- Newest section is 74km long and provides beach access
- Munda Biddi Trail will be 1,000km long once completed
Environment Minister Bill Marmion and Corrective Services Minister Terry Redman today opened a new 74km section of bike track between Denmark and Albany, bringing the Munda Biddi trail one step closer to completion.
The Munda Biddi Trail is a long distance off-road cycle trail which starts in Mundaring and will end in Albany once all sections linking the 1,000km trail have been completed.
Mr Marmion said much of the 74km section between Denmark and Albany followed old railway alignments and existing roads. Only 11km of trail was newly constructed. He said the full trail from Mundaring to Albany was well on the way to becoming a reality.
"Work is progressing on the final two sections. Construction is well under way on the Manjimup-Walpole section and the Walpole-Denmark section is at the approval stage," he said.
"The Munda Biddi Trail takes riders through spectacular forest and bush, connecting towns and places of interest. This latest section is unique because it provides access to the beach."
Mr Redman said the new section would serve as a tourism drawcard for towns and communities connected to the trail.
"I am pleased that prisoners have contributed to the community through their work in the construction of the trail," Mr Redman said.
"It is estimated 20,000 people use the trail each year, and that number is set to grow as the new and old sections are linked."
The Munda Biddi Trail is a partnership project between the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation. The trail extension is funded through the State Government Royalties for Regions program which has provided $3million through the South West and Great Southern development commissions. DEC also committed more than $1million to the project.
Fact File
- Due to low-lying land between Denmark & Albany, the trail has a record number of culverts (16) & bridges (nine - comprising 5 kit bridges, 1 new design beam bridge & 3 re-decked old rail bridges)
- The trail is being constructed by DEC with assistance from the Department of Corrective Services. Pardelup Prison crews worked on the Denmark-Albany section
- More information is available at http://www.dec.wa.gov.au
Minister's office - 6552 6800
