Work starts on new bike trail at Margaret River

Work starts on new bike trail at Margaret River
Tuesday, 23 August 2016 
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• Additional tourism attraction in the Margaret River region
• New opportunity to explore the region's natural attractions on two wheels
• Supported by a $155,000 investment through the Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions program and $100,0000 from Lotterywest 

Construction has started on a new nine kilometre world-class mountain bike trail network in Bramley National Park, in the State's South-West, that will provide a challenge for even the most experienced off-road cyclists.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the tender for the construction of the new trail had been awarded to Margaret River trail business Common Ground.

"The first trail of the new network, Paper Trail, opened last year, and this challenging track has already been very popular, recording nearly 6,500 rides," Mr Jacob said.

"The extra nine kilometres of new trail that is now being constructed will be suitable for all skill levels, but will also provide testing options and lines for experienced mountain bikers."

The new trail forms part of the first purpose-built trail network under the Liberal National Government's South West Mountain Bike Master Plan.  This master plan was released last year to meet the growing demand for purpose-built trails and a more managed approach for one of the world's fastest growing recreational pursuits.

The master plan identifies Margaret River as a site for development of a trail network of national significance that will see construction of about 80km of purpose-built trails.

The new trail is funded by $155,000 from the State Government's Royalties for Regions program through the Parks for People initiative, as part of the Western Australian Caravan and Camping Action Plan 2013-2018. Lotterywest also provided a grant of $100,000 to the Margaret River Offroad Cycling Association to support the project.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the project would be a boon for tourism in the region.

"The Parks for People initiative encourages more visitors to explore our regions by creating exciting new attractions and opportunities in the South-West region," Mr Redman said.

"The Bramley National Park bike trail is a fantastic example of this and I am pleased it will soon be open for cyclists from all over the world to enjoy."

Fact File

• During development, some of the trail network within the construction zone will be closed to riders with limited entry roads into the pines trails
• The new trail is expected to be completed by the end of October