Collie has taken another step towards its goal of becoming a world-class adventure trail destination with the completion of another mountain bike trail.
After months of work, the Arklow Adaptive Trail was opened this week and is designed to also accommodate hand cycles, giving mountain bike riders with a disability the opportunity to ride through part of Collie's extensive trails network.
Member for Collie-Preston Mick Murray said the trail was a strong addition to the Shire of Collie.
"The new mountain bike trails in Collie have the potential to draw tourists from across WA and Australia to experience this region," he said.
"By enticing more tourists and adventure lovers to Collie to experience these new trails, we will see the flow-on effect for the local economy as visitors use services and local hospitality options during their stay."
The 9.5km loop completion connects to the Munda Biddi Trail and forms part of the $10 million State Government Collie Adventure Trails initiative to establish Collie as Western Australia's premier trail adventure town.
Shire of Collie President Sarah Stanley said the investment into trails would put Collie on the map for local, national and international tourists.
"Mountain biking is one of the world's fastest growing sports and is hugely popular in Western Australia with national and international tourists," she said.
"Tourism also helps showcase Collie as an attractive place to live for families, nature lovers and retirees looking for a change of pace."
The development of trails and the tourism sector are part of the shire's broader efforts to continue to grow and diversify Collie's economy, create jobs across a range of industries and maintain a vibrant community.
