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$3 million for Munda Biddi for who?
Interesting to see another $3 million is going to be poured into the Munda Biddi for the use of so very few. Running on the Munda Biddi on a regular basis, it amazes me how few times I have ever come across a cyclist using it. And then trail runners are actively discouraged from using the trail by the Foundation. Just doesn't make any sense to this tax payer.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Bernadette on -
I was excited to see your post about money for the MB. As a trail runner myself (and occasional MBiker), I thought it would mean more signage and cleaning up some of those confusing areas such as around the burned out area near Oakley Dam. It can get pretty confusing with old burned markers, new markers, no markers, and tons of intersecting trails.
But, alas, the money is going to expand the trail it seems. Wouldn't it be better to spend some money on fixing up the existing trails and marketing the thing a bit before expanding it?
Then, again, I kinda like running and cycling without having to worry about meeting any oncoming "traffic!"
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Permalink Reply by Munda Biddi Trail Foundation on -
We are happy to see the first discussion topic on Trail Talk to be on the Munda Biddi Trail. I suppose receiving $3million always sparks a lot of interest!
Yes the Munda Biddi Trail is promoted solely as a cycle trail as this is what it is designed as, but those choosing to walk (or run) are certainly not discouraged by the Foundation to do so. The statistics tell us the Trail currently has 20,000 users each year (which is up 16% from previous years). This is made up of 10% interstate and 9% international visitors. Hits to our new website has also reflected this increasing interest from interstate and overseas cyclists wanting to come to WA to cycle 1000km of continuous off-road trail.
Yes the $3million that has been granted from Royalties for Regions is primarily going towards construction to complete the Trail to Albany, but also 15% of this is going to the Foundation to implement a Community Development Program in the 7 regional towns from Nannup through to Albany that the Trail passes through. This program will help to ensure that the communities receive maximum benefit from the huge potential of cycle tourism that the Munda Biddi will bring, and promote the Trail to the South West of WA. Cycle tourism is growing world wide and research has shown that in 2007 in Australia 1.47million bikes were sold compared with 1.05million cars which is almost 50% higher (a trend that is in its 7th consecutive year !).
In response to Bernadette’s comment the Foundation has just in April launched its Volunteer Maintenance Program which will help us to keep the Trail well maintained. This program also ensures a faster response to inform DEC of any major issues that need attention where as in the past we have relied solely on comments from riders and DEC’s inspections. Not all sections have currently been allocated to a volunteer so if you are interested in helping to keep the Trail in peak condition please see the volunteer page on our website.
Up until this point the Foundation has relied heavily on smaller grants to get the Trail as far as Nannup, so this $3million commitment helps ensure the Trail will continue to grow and be a valuable asset for WA in terms of tourism, recreation, health and wellbeing.
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Permalink Reply by Drew Herrington on -
We must be progressive in the area of finishing the trail so we have an icon in our state to attract tourism but most importantly for the use of the people in this state. Mountain biking is a fast growing sport and a healthy option for individuals and families. We are well behind the other states in Australia in having trails such as the Munda Biddi Trail as well as the promotion of cycling in WA. This is such that one of the premier cycling events in WA is run by Bicycle Victoria " The Great Escapade"
I agree with you Bernadette about the Oakley Dam area markers as I have ridden there myself. Hopefully the volunteer maintenance program will have an impact on fixing this type of problem when it fully kicks in.
By the way nice photo Bernadette.
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Permalink Reply by knoddie on
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So if a group of ultra runners wished to hold a running event on the trail, say some time in December, somewhere near Dwellingup, this would be considered favourably?
Munda Biddi Trail Foundation said:Yes but those choosing to walk (or run) are certainly not discouraged by the Foundation to do so. .
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Permalink Reply by Trail Blaze on
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Presumably walking and running on the trails is fine,(maybe even a small group of ultra runners doing a training run/casual ""race"?) but major events by large organisations might be another matter altogether, as it is primarily a mountainbiking trail.
Events like the MTB100 see http://www.dwellingup100.com.au/
are more likely to be viewed favourably, although obviously we would have to get the Munda Biddi Trail Foundations position on this.
Its nice to see the MundaBiddi being extended to Albany, to me that is good use of the Royalties for Regions money Brendan secured, as it means the MundaBiddi and the Bibbulumun hiking trail both go all the way, and we have two trails for use. Agree with Bernadette though that some money should be allocated for maintenance.
Its great that a volunteer roster for maintenance has been setup.
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Permalink Reply by knoddie on
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There are no major ultra running events by large organisations in this State. Just a small group (under 50) of tax payers wanting to have a little running event that impacts no-one. I would have thought this was a very appropriate use of a public facility funded by public dollars. The "hands off, it's for cyclists only" argument doesn't stack up.
We're not talking about the South Perth foreshore here, rather just 55 cyclists per day, spread over some 500 kilometres. As I said, no impact.
Trail Blaze said:Presumably walking and running on the trails is fine,(maybe even a small group of ultra runners doing a training run/casual ""race"?) but major events by large organisations might be another matter altogether, as it is primarily a mountainbiking trail
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Permalink Reply by Stewart Nicolson on -
Good to see the Munda Biddi’s (MB) funding getting some airtime. For MB trail members, this funding announcement was nothing short of fantastic. For anyone else, a funding announcement such as this will always create mixed feelings and possible debate.
For the many volunteers of the MB trail who have spent years getting this off the ground, it is great to finally see the reward for their efforts coming to fruition. This will result in a world class trail (the longest of its type, when complete), which is already attracting attention the world over. Yes, it is a dedicated off-road cycling trail, just like the Bibbulmun track is a dedicated walking trail. However, that does not preclude the use of the trail by walkers or runners. As you’ll find with most people who enjoy these types of outdoors activities, there is nothing but friendliness and tolerance when we meet out in the bush. As for any organised event (even cycling events), if the intention is to use the trail as part of the route, then permission needs to be gained – there are many reasons for this (its not about “hands off its for cyclists only” – there is more to it than that).
Yes, the debate will always be there – some will see the funding as a good thing; some will feel that it could have been better spent. The reality is, we need to keep all this in perspective. Public money funding comes in many shapes and sizes for many different projects. The New Mandurah bypass cost $10M per Km – yes, that’s right. So really, $3M for 500km of trail is a drop in the ocean, and personally, I think it is money well spent when you look at how many individuals and communities will benefit from this great trail when it is complete. Well done to all involved with the MBTF and all the communities that the trail will go through for helping to get the trail to where it currently is, and for securing this well earned funding to get the trail completed.
And lastly, Knoddie and any other walkers, keep an eye out for me on the trail – I’ll be the one who wishes you a good morning or such, with a friendly smile to go with it – oh, and if I ring my bell it is simply a polite way to let you know that a bike is coming your way - just the same as I do when I come across other cyclists or pedestrians whether it be on the MB trail or on the South Perth forshore. Roll on 2012!
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Permalink Reply by knoddie on
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Thanks for your input into the discussion Stewart. The issue isn't that runners don't want to seek approval to hold an official event. I believe they did seek approval last year, and that this was denied by the Foundation, the reason given being that it was not a cycling event. This appears to me to permeate a "hands off, it's for cyclists only" attitude and policy.
Look forward seeing you out there, and I'll be sure to wave hello. I'm taking part in a 100 mile run on the trail this coming weekend, say hi if you see me out there. It would have been nice to have been able to liaise with the Foundation about this run, but allas this doesn't appear to be currently possible.
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Permalink Reply by Munda Biddi Trail Foundation on
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As stated before the Foundation does not discourage walkers or runners from using the Trail (and as Stewart mentioned the majority of riders would agree with this), however a specific organised event of 50 runners falls into a different category. If you want to run any event on the Trail you need to go through DEC (the Department of Environment and Conservation) as they are the land managers of the Trail. The Foundation can not give approval to run any kind of events on the Trail and we ourselves need to follow DEC's guidelines to run our community events.
Yes as Trail Blaze says the Foundation endorsed the Dwellingup 100 event and it was approved by DEC as the organisers approached us presenting their proposal to the board and asked to seek the Foundation's support before approaching DEC to go through the approval process. Because this was a mountain bike event and helped to promote the Trail to other mountain bikers the board choose to endorse this event (the first event that the board has supported in its time).
The Munda Biddi Trail is intended for cycle touring and is a place where people can escape and enjoy nature, rather than for larger scale events and races. If these specific events such as the Dwellingup 100 are endorsed by the Munda Biddi Board it is because the event is seen to be in line with the Foundation’s vision and promotes cycling in WA.
Dwellingup has a fantastic network of trails (both walk and cycle) perhaps you can consider using some of these walk trails as you may find it easier to gain DEC’s permission. Have look through the Top Trails wesbite and see if any would be suitable!
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Permalink Reply by knoddie on
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Who do I speak to at DEC to get a copy of their guidelines for holding events on the MB?
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Permalink Reply by Dale on -
Fantastic news. As an avid MTB'er this is great to hear. Admittedly I do not use the Munda Biddi much as I prefer the single track trails such as Turner Hill or Marrinup (near Dwellingup) etc. That said the Munda Biddi makes for some fantastic day rides in the bush.
knoddie, I'm going out on a limb here and you may well be able to confirm or deny, but I think the reason that your group was denied was not an exclusivity issue but more to do with public liability/insurance.
Frankly as you elude to, it would be difficult for the MTB community to lay claim and demand exclusive rights to such an extensive trail. There is more than enough room for both groups more often than not.
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