The West Coast Council has recently officially opened a series of MTB Trails on Mt Owen. Many of those trails are accessed through a trail head located on the North Owen Spur. This trailhead can only be accessed via a gated access road. The gated access road is managed by West Coast Council.

Expressions are sought from suitable organizations for approval to utilize the access road to provide MTB Shuttle Services.

West Coast Council intends to approve a limited number of shuttle operators to provide this service. The reason for limiting the numbers is to enhance safety on a road subject to difficult driving conditions and to ensure a return to Council, to support improvements to the road and trails. It is expected that approvals will be provided for a period of 12 months to 3 years.

West Coast Council has prepared a Mt Owen Shuttle Management Plan which will form the basis of shuttle operations, however, will be modified as operations require. Interested proponents should read the Mt Owen Shuttle Management Plan.

Expressions of Interest will be assessed based on:

1. Service level provided to riders including capacity, timings, and pick-up/drop-off.
2. Proposed fee structure.
3. Commencement date of service.
4. Length of service provision season.
5. Having appropriate approvals and accreditations in place to operate the service or ability to quickly acquire.
6. Having appropriate vehicles in place to operate the service or ability to quickly acquire.
7. Financial return to Council either annually, per shuttle, or per rider.
8. Level and efficiency of information sharing with Council.
9. Ability to book online, with the ability to link through the West Coast MTB website.

It is expected that some proponents may wish to express interest in providing alternative services. It is acceptable for proponents to provide these, but there is no guarantee of acceptance.

Interested parties should note that EOIs will be reviewed by both West Coast Council and the Parks and Wildlife Service (Property Services). They should also note that the access road is used by other tour operators and infrastructure maintenance vehicles and that ability to work with other users to ensure safety is paramount.

Expressions of Interest must be marked ATTEN: MTB Shuttle EOI and submitted by 16 February 2024 to wcc@westcoast.tas.gov.au or to West Coast Council PO BOX 63 QUEENSTOWN TAS 7467. They should provide evidence of relevant experience and referees.

It is expected that Council will notify preferred providers by 8 April 2024. Following notification there will be the opportunity to negotiate the final licence/contractual arrangements.

If you have questions or for further information contact wcc@westcoast.tas.gov.au