Noranda: call for BMX and mountain bike facilities at Lightning Park

In 2010, a small BMX jump circuit was installed at Lightning Park and Rob Evans wants to extend the circuit to build a wider network of off-road jumps and trails, as well as looking at putting in pathways, seating and shelters.

Lightning Park was identified by the Department of Sport and Recreation’s Perth and Peel Mountain Bike Master Plan 2016-2026 as a future trail site.

Development of a jump circuit could cost up to $600,000.

A City officer recommended council help progress the plan but the decision was deferred to seek more information.

Mr Evans said he wanted the loop completed at the jump circuit to see the former quarry transformed from a “wasteland”.

“I come here with no interest in the land other than going for a ride with my kids,” he said.

“I truly believe the proposal put forward is a lot less costly than indicated; all we’re looking for was a bush trail (not) pump and jump facilities.”

Mr Evans said the site was zoned recreation and was not part of the nearby Bush Forever site.

He said the area was already signposted for BMX and the trail could tie into the Northlink cycle paths.

Friends of Lightning Swamp president John Williams was concerned about its location next to the environmentally sensitive Lightning Swamp.

“With all the development that’s going on here (with Northlink) – is this an appropriate time to start putting other stuff here,” he said.

Mr Williams said long-term problems from a BMX track could include vegetation issues, litter, invasive species and disease, soil movement and the spread of dieback to the site from other trails.

The City of Bayswater provided clay dirt jumps at Wotton Reserve Skatepark. There are currently no mountain bike or BMX clubs in the City.

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