At a well-attended launch on Saturday, hundreds of residents and members of the business community officially endorsed the decision.

Led by the chamber of commerce and with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council lending its support, the move could prove a financial windfall.

Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Jenny Pursehouse said the launch was better than anticipated. 

“We had over 100 people and at least 50 bikes … there was also a lot of different social bike riding groups – some that I wasn’t even aware of – with groups riding from Tamworth and Taree to join in,” she said.

“Overall the mood was really positive and encouraging.

“Importantly, the launch was also a good chance to hear just what the social riders would like to see from a motorcycle friendly town.”

Mrs Pursehouse said some of these ideas included, special cafe deals for motorcycle riders and longer opening hours, Wauchope to host a motorcycle riders’ course, to form a relationship with the Walcha business community to build on the initiative.

The chamber will host a workshop in January where local businesses and motorcycle groups can meet with council and or the police to progress the initiative.

The chamber initiative further embeds Wauchope as a haven for motorcycling riding groups including hosting  the Ulysses annual meeting in May 2017.