THE Kalamunda circuit trail is to be upgraded following a $3 million injection as part of the state government’s support towards promoting outdoor activities.
Kalamunda Mountain Bike Collective president Cameron Wishart said the funding was the biggest investment in the Kalamunda network he had seen and that it would help build 18km of new trail for mountain bikers to enjoy.
“This $3m will complete the remainder of our concept plan and it’ll be a holistic upgrade of the entire network as well,” he said.
“It’s not only trails but also infrastructure such as parking, signage, toilets. It’s quality of life improvement with more parking and better facilities at the parking area.
“We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, but we’re excited to deliver it.”
Mr Wishart said it would take a few years to see the project to its completion due to trail building being dependent on weather conditions.
“We can only do work in the ideal conditions, so the moisture conditions need to be pretty good.
“We need compaction in the soils and that happens in the cooler periods of the year meaning the project will likely unfold in the next two to three years.
“This recent rain is a good sign that things will start happening soon.”
Mr Wishart pointed to Dwellingup and Collie as examples of attractive trail towns, and said Kalamunda also held the same potential given its natural beauty.
“We’ve got these great outdoor areas to see and visit but infrastructure can get better for international appeal,” he said.
“We’ve got this great asset out there, but it could be better.
“It’s about bringing everything up to a higher standard.
“And that’s what we’re trying to do in Kalamunda.”
Tourism minister Rita Saffioti said the recent investment of $165m, which the Kalamunda circuit trail will benefit from, will also support local tourism operators who rely on these experiences and sites to keep attracting visitors.
“By improving and investing in these facilities and sites, we’re ensuring Western Australia remains a world-class tourism destination of choice for travellers, particularly in our regions,” she said.
