Work to start on off-road trail in Gnangara

Recreational trail bike users in the metropolitan area will have access to upgraded facilities following construction of a new area in the Gnangara pine plantation.

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said he had approved funding of $20,000 to build a riding trail within the Gnangara off-road area as well as $60,000 for education, volunteer management and community awareness campaigns.

“Earlier this year I took the opportunity to visit the Gnangara and Pinjar sites to see for myself what was happening on the ground,” Mr Waldron said.

“As a result of that visit and in response to the immediate need for action, I approved funding of $20,000 to be matched by in kind support from the Department of Environment and Conservation to create an interim riding trail within the Gnangara off-road area.

“I hope this initiative will go some way towards reducing illegal riding in the area.”

The Minister said he hoped the education and communication program would increase rider understanding of riding location options, codes of conduct for off-road riding and rider safety. 

“The volunteer management project will develop a system to support the creation and ongoing management of local ‘friends of’ groups for off-road vehicle areas,” he said.

“The community awareness program will consult with local government; and retailers and manufacturers of trail bikes in order to involve them in the issues and potential solutions that affect their areas.

“These programs are the initial stages of the State Government’s response to the State Trail Bike Strategy and are intended to begin the transition process of recreational trail bike riders to a more planned, managed, sustainable and safer environment for their activity.”

For more information on the State Trail Bike Strategy visit the Trail Bike Management Australia website.