Green light for new mountain bike trails

New mountain biking facilities are set to be constructed in Spalding Park.

The City of Greater Geraldton today announced it had awarded the tender for the project to specialist development firm Common Ground Trails.

Along with the construction of a trailhead, jump lines, pump track and skills area in Spalding Park, the project also includes the formalisation of an existing 11km loop trail through the Chapman River Regional Park in accordance with the Environmental Impact Statement.

Mayor Shane Van Styn said the facilities would be a valuable tourism attraction for Geraldton.

“Almost 120,000 mountain bikes are purchased every year in WA and these cyclists are seeking new places to ride their bikes in ever-increasing numbers,” he said.

“Our facilities will play an important role in assisting WA in becoming a world class mountain bike destination, effectively diversifying the State’s tourism industry while securing meaningful economic and social outcomes for our local community.”

A City spokeswoman said project designs would be completed by late January with construction expected to begin in February.

She said the project was expected to be complete by the end of June.The City will contribute $49,500 towards the project, with Lotterywest contributing $65,000 and the State Government $235,000 through Royalties for Regions.