Home

Another 12km of mountain bike trails opened in Collie

Headshot of Shannon Verhagen
Shannon VerhagenSouth Western Times
Young Collie mountain bike rider Marshall Putland, 14, gets some air along the Arklow Trail.
Camera IconYoung Collie mountain bike rider Marshall Putland, 14, gets some air along the Arklow Trail. Credit: Shannon Verhagen/Shannon Verhagen

Wheels spun and gravel flew as a further 12km stretch of one of Collie’s premier mountain-bike trails opened on Sunday.

Winding through the picturesque Arklow jarrah forest north-west of the coal-mining town, the family-friendly Arklow trail network is popular among locals and tourists alike.

And the locals were keen to take a spin on the new section on Sunday, with young gun Marshall Putland, 14, pictured right, getting some air off one of the jumps.

It is the latest development in the $10 million Collie Adventure Trails project, which aims to establish and maintain 180km of mountain-bike and bushwalking trails throughout Collie and Dwellingup.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW
Collie Mountain Bike Club president Eric Mellegers is excited about the Arklow Track opening.
Camera IconCollie Mountain Bike Club president Eric Mellegers is excited about the Arklow Track opening. Credit: Shannon Verhagen

Premier Mark McGowan attended to cut the ribbon and said he was “proud” the project had created almost 150 jobs in the process.

Trail riding is one of the world’s fastest growing sports, and we expect these new trails will attract adventure tourists from far and wide, supporting the local economy in Collie.

Mark McGowan

Environment Minister Stephen Dawson anticipated the trail would be a “hit” with mountain bikers and celebrated the 6km stretch of the trail, which could accommodate hand cycles.

“It’s fantastic that this trails network includes the adaptive trail, which was designed to ensure mountain-bike riders with disability can get out and enjoy the benefits of nature in the South West,” he said.

With more work to come on the project, Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said the town’s future was “looking bright”.

The Arklow trails are yet another reason for people to visit Collie, which is fast becoming a nature-based recreation hub, thanks to significant investment from the State Government.

Mick Murray

“Developing the town as a premium mountain-bike destination will not just drive regional tourism, but it will also bring more jobs to the South West.”

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails