Manjimup Trail Bike Hub kick started for success

The momentum is building for the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub (MTBH) as the Shire of Manjimup and an interim executive committee roll-out a series of initiatives to get the project 'funding ready'. In January, the committee went through the process of setting up the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Association (inc). In addition, an Economic Impact Assessment, demonstrating increased visitation and expenditure in the region as a result of the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub, is nearing completion. People are now being encouraged to register their interest in the MTBH through an online questionnaire and to take part in a logo design competition.

Shire President Paul Omodei explained that an initial Feasibility Report, prepared in 2017, outlines that the Manjimup region is the prime location for Western Australia's first sustainable trail bike trails hub. "We're very confident that this initiative will be hugely beneficial to our region, both socially and economically. This is why the Shire of Manjimup allocated the funds necessary for this pre-phase project, which sets the wheels in motion for the project to operate independently and to have it ready to go as funding becomes available."

The current interim executive committee is comprised of members from the Recreational Trail Bike Riders Association, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, local businesses and riders. It was convened to undertake the initial steps required to establish the incorporation and have the project well-positioned for commencement. "Once this pre-phase is complete, a call will be put out by the Association for interested people to nominate to become a member of the Association's executive committee, which will be the driving force behind fulfillment of the six stages of implementation," said Cr Omodei.

Anybody interested in the project is encouraged to register their interest so that they can be kept up to date with the Hub's development and progress, particularly for when riders and businesses will be encouraged to get involved with the Hub themselves. "We had an outstanding response to the survey conducted in 2017, with more than 2,200 people from across Australia providing us with useful information and feedback. We're now taking it up a notch and asking everyone who is interested, whether they took part in that original survey or not, to now take part in this registration of interest process," said Cr Omodei.

Information on how to register your interest can be found at www.manjimup.wa.gov.au/trailbikehub or via the Trail Bike Hub Manjimup Facebook page. Details on the logo design competition will be released in April.

The Kick Start the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub document, which sets out the concept of the Hub and the stages of implementation,is also available online for people to familiarise themselves with what it is going to take to make the MTBH initiative a reality.

-ENDS-

Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer

Contact Sheri Laba, Public Relations Officer

Contact for comment: Paul Omodei, Shire President.

Contact: 0448 810 773