Jurien Bay residents now have opportunities for greater recreational activities closer to home thanks to a new 3.9 kilometre cycle path between Booka Valley and the mouth of Hill River.
Made possible with $600,000 from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions and $580,000 from the Department of Transport, the project is part of a greater plan to link Jurien Bay to Cervantes with a walk and bike trail.
Opening the new trail last week, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Regional Development Shane Love MLA said the cycle path would serve as a new venue for formal runs, bike ride and swim events, with the potential to attract national and international sporting events.
“The cycle path extends the current water-based and skydiving activities on offer to residents and tourists and provides more options for adventure, sports and nature tourism in the region,” Mr Love said.
“I look forward to seeing the tangible benefits this Royalties for Regions investment will bring to our regional communities.”
The cycle path includes beach access trails and gazebos to facilitate social activities. It will be located on the bigger 6.5 kilometre Turquoise Way Trail that is complemented by a bicycle parking rack, cafe, picnic area, barbecue facilities and associated amenities.
This project was supported by the State Government in partnership with local community groups, the Shire of Dandaragan and industry.
David Lantzke, CEO of the Ardross Group who have invested in the trail said the coastal pathway would increase the recreational amenity of the region and running events and triathlons would significantly enhance awareness of Jurien Bay and Cervantes.
Chairman of the Jurien Bay Chamber of Commerce, Clinton Strugnell said the group’s focus now was to complete the trail to Cervantes which would require the Hill River to be bridged.