All construction works for the trails and supporting infrastructure will be tendered by DBCA in accordance with standard State government procurement processes.

Where possible, local content preferences will be added to procurement processes.

All construction works for the trails and supporting infrastructure will be tendered by DBCA in accordance with standard State government procurement processes.

Where possible, local content preferences will be added to procurement processes.

It is conservatively estimated the Collie Adventure Trails project will bring an additional 12,000 visitors annually to the area.

This equates to approximately $3.8 million in economic spend within the area annually, and presents a significant opportunity for existing businesses to expand, and new business to be created, such as commercial bike hire, and shuttle services between the trail networks.

Throughout the project, opportunities will be provided for local businesses to be involved in the project. As more trails are built and the project moves toward an operational phase, workshops will be conducted to help local businesses get ‘trail ready’.

The primary trailhead will be located in Collie. Secondary trailheads will be provided at various locations on the trail networks, including the Kiosk in Wellington National Park.

All trails will be planned and designed following the eight-step Trail Development Process to ensure environmental and heritage values are protected.

DBCA will consult closely with traditional owners in the planning and construction of new trails and facilities. The trail network is being developed to protect identified heritage sites and does not impact on them.

A sustainable business model will be developed and implemented at the same time as the trails are developed. DBCA will work with local government, volunteers and the MTB community to implement the model and maintain the trails.

The trails will primarily be for mountain bike use only, however they may be used for trail running events.

Management of the project will be led by DBCA with support from a reference group made up of representatives from: the Shire of Collie; Tourism WA; the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries; Collie Chamber of Commerce; Department of Premier and Cabinet; and the South West Development Commission. Advice and input will also be sought through Westcycle and the Collie Mountain Bike Club.

The Collie Adventure Trails are expected to create the following community benefits:

• Create world class visitor attractions in the South West region by establishing nationally significant mountain bike trail networks that will grow and sustain the tourism economy;
• Create marketable trail products that appeal to a broad cross section of tourists while also catering for trail enthusiasts;
• Establish marketable mountain bike trail products that enable the holding of national and international events;
• Deliver an integrated tourism experience across the region that will increase the total number of visitors to the region, increase the number of repeat visits, and extend the length of stay;
• Stimulate local tourism economies in the region (e.g. accommodation, retail and hospitality);
• Establish new businesses after construction that support adventure and eco-tourism trail experiences;
• Raise local, State, national and international recognition and awareness of the region’s natural amenities, heritage, adventure and eco-tourism assets and its outstanding biodiversity;
• Provide trail facilities that will improve the lifestyle and community amenity for the South West region residents;
• Establish best practice trail development and management that minimises impact on the natural environment;
• During construction, direct employment and flow-on permanent employment post-construction for tourism businesses, accommodation and associated service businesses and trail maintenance;
• Post construction potential to stimulate permanent ongoing employment through businesses supporting the activity and other visitor services industries such as bike hire, trail maintenance, accommodation and hospitality;
• A level of rider accessibility, challenge and enjoyment consistent with rider expectations and needs;
• Improved visitor satisfaction in parks and towns where trail infrastructure is established;
• Develop a sense of ownership by local trails groups and volunteers to support ongoing trail maintenance;
• Facilitate the aspirations of the local Aboriginal community in terms of training, employment, heritage interpretation and business development; and
• Potential for development of a range of mobile and web-based applications and online resources for trail users.

While much of the work of this initiative will be in developing the trails themselves, a key aspect will be to establish Collie as a ‘trail town’. As home to the primary trail town facilities, Collie will house a bike wash, bike racks and storage, lockers, bike hire and repair facilities, trail information, toilets and showers.

No trails are currently being planned for private land.

The trails will allow greater community access to engage with the natural environment, and therefore learn about it and value it. Along the trails there will be innovative education and interpretation signage and opportunities to support environmental and cultural awareness and advocacy.

Mountain bike trails will generally be between 600mm and 1200mm wide and naturally surfaced. In order to minimise erosion and future maintenance, sections of the trail network may have to be hardened, using materials such as gravel, rock and stabilising treatments.

No walking trails are planned to be closed, however there may be sections of dual-purpose trail required in high conservation areas of Wellington National Park and Westralia Conservation Park. DBCA’s trail planning aims to ensure that both walking trails and proposed mountain bike trails co-exist respectfully and safely.