MOUNTAIN biking enthusiasts have been urged to have their say about a 10-year master plan for the sport in the Peel and Perth regions.
Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the draft plan outlined the potential delivery of 570km of purpose-built trails across 24 sites including high-priority areas of the Perth Hills around Dwellingup, Wungong near Armadale and Mundaring.
“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.
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READ NOW“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.
“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.”
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.
To view the plan, visit http://westcycle.org.au/images/ppmp_consultation.pdf