- Cook Government supports Manjimup's plan for a major trail bike/off-road vehicle hub
- $57,000 State Government grant to assist town to become a premier adventure tourism destination
- More grants and updated laws support the growing popularity of this activity
The Cook Government has provided $57,000 in funding to the Shire of Manjimup to help establish an off-road vehicle (ORV) hub that will cater for the growing popularity of this recreational activity.
The planned Manjimup Trail Bike Hub aims to establish the regional town and its surrounds as a premier adventure tourism destination and to attract both locals and visitors looking for a trail bike riding and ORV experience.
This project, developed in partnership with the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Association, plans to create a comprehensive hub for enthusiasts that will extend beyond just trails to include accommodation, dining options, and specialised shops for bike sales, repair and maintenance.
The hub development has secured other financial support, including $980,000 of Commonwealth funding and a $576,500 contribution by the Shire of Manjimup.
This grant is in addition to the recently announced $4.8 million investment the State Government is making into a new grant program for local governments in Western Australia to develop and improve ORV sites throughout the State.
Under this new program, local governments can apply for grants of up to $1 million for the creation of new sites and up to $200,000 for maintaining, expanding and upgrading existing areas.
In another Cook Government initiative, new laws currently before Parliament will allow for the online registration of ORVs in WA, reducing red tape and making it easier and more convenient for riders to register their vehicles.
Changes to the Control of Vehicles (Off-road Areas) Act 1978 will also allow sticker or label registrations and increase penalties to deter illegal activity and antisocial behaviour.
These reforms should result in a greater uptake in ORV registrations which will make it easier for local governments to identify users and keep the community safe.
More information on ORV sites in WA is available on the DLGSC website .
As stated by Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley:
"Off-road vehicle areas provide dedicated, accessible and more environmentally friendly venues for trail bike and ORV users, and the Cook Government is committed to seeing more
ORV areas being developed throughout WA, as well as for existing sites to be upgraded and well maintained.
"The Cook Government supports the exciting plan for Manjimup to become a major trail bike and ORV destination and is pleased to be able to provide financial support to help make it a reality.
"High quality ORV areas are valuable recreation assets for local communities, and also popular attractions for visitors and tourists, so they need to continue to be attractive places for people to enjoy."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"With off-road recreational activity growing in popularity, it's important State and local governments keep pace, so the facilities match the increase in demand.
"I'm proud my advocacy for additional investment to support the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Association's plan to develop a trail bike and ORV hub for the community is being supported by the Cook Government.
"This family-friendly and accessible facility will establish Manjimup as a premier adventure tourism destination, benefiting locals and visitors looking for a unique trail bike riding and ORV experience."
