. Bike-friendly places to stay overnight are also important’. Table 2 outlines in more detail these and other factors that can facilitate cycle tourism experiences. According to the Queensland Cycle Strategy (2011), facilities which deliver safe riding conditions for tourists also provide recreation and transportation opportunities for the local area. Therefore, well-planned and delivered facilities have benefits beyond the peak tourist season. The health benefits of cycling are well documented and supported by the state and federal governments and leading health and wellbeing organisations. Cycling is a healthy, low impact activity that people of all ages can participate. Regular cycling has many physical and mental health benefits and is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle such as stroke, obesity, heart disease, some cancers, depression, diabetes and arthritis.

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Figure 2: Bike r iders and cycling infrastructure

Source: Cycling into the Future 2013-2023: Victoria’s Cycling Strategy

SHARED ON ROAD

ROAD CLOSED CYCLING EVENT

SEPARATED OFFROAD TRAIL

SEPARATED ON-ROAD LANES

SEPARATED OFF ROAD PATH

SHARED USE OFF ROAD PATH

SEPARATED PROTECTED ON ROAD LANES

SPECIALIST OFF ROAD

VELODROME

SPECIALIST

MOUNTAIN

BIKE TRACK

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Table 2: Factors to Facil itate Cycle Tourism Experiences Attractions Built attractions • Town

• Restaurants • Historic sites • Accommodation

Natural attractions • Scenic views • Forests • Lakes

Information Maps • Hard copy & electronic • Should include information on

o Accommodation o Location of toilets, shops & secure bike

parking o Description of terrain, grading & surface of

tracks o Key attractions

Signage along routes

Routes Variety of lengths • Circular or out & back day routes on quiet roads • Overnight trails with various accommodation along

route • Longer overnight trails with accommodation and/or

facilities • Routes linking sites of geographic, historic & cultural

interest • Routes that connect towns or villages

Variety of terrains

Public transport Transport of bikes required

• Trains • Buses • Aeroplanes

Tour companies • Can provide: o Guided tours o Transport gear and luggage o Support services, including organizing

accommodation & meals

Bicycle hire • Should be available near promoted cycle routes

Accommodation • Can be identified and promoted to potential cycle tourists

Storage and parking facil it ies

Secure storage of bikes & equipment

• Cafes and restaurants • Accommodation sites, including campsites & hotels

Secure car parking • Cafes and restaurants • Accommodation sites, including campsites & hotels

Source: Cycle Tourism in Australia: an investigation into its size and scope (2007)

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3. Situational Analysis So how well is the Fraser Coast currently catering to the cycle tourism market and the different types of cycle tourists? Like all tourists, cycle tourists have a range of needs and requirements to firstly facilitate cycle tourism and encourage visitations, and secondly make for a satisfying cycle tourism experience. Firstly lets analyse how the Fraser Coast fairs in reference to providing for the cycling tourism activities and experiences listed in Table 1. In addition to the regular cycling events listed in the table below, it should be highlighted that Hervey Bay and Maryborough were destinations in the 2002 Cycle Queensland annual cycling holiday organised by Bicycle Queensland. In 2008 Maryborough once again hosted the event and in 2012 the event spent 4 days on the Fraser Coast with overnight stops at Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Tiaro. In 2006 Hervey Bay hosted a day of racing as part of the Jayco Cycling Tour. This is proof that the Fraser Coast has the capability to be a part of the cycle tourism market. The snapshot provided in Table 3 not only highlights potential business opportunities but also the type of cycle tourism activities and experiences that the Fraser Coast has the potential to deliver. This includes but is not limited to:

1. Development and expansion of pre-existing cycling events; 2. Attracting new cycling and adventure racing events; 3. Growth of the local MTB club and development of purpose built MTB trails with the goal

of hosting club races and ultimately a Wide Bay MTB Series incorporating other Wide Bay Burnett clubs and venues;

4. Proactive cycle hire business(s); and 5. Establishment of a cycle hire and tour business, partnering with local accommodation and

outdoor recreation providers. It is acknowledged that for some of these opportunities to be achievable a number of the factors required to facilitate cycle tourism experiences need to be addressed. Table 4 provides a desktop analysis of how Hervey Bay currently rates in terms of meeting these factors.

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Table 3. Activity Types Provided for on the Fraser Coast Activity

Type Market

Segments User Characterist ics Level of Provision

Day touring • Home Based • Mountain Bike • Day Events

Half day and day trips, primarily from home, families and adult groups, younger mountain bike riders.

• Variety of local and regional infrastructure – BNT, esplanade walk/cycle path, Links Corridor

• Active local bicycle users group providing half day rides within & outside the region for members

• Local mountain bike club recently commenced & trail development in progress

Cycle hirers • Casual • Holidaymakers

Holiday based for whole or part of day, experienced and inexperienced cyclists, families and youth groups, some adult groups.

• 2 dedicated bicycle hire businesses located on Hervey Bay Esplanade

• 1 café providing bicycle hire • A number of accommodation

providers offer bicycle hire to guests

Pre-planned cycle touring

• Independent • Organised

Independent, group led tours, suit less experienced cyclists and overseas visitors, couples, individuals and families, 25-44 age.

• Independent – unknown • Organised - nil

DIY touring holidays

• Independent Touring holidays, more experienced with good knowledge, aged 15-44, couples and adult groups.

• Unknown

Centred holidays

• Independent • Organised

Independent, group led tours from an accommodation base, popular with mountain bike riders and younger people.

• Independent – unknown • Organised - nil

Cycling events

• Participants and support crews

• Spectators

Usually club members depending on type or event (competitive, non competitive) and supporters.

• Annual cycling events - River to River, the Hervey Bay Hundy and 2XU Hervey Bay triathlons, Tour de Bay charity ride

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Table 4: Gap Analysis of Factors to Facil itate Cycle Tourism Experiences on the Fraser Coast

Factor Description Analysis

Attractions Built Attractions • Town • Restaurants • Historic sites • Accommodation

• CBD is somewhat sprawling. A number of smaller local shopping precincts. • Many and varied restaurants and cafes. • Historical sites – Portside Historical Precinct, Hervey Bay Historical Village, various

significant parks such as Queens Park and Dayman Park the Urangan Pier. • Variety of accommodation options from budget to 5 star. • Other attractions – WetSide, Brolga Theatre, Cultural Centre, Botanic and Chinese

Gardens. Natural attractions • Scenic views • Forests • Lakes

• Foreshore and beaches. • World Heritage Fraser Island. • Calm waters for swimming. • Small reefs suitable for snorkeling located off the beach. • Whale watching. • Wongi Waterholes and Lenthalls Dam.

Information Maps • Hard copy & electronic • Include information on

o Accommodation o Location of toilets, shops & secure bike

parking o Description of terrain, grading &

surface of tracks o Key attractions

• Outdated and uninformative printed & electronic walk/cycle map. • Limited information on facilities, attractions or bicycle parking listed on the current

map. • No description of terrain, grading, surface or key attractions.

Signage along routes • Esplanade walk/cycle path has interpretive signage that includes a locality map. • No signage on the Links Corridor. • Maryborough CBD has outdated interpretive signage that is due for renewal.

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Factor Description Analysis

Routes Variety of lengths • Circular or out & back day routes on quiet

roads • Overnight trails with various accommodation

along route • Longer overnight trails with accommodation

and/or facilities • Routes linking sites of geographic, historic &

cultural interest • Routes that connect towns or villages

• No widely promoted cycling routes. • Bicentennial National Trail traverses through the Fraser Coast region, however it is

not widely promoted and can be difficult to locate. • The one road connecting Hervey Bay and Maryborough is a major arterial road

carrying a high volume of traffic. • Local mountain bike club is collaborating with QPWS to develop sustainable

mountain bike trails at Toogoom. • Fraser Coast Bicycle Users Group website has suggested ride options to the

western beaches, Howard and Torbanlea and the Hinterland area of Tiaro, Bauple and Theebine.

• Hervey Bay Living Streets Strategy includes touring routes to outlying communities. • Outlying communities are in close proximity of Hervey Bay and Maryborough

Variety of terrains • Topography of Hervey Bay, Maryborough and vast majority of the Fraser Coast is relatively flat which makes it ideal for cycling.

• 2 major walk/cycle paths run east west through the urban area of Hervey Bay. • The unconstructed section of rail corridor from Urraween to Churchill Mines Road

currently provides for off road cycling. Public transport

Transport of bikes • Trains • Buses • Aeroplanes

• Any bus connecting with a long distance train that has a luggage car, and the Bundaberg and Rockhampton tilt trains, have the capacity to take a bicycle. It is recommended that this is checked at time of booking to ensure the bus connection from Maryborough west station into Maryborough and Hervey Bay is equipped to transport bicycles.

• Bicycles are not permitted inside local buses and not all buses on the local routes are equipped with underneath storage for bicycles.

• Bike transport is available on Virgin Blue flights into/ out of Hervey Bay. Tour companies

Can provide: • Guided tours • Transport gear and luggage • Support services, including organising

accommodation & meals

• Nil

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Factor Description Analysis

Bicycle hire Should be available near promoted cycle routes • 2 bicycle hire outlets located adjacent to the esplanade walk/cycle path. • Other outlets located at various accommodation houses.

Accommodation Can be identified and promoted to potential cycle tourists

• Ample accommodation within Hervey Bay and Maryborough urban area.

Storage and parking facil it ies

Secure storage of bikes & equipment • Cafes and restaurants • Accommodation sites, including campsites &

hotels

• Bicycle racks are located in signature parks including those parks situated adjacent to the Hervey Bay esplanade walk/cycle path.

• Hervey Bay Cultural Centre has a secure bicycle parking shed. Some other community facilities have bicycle racks. Developments for community use are required to provide 1 bicycle parking space per 400m2 GFA.

• The Fraser Coast Planning Scheme requires food and drink outlets to provide 1 bicycle parking space per 200m2 GFA with a minimum of 4 spaces.

• The Fraser Coast Planning Scheme requires accommodation houses to provide bicycle parking ranging from 1 space per 10 rooming units for a hostel, 1 space per 4 dwelling units in a multi unit complex and 1 space per 10 sites at a tourist park. All must have a minimum of 4 spaces.

Secure car parking • Cafes and restaurants • Accommodation sites, including campsites &

hotels

• Parking to service cafes and restaurants is mainly on-street parking (some with time restrictions) and in free public car parks.

• Most top end accommodation houses provide secure undercover car parking. • Secure car parking is available at the Hervey Bay airport.

At a quick glance it is not difficult to identify ways to fill the gaps and stakeholders that have a role to play in improving the Fraser Coast as cycle tourism destination. Table 5 identifies ways to address these gaps. One factor not mentioned in the gap analysis that is imperative to fostering cycle tourism on the Fraser Coast is that of support from key stakeholders. Currently there is a lack of acknowledgement of the regions potential to tap into the cycle tourism market. In addition, there is no overarching and cohesive support from the stakeholders that can influence and implement strategies and infrastructure projects to develop cycle tourism in the region. The Bundaberg-Fraser Coast Tourism Opportunities Plan 2009-2019, identifies options for strengthening existing or creating new markets and regional products to help extend visitor length of stay and expenditure. However, it does not specifically focus on the regions cycle tourism potential or identify this as a new market. The Plan recommends fourteen tourism catalyst projects including a Bundaberg-Fraser Coast Coastal Wilderness Link. The Wilderness Link is described as a coastal walkway providing an opportunity to link the regions and offer eco-adventure experiences such as walking, kayaking and mountain biking.

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The Plan also makes reference to a people mover/low impact light rail utilising the old rail corridor, to move people between the Esplanade, Marina and main shopping precinct in Pialba. A stage 2 expansion connecting Hervey Bay and Maryborough is also recommended. These recommendations are in conflict with infrastructure currently in place, namely the Links Corridor walk/cycle path and the proposed Mary to Bay Rail Trail that will provide primarily walking, cycling and some horse riding connectivity between Hervey Bay and Maryborough via the old rail corridor. The vision proposed in the 2007-2010 Fraser Coast Destination Management Plan focuses on building a reputation for the Fraser Coast as Australia’s premier nature based and aquatic playground. This Plan also suggests the Coastal Wilderness Link and improvement in transportation in the urban area of Hervey Bay that encompasses cycleways.

Table 5: Solutions to Gap Analysis of Factors to Facil itate Cycle Tourism Experiences on the Fraser Coast, and Potential Stakeholders

Factor Recommended Solution Stakeholders Attractions • Identify cycle friendly attractions such as cafes/ restaurants

and promote. Fraser Coast Opportunities Tourism Fraser Coast

Information • Provide the tools and information for prospective cycle tourists, including:

o Urban walk/cycle map in print and electronically. Include history, indigenous heritage, facilities (bicycle parking, toilets, shopping precincts, community centres, police, hospital) and attractions.

o Cycling trail maps including a map specific to the esplanade walk/cycle path to compliment the interpretive signage, historical precinct of Marybrough and touring routes to outlying towns.

o Specific Fraser Coast cycling website with information on cycling events, routes such as the BNT, clubs and activities.

o Signage on the Links Corridor to identify near by facilities and attractions.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Fraser Coast Opportunities Tourism Fraser Coast Bicentennial National Trail Fraser Coast Bicycle Users Group

Routes • Promote the Wide Bay Burnett Principal Cycle Network Plan and define the Hervey Bay and Maryborough off road network.

• Define major on road cycle network within Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

• Resource audit should be undertaken to identify suitable routes.

• Complete the Fraser Coast Walk/Cycle Strategy. • Construct the Mary to Bay Rail Trail. • Construct the ‘missing links’ of the Links Corridor. • Include on and/or off road cycling infrastructure in road

upgrades & new developments.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Fraser Coast Opportunities Tourism Fraser Coast Bicentennial National Trail Qld Parks and Wildlife Service Fraser Coast Bicycle Users Group Fraser Coast Mountain Bike Club Inc. Other local cycling clubs

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Factor Recommended Solution Stakeholders Routes • Support the development of mountain bike opportunities

through providing a range of trails and recreational facilities to facilitate mountain bike access to and through designated public lands.

• Promoting the development and use of sustainable mountain bike trails in suitable locations to encourage community participation.

• Map cycling routes to outlying towns and neighbouring regions & produce cycling specific trail map(s).

Public transport • Provide and promote cycle friendly public transport to key community facilities including the airport and the historic city of Maryborough.

Wide Bay Transit Tourism Fraser Coast

Tour companies

• Encourage the establishment of cycling businesses including bicycle tour and hire businesses.

• Encourage and support bicycle tours schemes to significant regional attractions.

• Provide tools and information for cycle tourism operators such as walk/cycle and cycling trail maps.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Fraser Coast Opportunities Tourism Fraser Coast

Bicycle hire

Accommodation • Ensure bicycle parking facility requirements for accommodation sites are appropriately incorporated into the new planning scheme.

• Identify accommodation with secure bicycle parking facilities and promote as cycle friendly

Fraser Coast Regional Council Tourism Fraser Coast

Storage & parking facilities

• Ensure bicycle parking facility requirements for cafes, restaurants and local shops are appropriately incorporated into the new planning scheme.

• Identify cafes, restaurants and businesses with secure bicycle parking facilities and promote as cycle friendly.

• Identify the location of bicycle parking facilities in parks and other community facilities and include on walk/cycle map(s).

Fraser Coast Regional Council Fraser Coast Opportunities Tourism Fraser Coast

4. Conclusion The Fraser Coast has many positive attributes that make it an ideal cycle tourism destination. However, these are mainly natural attributes such as the flat topography, beaches and costal features, proximity to World Heritage Fraser Island and its renowned reputation for whale watching. The exceptions are the esplanade walk/cycle path and the Links Corridor both of which provide a relatively smooth surface and safe cycling experience and Portside, Maryborough’s historical precinct. There are many factors that require improvement if the Fraser Coast is to be promoted as a cycle friendly destination, make the most of the town and regions positive attributes and reap the rewards of cycle tourism. These include: 1. User friendly, readily accessible and informative maps. 2. A variety of cycling experiences defined and promoted such as routes to outlying

communities, BNT, connections to neighbouring regions. 3. Completion of existing off road cycling infrastructure and expansion of the network. 4. Inclusion of on road cycling infrastructure in road developments.

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5. Construction of the Mary to Bay Rail Trail to connect Maryborough to Hervey Bay providing an off road route.

However, for any of the above to be of real benefit, key stakeholders need to recognise the Fraser Coasts suitability for cycling and the range of cycle tourism experiences it has the potential to offer. Key stakeholders need to collaborate on initiatives to support the development of cycle tourism opportunities in order to capitalise on this suitability. This requires a cultural shift in the way cycling on the Fraser Coast is viewed. As a growing industry, cycle tourism has the potential to boost regional and rural economies and encourage active and healthy lifestyles for visitors and residents. Cycling is not just a recreational activity engaged in by locals, but is a growing and important niche tourism market with economic, social and environmental benefits available to those cities, towns and regions that choose to engage.

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References 1. Cycling Resource Centre, (2013), www.cyclingresourcecentre.org.au (accessed 17/09/13). 2. Department of Transport and Main Roads, (2011), Queensland Cycling Strategy 2011 – 2021. 3. Faulks, P., Ritchie, B., & Fluker, M., (2007), Cycle Tourism in Australia: an investigation into its

size and scope. 4. Fraser Coast Regional Council, (2014), Fraser Coast Planning Scheme 2014 Version 1.01 5. Tourism Queensland and Fraser Coast South Burnett Regional Tourism Board, (2007),

Destination Management Plan for Tourism in the Fraser Coast. 6. Tourism Queensland, undated, Fraser Coast Region Destination Management Plan 2007-

2010. 7. Victorian Government (2012) Cycling into the Future 2013-2023, Victoria’s Cycling Strategy