Draft plan for the delivery of sustainable mountain bike trails
Perth Hills, Wungong and Dwellingup identified as high-priority sites
The Liberal National Government has invited the community to have a say on the draft Perth and Peel Mountain Bike Master Plan 2016-2026, released for public comment today.
Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the draft plan outlined the potential delivery of 570 kilometres of purpose-built trails across 24 sites including high-priority areas of the Perth Hills around Mundaring, Wungong near Armadale, and Dwellingup.
The draft plan identifies the Swan Valley, Jarrahdale and Yanchep as sites of moderate priority, with 18 other sites from Joondalup to Mandurah, and east to Avon and Boddington.
"Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing recreational pursuits and it is essential that we plan to maximise potential benefits for bike riders and the ecotourism sector, while protecting our diverse environment," Mr Jacob said.
"This draft plan identifies the mountain bike experiences that these regions can offer while fostering greater community participation and providing tourism opportunities.
"It recommends developing international mountain bike destinations capable of providing a multitude of economic, tourism, environmental, health, social and community benefits."
Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies said the draft plan was the result of detailed assessment and consultation, and included a review of the existing trails, infrastructure, events, tourism and commercial opportunities of mountain bike riding.
"This has ensured best practice in the development of international mountain bike destinations with a number of opportunities identified, including the expansion of the existing trail network of about 125km across nine sites," Ms Davies said.
"It ensures that these trails will be highly accessible to most metropolitan population centres, providing riders with dedicated sustainable trails as an alternative to creating unsanctioned trails which create environmental, social and management issues."
Last month, the first mountain bike trail network built under the Government's South West Mountain Bike Master Plan opened in Bramley National Park near Margaret River.
Fact File
The plan contributes toward fulfilling a number of recommendations of the Western Australian Mountain Bike Strategy (WestCycle 2015)
It was prepared by WestCycle Inc and was funded by Lotterywest and the Department of Parks and Wildlife
Environment Minister's office - 6552 5800
Sport and Recreation Minister's office - 6552 5500
