Manjimup Trail Bike Hub
Introduction
The Manjimup Trail Bike Hub seeks to create a destination that embraces trail bike riding and becomes a significant visitor attraction in (and around) Manjimup. The Manjimup Trail Bike Hub concept is about delivering an overall experience that, while focused on the trails, also extends to every aspect of trail bike riding. These aspects include:
- Planning: the information to enable potential visitors to organise their trip, including identifying the most suitable trails, appropriate accommodation and related activities.
- Accommodation, restaurants, cafes and specialty retail: establishments that specifically cater to the needs of trail bike riders.
- The Trails: trail development and diversity to suit different levels of skill and riding experiences sought.
- The Services: guided tours, bike and equipment hire, fuel, accessories, parts and repair.
The Hub seeks to establish Manjimup as the centre for trail bike riding in Western Australia (and Australia). It will drive a considerable increase in tourism for Manjimup, from across Western Australia as well as from interstate and international markets. The Hub will include new trail development across a range of different trail bike rider types, but also put in place a management system that can conduct marketing to drive demand. 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 and cafes that cater for trail bike riders. The concept includes the development of speciality shops catering to trail bike sales, repair and maintenance. The Hub concept is about creating this overall atmosphere and delivering a complete visitor experience for trail bike riders.
The Manjimup Trail Bike Hub includes the following stages:
- Pre Stage: Establish management and governance (COMPLETED)
- Stage 1: Develop the Manjimup Adventure Bike Rider Experience
- Stage 2: Develop the Manjimup Trail Bike Tourer Experience
- Stage 3: Create private property family use facilities
- Stage 4: Develop the Manjimup Single Track Explorer Experience
- Stage 5: Develop the Manjimup Family Explorer Experience
- Stage 6: Develop the Manjimup ATV and Side by Side Explorer Experience
Implementation of stages 1, 2 and 4 underway
Through extensive preliminary works which started in 2017, funding has now been secured for stages 1, 2, and 4: $980,000 through the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships program matched to a $576,500 contribution from the Shire of Manjimup. The funding will set the wheels in motion for the trail planning processes, implementation and commercialisation of the funded project, which include:
- Mapping and publishing routes and loops suitable for trail bike riders.
- Construction of a Trail Centre to provide information and facilities to trail bike riders.
- Developing a Trail Bike Friendly Business Program (including businesses providing; food, accommodation, facilities, services and equipment).
- Developing a marketing campaign (including website, maps and merchandise).
Stage 1 Objectives
- Design a variety of routes between Manjimup and destinations in a 300km radius. Minimum of 4 routes of 250km length each (may have overlapping components) to destinations including: Nannup, Northcliffe, Pemberton, Quinninup, Walpole, Denmark, Greenbushes and an interesting ride on-road Perth to Manjimup.
- Develop, launch and promote the Trail Bike Friendly Business Program and directory.
- Launch the Hub with initial products and services aimed at adventure bike riders.
- Establish supporting systems - marketing, business program and online information.
Please note that for those people who would like to help with trail construction and trail maintenance, future volunteer opportunities will become available at a later stage. There will also be additional opportunities to join Trail Tourers and Single Trail Explorer Reference Groups and work closely in the development of riding routes and networks specific for these bike types, these will be advertised separately.
Stage 1: Adventure Bike Riders Reference Group
Adventure bike riders, local businesses and services and members of the community are needed for the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Stage 1: Adventure Bike Rider Reference Group. The group will advise on the Stage 1: Adventure Bike Rider Experience by bringing knowledge and experience to ensure that the routes and services provided are suitable.
Adventure bikes are road registered, typically between 650cc and 1200cc four stroke engines and are designed to be ridden long distances on a mix of sealed and unsealed roads.
The Stage 1: Adventure Bike Rider Reference Group is an opportunity for riders to inform the Hub and be a part of an exciting project.
Enter your application to join the Stage 1 Reference Group by Sunday 28 November 2021.
Request for Quote for Trail Bike Consultant
The Shire of Manjimup is seeking to engage a suitably qualified Trail Bike Consultant to assist in the delivery of Stages 1, 2 and 4 of the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub.
An experienced Trail Bike Consultant that specialises in trail bike trail development and consultation with the trail bike riding community is required for this contract.
To download the RFQ documents visit the Tenders page.
Request for quote responses close: 12 noon (WST) Thursday 9 December 2021.
Progress to date
The Manjimup Trail Bike Hub project has made the following progress:
- In 2017, the Shire of Manjimup, assisted through funding by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC), undertook a feasibility study to develop and position Manjimup as Western Australia's first sustainable trail bike trails hub.
- In 2018 and 2019, the Shire of Manjimup undertook the Pre-Stage phase of the project with the following outcomes:
- Completion of Economic Impact Assessment;
- Several project documents (Six Stage Implementation Plan and Kick Start Plan) were developed for the Implementation of the Hub;
- The Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Association (MTBHA Inc.) was established on 10 January 2019 by an Interim Executive Committee, and a logo for the Incorporation was developed;
- In 2020 the Shire obtained funding from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) for the development of a Business Case for all stages in order to be funding ready;
- Commitment sought and obtained from Shire of Manjimup Council to contribute $576,500 towards a grant application for the implementation of the Hub;
- Purchase of a centrally located block in Manjimup, on which a Trail Bike Hub trail centre will be established;
- Announcement of successful funding application ($980,000) through the Regional Partnership Recovery Program for Stages 1, 2 and 4 of the Hub. See media release for more information.
- In August 2021 the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub
Program Manager was appointed to manage the implementation of the following
Stages of the Hub:
- Stage 1. Develop the Manjimup Adventure Bike Rider Experience
- Stage 2. Develop the Manjimup Trail Bike Tourer Experience
- Stage 4. Develop the Manjimup Single Track Explorer Experience
Opportunity to join the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Association Committee
The MTBHA Inc. is the driving force behind the implementation of the Hub. Now that funding has been secured, the MTBHA Inc. is looking for interested trail bike riders and the local community to become a member of the association’s committee, which will continue to be the driving force behind implementing the first three stages of the hub.
The MTBHA Inc. is looking for three new committee members who are excited about being involved in the strategic planning and establishment of the Hub. The committee is a small group of 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.
Please note that for those people who would like to help the MTBHA Inc. with trail construction and trail maintenance, future volunteer opportunities will become available at a later stage. There are also additional opportunities to join Project Reference Groups for each stage to work closely in the development of riding routes and networks, these will be advertised separately.
Enter your nomination to join the MTBHA Inc. by Sunday 21 November 2021
Stay up to date
Click here to register your interest in the project and receive progress updates.
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If you wish to discuss the project further, please contact the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Program Manager, Ann Bentley on mobile: 0477 960 440 or email: manjimuptrailbikehub@manjimup.wa.gov.au.
