Project History

2015 – Investigation & Feasibility

In 2015 one of the then Councillors of the Shire of Manjimup expressed his views on the untapped economic opportunity to develop a hub in Manjimup for trail bike riders. Shortly after this the Shire’s Council decided to investigate the possibility to establish a motorised trail bike trails hub in the Manjimup region. Council allocated $15,000 towards the undertaking of a feasibility study, and the then Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) contributed a further $18,000 in February 2016.

In April 2016 Trail Bike Management Australia was engaged as the specialised consultant to undertake this feasibility study. A Steering Committee was formed to guide this study, with representatives from the Shire, DSR, Department of Parks and Wildlife, South West Development Commission, Recreational Trail Bike Riders Association, Manjimup Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The study was designed to explore the potential, opportunities, and challenges in positioning the Shire of Manjimup as Australia’s first trail bike trails hub. The aim of the feasibility study was to provide recommendations on its feasibility and viability, and thus to ensure the hub, should it proceed, would be sustainable in the long term.

The study included a comprehensive literature review that considered the project’s alignment with strategic documents from various government agencies, and the regulatory environment which influences the potential outcomes of such a trails hub. Constraints and opportunities were mapped, including a survey that attracted over 2,200 responses from riders, the market was analysed, and economic modelling was undertaken which identified the potential value for each rider segment. The study also provided a vision and mission statement and outlined what hard and soft infrastructure would need to be delivered to support the trails hub. The study resulted in a comprehensive report with recommended implementation plan and a management model to establish such hub.

The Feasibility Report (link to report) considered that a Manjimup Trail Bike Trails Hub would present a unique economic development opportunity for the Shire of Manjimup in addition to a sport and recreation opportunity. Unlike anything else available at that time for trail bike riders in Western Australia, the Hub has untapped potential to attract significant numbers of visitors to the region. The report showed that businesses (including accommodation, food and beverage and fuel sectors) are anticipated to prosper from this visitation and projected a potential annual economic benefit of $13.4M of the hub to the region.

Community and stakeholder input was an integral component of the study to determine the appetite and concerns around the trail bike hub concept. The public consultation was far reaching and included a rider survey (with 2,272 responses!), a public survey and information session, and several focus groups. Furthermore, the public was given the opportunity to give feedback on the Draft Feasibility Report which was released early 2017. The final report was accepted by Council in May 2017.

2018 – Preparation

With what was known about the uniqueness of the project, the overwhelming support of trail bike riders, and the prospective economic opportunity the project provides, Council decided to proceed with the preparation for establishing the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub. In recognition that before anything can be done on-the-ground to develop trails and facilities a management and governance framework needs to be established along with funding mechanisms, Council allocated $10,000 towards the undertaking of a Pre-Stage Project. Upon attempting to find further funding for this Pre-Stage in collaboration with the Recreational Trail Bike Riders Association, Council later allocated a further $15,000, and was able to commence the Pre-Stage in 2019.

During the Pre-stage the following was achieved:

An incorporated association, the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub Inc. (MTBH Inc.), was established in January 2019 as the foundation to progress the development and provide ongoing commitment and management for the Hub. The association’s initial Executive Committee consisted of with representatives of the Shire, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions (DBCA), Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries (DLGSC), and the Recreational Trailbike Riders’ Association of WA (RTRA), as well as several Manjimup based community drivers and business owners.
Concept and Implementation Plans for the MTBH were finalised and adopted by the MTBH Inc.
An independent Economic Impact Assessment of the MTBH was undertaken, which confirmed the economic opportunities of the Feasibility Report. The Assessment identified that the MTBH, upon completion of all six stages, is estimated to attract 31,000 new visitors annually, with $11.8 million in new visitor expenditure, and would contribute (directly and indirectly) $7.1 million to the local economy, in Gross Regional Product (GRP) terms. It will also, directly and indirectly, support 72 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in the area.
Initial community, business, rider and government engagement was undertaken. This included an online Registration of Interest process, the approach of local businesses, development of a MTBH logo and suite of information leaflets, and informing relevant politicians and government departments;
A detailed Project Plan for Stages 1 and 2 was developed. The implementation of Stage 1 will see the development of the Manjimup Adventure Bike Rider Experience, and Stage 2 the development of the Manjimup Trail Bike Tourer Experience. Adventure Riders (on large motorcycles doing multi-day trips) and Tourers (on trail/enduro style motorcycles doing day/overnight trips) are the easiest segments to cater for because the motorcycles are road registered, the riders hold a drivers licence, and the activity takes place primarily on open public roads. Due to the synergy of these two stages, it is considered more effective and efficient to implement these stages concurrently, and catering for both segments will provide a greater immediate economic benefit to the region.

A further $20,000 secured from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) enabled the development of a robust Business Case for the total MTBH project. The aim of developing a Business Case was for the entire project to become funding ready when future state or federal funds would become available. The development of a Business Case was particularly timely, as the MTBH initiative was very well positioned to contribute towards the post COVID-19 economic and tourism recovery.

In December 2020 Council committed to $576,500 towards the implementation of the initial MTBH stages subject to successful matched grant funding. With all the required documentation in place, the search for grant funding commenced.

During the process of seeking grant funding, the Shire received feedback from a potential funding body that the inclusion of infrastructure works would increase the chances to secure grant funding. A physical, centrally located, Trails Centre in a high-profile location in Manjimup was considered a great addition for the MTBH, offering significant ongoing profile, and prospects for the MTBH Inc. to explore retail opportunities to support the sustainability of their organisation. An exceptionally suitable location on Mottram Street in Manjimup was found, and Council decided to purchase this lot, so that once funding was secured, a Trails Centre could be built and leased to the MTBH Inc.

2021 - Funding for Implementation

In 2021, the Shire of Manjimup was given the opportunity to submit a funding proposal for the MTBH under the Regional Recovery Partnerships Program. The Australian Government committed $100 million over two years to fund Regional Recovery Partnerships. The Partnerships coordinate investments with all levels of government to support recovery and growth in 10 regions (including the South West of WA) across Australia, delivering jobs and economic diversification. The Partnerships support existing plans and priorities within the regions, seeking to invest in places and priorities other levels of government are also seeking to develop. The Partnerships seek to broker connections between all levels of government to increase information flow, share technical expertise and strengthen regional development outcomes. Regional Recovery Partnership projects are intended to support economic recovery and economic growth in the Partnership locations, contribute to economic diversification of the region, or increase long term employment and business outcomes. A full list of approved projects can be found at https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regions/regional-recovery-partnerships

In September 2021 $980,000 funding through the Regional Recovery Partnerships Program was announced for the implementation of the initial MTBH stages, matched to the $576,500 contribution from the Shire of Manjimup. Following the announcement, a Project Manager was hired to facilitate the implementation of the project.

2022 - 2024 Stage 1 Development

The last two years have seen accelerated progress towards the realisation of the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub project.

Construction of the Hub Trails Centre was completed in late 2023 and fitout commenced thanks to funding provided by the WA State Government 'Building Better Regions' fund.
Stage 1 (Adventure Bike) routes were identified, mapped, ridden, negotiated, revised, approved and finalised.
Community consultation was undertaken.
A management plan was developed in conjunction with the Shire of Manjimup and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
The Manjimup Trail Bike Hub web site was developed.

2025 - Stage 1 Launch

The culmination of nearly a decade's worth of work is now just around the corner. Stage 1 will be launched in 2025 with Stage 2 (Trail Bike Touring) to follow shortly thereafter.

Next: Project Stages