Dwellingup to become WA’s mountain bike destination

The Perth and Peel mountain bike master plan (PPMP) 2016-2026 released this week for public comment, identified WA’s key mountain bike spots, and outlined guidelines for future investment in mountain bike recreation and tourism in the region.

The plan also spoke about the potential delivery of 570km of trails across 24 sites, compared to the existing 125km network across nine sites.

According to the plan, Dwellingup would be among the top three high priority areas in the state to develop mountain bike infrastructure, with more than 80km of trails in the cards.

The master plan included the development of a trail network based around Lane Poole Reserve connected to the area’s campgrounds and day use sites, the creation of a Murray River long distance linear back country trail to Scarp Lookout, and the establishment of trails connecting Lane Poole Reserve with the town centre as high priority.

Several other trails around Dwellingup’s State Forest and Marrinup State Forest were also listed as moderate and low priority outcomes.

Jarrahdale and Mandurah were included in the master plan as other potential trail locations, with 30km and 10km of trails recommended for each location respectively. 

Other high priority areas included the Perth Hills around Mundaring and Wungong near Armadale.

Minister for environment and heritage Albert Jacob said mountain biking is one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the state, with nearly 120,000 mountain bikes purchased every year in WA.

“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.”

Minister for sport and recreation Mia Davies said the master plan identified a number of opportunities in WA, including the development of international mountain biking destinations in the region.

“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,” she said.

It is anticipated WA’s biking organisation WestCycle will be in charge of establishing a Perth Peel Reference Group to seek funding for the project through major stakeholders such as the Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Department of Sport and Recreation.

The organisation will also be in charge of overseeing the implementation of the plan. 

“Western Australia is on the verge of becoming internationally famous for mountain biking, if the plans in place are realised and funding made available, Western Australia will be a must visit destination for mountain bikers globally,” WestCycle chief Matt Fulton said.

“The tourism opportunity is substantial with the average international cycling tourist-spending close to double the amount of an tourist to Western Australia.

“The plan is a document that needs to be owned by the entire community, the public consultation phase represents an opportunity for the community to provide feedback.

“We look forward to seeing the development of the master plan into the planning and creation of trails."