The Nationals WA are committed to establishing world class mountain bike trails, hubs and events in regional WA if re-elected on March 11.
Under the plan, a $24 million Mountain Bike Trails and Events Fund (MBTEF) would be established and allocated through Royalties for Regions to support planning and delivery of new and improved trails across regional areas.
Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies MLA said the MBTEF would bolster the State’s existing trail network and assist mountain biking organisations grow participation by making it more accessible and appealing to the tourism market.
“More than 120,000 mountain bikes are sold each year in WA, with almost 20 per cent of the population owning one,” Ms Davies said.
“We are committed to developing the mountain bike sector in both the competitive and recreational setting to maximise the economic, tourism, health and social benefits it offers.”
More than 50 competitive mountain biking events take place in WA annually and there are more than 30 recognised trails, the majority located in the south-west corner of the State.
The Nationals are keen to assist an expansion of eco-sensitive trails outside the Peel and South West regions and establish more events to drive participation and trail use.
Ms Davies said the Western Australian Mountain Bike Strategy 2015-20 recognised advantages the sector could deliver but demand for mountain biking experiences in WA was outstripping supply.
“Our policy can capture the benefits brought by mountain biking and expand them to the Wheatbelt, Goldfields, Mid West, Pilbara and Kimberley,” she said.
“It will build on ideas like developing a Northam Mountain Bike Trail Network to create a biking hub that takes advantage of recreational tourism opportunities in the Avon Valley.
“Bolstering our appeal as a mountain biking destination requires a strong commitment. Our $24 million plan will grow participation, competition and events by creating mountain biking hubs and tourism opportunities.”
For more information on this policy visit www.nationalswa.com/policies.
For media enquiries please contact Mia Davies on 9622 2871 (Northam office) or 9041 1702 (Merredin office) or email mia.davies@mp.wa.gov.au.
