The WA Government has announced $4.8 million worth of grants for local governments to develop and improve off-road vehicle (ORV) areas across the state.
This funding injection will see grants of up to $1 million for councils to construct new areas and grants up to $200,000 for expanding and upgrading existing areas.
Local governments will be able to request additional funding to support the initial years of operating a new area, and partner with organisations, such as rider associations or community groups, to develop new facilities, said Local Government Minister, Hannah Beazley.
“This is one of the biggest investments ever made to support off-road riding in WA,” said Ms Beazley.
“I have seen first-hand how important it is for riders to have dedicated areas to ride, especially younger riders learning and developing their skills.
“This is a huge opportunity for local governments to build major new sites to provide more accessible and family-friendly places to ride and drive.
“We also know that great ORV areas, like the Shire of York’s Oliver Battista York Motocross Track and Pinjar, can be important attractions to promote local tourism,” she said.
This landmark investment follows the recent introduction of the Control of Vehicles (Off-road Areas) Amendment Bill 2024, which will enable online registration of ORVs, allow registration stickers as an alternative to plates and increase penalties for existing offences.
Fees collected from registrations will continue to support ongoing investments into ORV areas, the Minister said.
Applications can be lodged at www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/ORV-grants, and close on November 8 2024. Enquiries can be made here: orv@dlgsc.wa.gov.au.
