The map was released after consultancy firm The Environmental Factor examined areas of the mountain which should be protected and avoided by mountain bikers.

Created by Dirt Art, the trail network was designed around those protected areas and leaves a wide buffer around sites of Aboriginal heritage and known-sensitive ecological areas.

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Orange Mayor Reg Kidd has welcomed the latest progress on the project.

"We started out in November last year with the aim of finding out if there was room on the mountain for bike trails. There is so much on Mt Canobolas that we want to protect," Cr Kidd said, referring to flora, fauna and significant indigenous and archaeological sites.

"I'm delighted with the draft concept. It demonstrates that not only can we protect what's unique about the mountain, but we can also have a network of world-class bike trails that will attract riders from across Australia," Cr Kidd said.

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While 68 per cent of the proposed trails are mapped in the State Conservation Area (SCA), their placement has been in areas identified as low risk in regard to environmental impact and extremely low risk in terms of cultural heritage impact.

"Remember too that some of these areas are heavily infested with weeds, so a go-ahead for the trails offers an opportunity to manage this infestation." Cr Kidd said.

Orange City Council Sport and Recreation Committee chair Cr Jason Hamling was impressed by the trail design.

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"The environmental consultants have partnered with some of the best track designers in Australia and the quality of their work is outstanding," Cr Jason Hamling said. "The designers were over the moon when they saw what the terrain of Mount Canobolas had to offer and they've delivered a world-class network that's going to draw riders from everywhere.

Cr Hamling said the trails were designed to cater for a wide range of riding styles and abilities.

"I'm pleased that the higher-impact tracks, which involve jumping are positioned in areas which are less environmentally sensitive, outside the SCA."

Mayor Reg Kidd said there will be further opportunities for the community to have its say.

The consultants have drafted a Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment to lodge with state authorities. A Biodiversity Development Assessment Report is also underway to evaluate the ecological impacts arising from the proposal.

Archaeological firm Apex Archaeology who have been working alongside members of the Orange Aboriginal community, are also completing the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment process for the proposal.

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