City seeks feedback on Mountain Bike Master Plan

With mountain bike riding along the Chapman River more popular than ever before the City has developed a master plan for trail riding that includes the protection of the environment. 

The Chapman River Regional Park Mountain Bike Trails Plan identifies opportunities within the Park to provide high quality mountain biking experiences for residents and visitors whilst protecting the unique biodiversity of the area through effective trail management and informational signage. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said almost one fifth of Western Australians own mountain bikes and are looking for places to ride them. 

“Almost 120,000 mountain bikes are purchased every year in WA which means about 19 per cent of WA residents own mountain bikes,” he said. 

“These cyclists are actively seeking places to ride their bikes in ever increasing numbers with some trails in the south west Kalamunda Circuit in being ridden more than 50,000 times in 12 months.” 

With demand for mountain biking experiences exceeding supply, the development of trails in the Chapman River Regional Park would result in economic benefits for the local community. 

“Once the Mountain Bike Trail Plan has been adopted by Council and the trails in the plan are formalised, Geraldton would be able to attract visitors interested in undertaking this type of informal recreation activity,” said Mayor Van Styn. 

“The City would also play an important role in assisting WA in becoming a world class mountain bike destination, effectively diversifying the state’s tourism industry whilst securing meaningful economic and social outcomes for our local community.” 

The Chapman River Regional Park Mountain Bike Trails Plan is open for public comment till Wednesday 28 September 2016.  Members of the community are invited to make written submissions regarding the draft plan by visiting the City’s consultations page on the website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au.