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Mountain Bike Strategy

Have your say for mountain bike strategy

Mountain biking enthusiasts and nature lovers are being asked for their input as the city plans for dedicated mountain bike trails across the Townsville region.

The Mountain Bike Strategy Survey is the first stage in preparing a strategy that would transform the sport into a key feature of the city and way of exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Acting Mayor Mark Molachino said the Survey will inform the 10-year strategy that is expected to be finalized later this year.

“One of the top factors identified in Council’s Liveability Study conducted last year was the access to the natural environment, and mountain biking is the perfect activity to achieve that.

“The Mountain Bike Survey will inform our 10-year strategy into trail development across the region while making the sport sustainable and accessible.

“Once this survey is closed, we will develop the draft strategy and then ask residents to provide feedback so we can ensure that this is a community-led initiative.”

Sports and Recreation Committee chairperson Maurie Soars said mountain biking has both physical and mental health benefits for participants.

“Mountain biking is a fast-growing sport that is quite popular in Townsville thanks to our fantastic natural environments, beautiful weather, and the accessibility to trails,” Cr Soars said.

“Research has linked the sport to not only physical health benefits that are inherent with any exercise, but there is evidence that suggests mountain biking can also play a role in improving mental health and reducing stress levels thanks to the proximity to the natural environment.

“We’re also very lucky to have an already established mountain biking group in Rockwheelers who do a lot of work to build and maintain the trails across the city.

“It makes sense to see how we can cater to the sport and improve the experience for those who want to get involved and participate, so I would urge anyone interested to have their say on the survey.”

Townsville City Council’s Mountain Bike Strategy Survey is live on Have Your Say now and closes on 19 August.

To complete the Mountain Biking Strategy survey, visit:https://haveyoursay.townsville.qld.gov.au/townsville-mountain-bike-strategy.

All That Wonder Launch and Interview

Emily’s Voice, a movement for life, is launching a brand new, special release publication called All That Wonder. A publication in magazine format, full of colour pages that will include real life stories, articles, artwork and graphics that will help readers answer the question ‘What Can I Do?’ When it comes to the topic changing the culture of life, All That Wonder will help inspire, resource and empower people to lovingly change our beautiful country. 

One of the articles by Tasmanian pastor Sharon O’Neill, she writes, “Being pro-life for me, as a pastor, means standing with Jesus when he said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” found from John 10:10. 

The publication will also give advice on how to talk about abortion and pro-life without causing offense, while also looking at some biblical examples of women in the bible who caused an epic disruption for life. 

On top of studies and advice, you will be able to find real life, sometimes heartbreaking, yet incredibly inspiring true stories of women who have faced these issues and how each of them dealt with it differently. 

Emily’s Voice CEO Leighton Joyce said he hoped All That Wonder would serve to not only point people to the innate wonder of life, but also to the opportunity to support women in our unique spheres of influence. 

Editor of All That Wonder and Emily’s Voice communication specialist, Clair van Ryn, spoke with Dan on the Drive Home earlier this week, have a listen to the interview below.

Head over to our Instagram, where we are giving away a copy of All That Wonder. Make sure you’re following @99.9Livefm like the post and tag a friend to enter the draw, or head emilysvoice.com and pre-order your copy and join the movement for life.

All that Wonder will be launched on Saturday March 14, 3pm in Brisbane. 

It Feels Like Christmas Audio Part One

It Feels Like Christmas is a collection of short Christmas stories from Gip Forester. Over the next days we will be releasing his program and all of audio you hear on 99.9 Live FM will be available in a player here. Gipp’s pen creates vivid images of Christmas, from trees wrapped in tinsel to children rapt in wonder. Have a listen now and see why It Feels Like Christmas.

Thankyou Samaritan’s Purse!!

One of the greatest strengths to Townsville following the devastating floods this year has been teams of volunteers from groups like Samaritan’s Purse.

The incredible team has completed 371 requests for assistance from under insured or non insured residents. Add to this a lot of smaller jobs, even putting together furniture and the impact has been incredible.

We’ve been catching up with Rob from the Samaritan’s Purse team to hear updates, we have one final one below as he joined me in the studio!

So if you see any of the Samaritan’s Purse team over the weekend shout them a coffee, they’ve been amazing!