he push to transform Western Australia into an international mountain biking destination has received a boost with the release of a master plan to guide the development of trails in Perth and Peel.
The Perth and Peel Mountain Bike Master Plan, launched today by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson and Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray, proposes expanding the current network of trails from 125 kilometres across nine sites to 575 kilometres across 24 sites. The report identifies priority sites of potential national significance in the Perth Hills, Wungong and Dwellingup; and regionally significant opportunities in the Swan Valley, Jarrahdale and Yanchep. The plan was developed by WestCycle, with support from the State Government, Lotterywest and the West Australian Mountain Bike Association. The plan can be viewed at http://www.westcycle.org.au Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson: "The Perth and Peel regions include some of the most unique and picturesque landscapes in the world, so today we are really focused on making the environment the motivation for people seeking adventure-based tourism. "The aim is to provide exceptional experiences for mountain bikers while also protecting the natural environment by creating a diverse mix of trail types and mountain biking centres." Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray: "This plan not only encourages people to get outdoors and participate in one of the world's fastest growing sports, but it also identifies major opportunities to create trail towns in WA. "Creating more urban and bushland trails that are easy to access from metropolitan areas will not only encourage local participation, but open up new tourism and economic opportunities for the State." |
|