Angry Bull Trails Secures $8.2 Million Funding Boost from Australian Government
Angry Bull Trails (ABT) is thrilled to announce it has secured $8.2 million from the Australian Government through the Growing Regions Program Round 2.
This funding, combined with an initial $4.1 million grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund, fully funds the Angry Bull Trails Adventure Tourism Destination Project.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “Our Government is building Australia’s future, today announcing almost $80 million will be allocated to community infrastructure projects across regional New South Wales. Quality infrastructure in regional areas is invaluable, and this funding will build and upgrade key facilities that can be enjoyed by communities for years to come.”
The Angry Bull Trails project is set to transform Tenterfield into an adventure tourism hub and International Trails Destination Town with 174km of professionally built mountain bike (MTB) trails. These trails include mountain and flow trails, gravity tracks, and cross-country tracks, catering to a wide range of riders from beginners and families to adaptive riders and adrenaline seekers.
The new funding will support the development of:
58km of back-country trails targeted at thrill-seekers and MTB enthusiasts.
Trailhead infrastructure including parking, toilets, and signage.
A competition-level pump track suitable for international events and pro-rider skills training.
An expanded ABT Trail Centre, featuring training and meeting rooms, an outdoor deck, a disabled access lift, and end-of-trip facilities, creating a true community hub that is fully accessible.
Angry Bull Trails leveraged the initial NSW Government funding as a co-contribution to secure this significant grant. The project is projected to attract 35,000 additional visitors annually, generate $10 million in tourism expenditure, and create at least 50 local jobs, with a strong focus on youth employment and training.
ABT Director Joseph Smith expressed his passion for the project, stating: “At Angry Bull Trails, social impact is a cornerstone of our mission. Beyond building trails and MTB infrastructure, we’re dedicated to creating meaningful training and employment opportunities for local youth. These include roles in trail building, maintenance, hospitality, retail, events, bike mechanics, and more. Our collaborations with BackTrack Youth Works, TAFE NSW, Moombahlene Aboriginal Land Council, and Ngullingah Jugun Aboriginal Corporation are supporting an Indigenous Ranger and Youth Employment Programs.”
“We sincerely thank the Australian and NSW Governments for their support of this project, their belief in our vision, and the difference it will make to the Tenterfield community.”
Since receiving the initial NSW Government funding in May 2023, Angry Bull Trails Ltd has been focused on building partnerships with stakeholders, conducting ecological and cultural site reviews, and finalizing designs for the trails and Trail Centre. Construction of the Trail Centre and Trails is set to begin soon, with land use agreements for Zones 1 and 2 in the final stages of review.
Angry Bull Trails team & supporters at Gravel n Granite 2023.