The WA Government has pledged $57,000 to the Shire of Manjimup Council to help establish an off-road vehicle (ORV) hub to cater for the growing local popularity of the 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.
The 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 Council.
“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,” said Local Government Minister, Hannah Beazley.
“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.”
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.
“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,” said Minister Beazley.
In another State 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, the Minister said.
More information on ORV sites in WA is available on the DLGSC website.
