Published on Tuesday, 29 November 2016 at 12:00:00 AM
The formalisation of the existing mountain bike trail through the Chapman River Regional Park is one step closer with Council recently endorsing the Chapman River Regional Park Mountain Bike Master Plan.
The Master Plan includes making improvements to the well-established mountain bike trail loop and the closure and rehabilitation of spur tracks which are causing erosion and vegetation management issues.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the Mountain Bike Master Plan is the next step in the ongoing management of the popular Park.
“Over the past 23 years the City has developed a number of plans and strategies regarding the environmental management and recreational use of the Chapman River Regional Park,” he said.
“These plans ensure this important community asset is shared and enjoyed by all recreational users which also includes mountain bike riders.
The City’s Mountain Bike Master Plan also aligns with the Western Australia Mountain Bike Strategy which advocates for sustainable mountain bike trails across the state, many of which are located in areas of environmental significance.
“The inclusion of mountain bike trails in significant environmental areas is common place practice such as 40kms of fully signed trails in the Kalamunda National Park and State Forrest located in the Perth Hills and a 9km network of trails in the Bramley National Park in the Margaret River area,” said Mayor Van Styn.
Before detailed designs of the various master plan elements will be undertaken an environmental impact statement will be developed and key stakeholders further engaged.
“To ensure trail formalisation is environmentally sustainable and will preserve and enhance the current environmental, cultural and heritage values of the Park the City will be meeting with all key stakeholders including Chapman River Friends and Traditional Owners of the land to reach consensus on the implementation of the Mountain Bike Master Plan,” Mayor Van Styn added.
“The City will also enter into a partnership agreement with the Geraldton Mountain Bike Group who not only assisted with the development of the Master Plan, they will also have a role in the implementation of the plan and upkeep of mountain bike trail facilities.”
Picture Caption: Geraldton Mountain Bike Club President Paul Spackman and City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn at the existing mountain bike trail in Chapman River Regional Park which could be formalised as part of the City’s Mountain Bike Master Plan.
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