Manjimup Trail Bike Hub
Popularity of Trail Bike Riding
With more than 50% of all motorcycle sales in Australia in 2022 being trail bikes, this segment is important and should not be overlooked (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries 2021-2024). The global dirt bike market was valued at $9.1 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $18 billion by 2031 (https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/dirt-bike-market).
Trail bike riders generally seek the same type of outdoor recreational experience as many other outdoor enthusiasts. Freedom, getting away from it all, adventure, exploring, stress relief, relaxation, challenge, testing yourself, skills improvement, adrenalin, thrill, excitement, getting off the beaten track, exercise and fitness and enjoying the outdoors, environment, and scenery.
The Manjimup region has a long and successful history with motocross and off‐road motorcycling. Enduro events have been held in the forests and plantations around Manjimup for over forty two years.
Economic Opportunity
In addition to being considered as a sport and recreation opportunity, the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub (MTBH) project presents a unique economic development opportunity for Manjimup and the Shire of Manjimup area. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the Hub is the point of difference this type of hub would provide. Unaware of any similar offering currently available for trail bike riders in (Western) Australia, the MTBH has untapped potential to attract significant numbers of visitors to the region. An Economic Impact Assessment was undertaken for the MTBH, which showed that the potential of the MTBH to attract over 33,600 visitors annually and to inject $12.8 million annually in visitor expenditure in the Manjimup region once fully completed.
Manjimup Trail Bike Hub – Project History
In 2015 the Shire’s Council decided to investigate the possibility to establish a motorised trail bike trails hub in the Manjimup region. Council allocated $15,000 to undertake a feasibility study, and the then Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) contributed a further $18,000 in February 2016. The Feasibility Report outlines the potential, opportunities, and challenges in positioning the Shire of Manjimup as Australia’s first trail bike trails hub. Furthermore it provides recommendations on its feasibility and viability, and thus to ensure the hub will be sustainable in the long term.
With what was known about the uniqueness of the project, the overwhelming support of trail bike riders, and the prospective economic opportunity the project provides, in 2018 Council decided to proceed with the preparation for establishing the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub. In recognition that before anything can be done on-the-ground to develop trails and facilities a management and governance framework needed to be established along with funding mechanisms, Council allocated $25,000 towards the undertaking of a Pre-Stage Project and commenced the Pre-Stage in 2019. As part of the Pre-Stage an independent Economic Impact Assessment of the MTBH was undertaken, which confirmed the economic opportunities of the Feasibility Report. During the Pre-Stage further consultation with community, business, riders and government was undertaken, project and implementation plans were developed.
A further $20,000 secured from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) enabled the development of a robust Business Case for the total MTBH project. The aim of developing a Business Case was for the entire project to become funding ready when future state or federal funds would become available.
An incorporated organisation was established, the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Association Inc., for the ongoing management of the Hub. The committee of the MTBHA Inc. consists of a passionate volunteers with an interest in trail bike riding, business opportunities to serve bike riders, and promoting the Manjimup region as a trail bike destination.
Project Implementation
In 2021 $980,000 funding through the Regional Recovery Partnerships Program from the Australian Government was announced for the implementation of the initial MTBH stages (Stage 1, 2, and 4), matched to the $576,500 contribution from the Shire of Manjimup. Over the past few years the Shire, in collaboration with the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Association, assisted by consultants PX2, has driven, and is continuing to drive the implementation of these stages. With the Association now firmly established, a Trails Centre on Mottram Street constructed, and initial routes launched, trail bike riders, community members and local businesses in the region are set to benefit from the MTBH Project as it begins to deliver on the ambition foreseen by the Shire of Manjimup back in 2016.
The Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Project includes the following stages:
| Stage | Description | Current Status |
| Stage 1 | Adventure Bike Rider Experience | Near completion |
| Stage 2 | Trail Bike Tourer Experience | In progress |
| Stage 3 | Private property family facilities | Interested property owners can contact the Shire for more information on this opportunity |
| Stage 4 | Single Track Explorer Experience | Funded, to be delivered upon completion of Stage 2 |
| Stage 5 | Family Explorer Experience | Feasibility Study for establishing ORV Areas/Trails underway. Implementation awaiting funding. |
| Stage 6 | ATV and Side by Side Explorer Experience | Implementation awaiting funding. |
The Hub's Vision
The Manjimup Trail Bike Hub seeks to establish Manjimup as the centre for trail bike riding in Western Australia (and Australia). It aims to drive a considerable increase in tourism for Manjimup, from across Western Australia as well as from interstate and international markets.
The overall concept for the Hub moves beyond just the physical space of trails and trail bike riders riding them. It is about creating a destination that embraces trail bike riding, so there will be a range of support mechanisms, including accommodation, restaurants, cafes, and services that cater for trail bike riders. The Hub concept is about creating this overall atmosphere and delivering a complete visitor experience for trail bike riders.
Further Information
To learn more about the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub, please visit the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Association’s website: www.manjimuptrailbikehub.com.au.
For information relating to the project delivery, contact the Shire of Manjimup (08 9777 7777 or info@manjimup.wa.gov.au).
