On right path to safer riding

The funds will be used to work with offroad vehicle (ORV) users to investigate establishing a gazetted area for ORV use in the central or northern parts of the Northern Agricultural Region (NAR).

Shire of Gingin chief executive Jeremy Edwards said Shire staff met with NACC last week to discuss the frequency of ORV users in and near Lancelin.

‘It is a major concern to us in the Shire as we have one of the few ORV areas outside the Perth metropolitan area and I understand the money NACC now have will allow them to do a study for further north.

‘You only have to drive up Indian Ocean drive to see utes and trailers with motorbikes and trail bikes and it is an increasing recreational sport.

‘We are fortunate in we have Silver Chain operating in Lancelin as our accident and emergency service as it is predominantly used by ORV people.

‘Lancelin is a moving dunal system; people go up there on a regular basis but the dunes move which makes it more dangerous. If we had two or three ORV areas outside of Perth then they wouldn’t all come to Lancelin, as we do get a lot there now.’

NACC Coastal and Marine Program co-ordinator Mic Payne said an increase in ORV ownership in WA has led to greater pressure on the coastal environment.

He said Lancelin was the only gazetted area for OVR in the NAR where registered ORVs can be legally used.

‘Coastal Rangers in the central NAR often report that ORV users in this area are frustrated with the lack of facilities on the coast for ORV users.

‘Rangers maintain the majority of riders they speak to are keen to have clearly designated areas for their use.

‘The current funding will allow us to consult with a wide range of stakeholders, particularly ORV user groups, land managers, traditional owners and the general community, to identify coastal areas in the central NAR that can be set aside for the ORV,’ Dr Payne said.

Consultation workshops will begin in early 2014. For more information, contact Mic Payne on 9938 0123 or Michael.Payne@nacc.com.au.