The Department of Transport has invited people in the South West to share their thoughts on major changes to cycling facilities in the region.
Focusing on tourism opportunities and the enhancement of cycling resources for residents, the strategy was designed to improve existing infrastructure and develop new extensions.
Options include creating primary routes between Bunbury and Busselton, Bunbury and Mandurah, and Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste.
The plans also feature potential tourist trails, including connections between Capel and Peppermint Grove Beach, Busselton and the Munda Biddi Trail, Capel and Boyanup, and Bunbury and Collie.
To assist with the implementation process, five consultation sessions were held with residents from the Bunbury-Wellington sub-region.
In addition, the South West Development Commission, City of Bunbury, Shire of Capel, Shire of Dardanup, Shire of Harvey, and Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup all became involved in its development.
Department of Transport Regional Bike Network Coordinator Sarah Court said the plan would help with developing a future for cycling in the region.
“The draft strategy outlines a range of opportunities, from connecting Bunbury to Busselton, to making better use of closed and disused rail corridors and enhancing cycling routes along our ocean and river foreshores,” she said.
“As part of their feedback we are asking the community to review the draft strategy and identify projects that they believe to be a priority for the sub region.
“The feedback received will help to shape the short-term action plan that will guide both local and State Government investment over the next five years.”
Shire of Dardanup president Mick Bennett said all safety concerns would need to be explored.
“There probably needs to be a little bit more to assist the cyclists that go out into the regions,” he said.
“I don’t think there’s enough to help club cyclists get around the place safer.”
Mr Bennett said many roads, including Harris Road, should be examined to protect all road users.
Shire of Harvey president Tania Jackson said the strategy would greatly assist with the region’s tourism and health initiatives.
Other plans currently in development include the Leeuwin-Naturaliste 2050 Cycling Strategy and the Warren-Blackwood 2050 Cycling Strategy.
The plans are available at transport.wa.gov.au/activetransport/regional-2050-cycling-strategies.asp, with citizens able to make submissions up until Sunday, July 29.
Read more:
