PROJECT UPDATE
Progress continues on the proposed Munda Biddi Spur Trail. Funding from the State Government, through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, ALCOA, and the Shire of Harvey has allowed for the completion of Stages 1-3 of the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ 8 Stage Trail Development Process.
Leading trail developer LozTrails has created Draft Alignment Plans, shown below:
The first stage of environment surveys is underway, and an initial site visit was held with the Harvey Aboriginal Corporation.
LozTrails with the Harvey Aboriginal CorporationIf re-elected, the Labor Government has announced it will invest $1 million in a new spur trail off the Munda Biddi, supporting the growth of the trail tourism industry in Harvey and surrounding areas.
Project Background
A spur trail off the Munda Biddi Trail connecting to Harvey town was identified as a high priority project in the Harvey Region Trail and Adventure Master Plan. This proposed trail is one of a suite of trail experiences and activities proposed as part of the Harvey Region Adventure Hub.
The current alignment of the Munda Biddi bypasses Harvey town heading south east from Logue Brook Dam through the Lane Poole Reserve and Harris River State Forest. The Master Plan recommends development of a spur trail from the Munda Biddi at Logue Brook Dam through the Clarke Road State Forest to Harvey Dam and the Stirling Cottage Gardens Visitor Precinct (-25km), before heading south east out for Harvey to re-join the Munda Biddi Trail in the vicinity of Yard Hut (-20km).
The indicative alignment for this proposed spur trail will traverse through a range of vegetation types and provide trail users with views from the Darling Scarp across the Swan Coastal Plain to the coast. The indicative alignment also proposes to bring trail users close to the existing Wildflower Ridge Walk, Harvey Hike Trail and the Harvey Dam, providing the opportunity for additional trail experiences along the route
Once constructed the spur trail will provide an opportunity for a loop ride of approximately 80km, making use of the existing Munda Biddi Trail and its camping facilities, accommodation and services at Lake Brockman Tourist Park and in Harvey town. With connectivity to Harvey town and the new bike friendly Australind passenger rail service to/from Perth and the South West, this trail experience would appeal to the independent cyclists looking for a short multi-day off road cycling adventure.
Riding the Munda Biddi Harvey Spur Trail will also appeal to leisure and enthusiast mountain bike riders and provide an opportunity for shorter trail experiences suitable for a variety of skill levels. Providing the opportunity for a long weekend/ short cycling adventure close to services, facilities and infrastructure in proximity to Perth, Mandurah, Bunbury and BusseIton, has the potential to bring visitors and the associated economic benefits to the Harvey region.
The proposed spur trail will provide small business opportunities such as shuttle services and luggage transfer, guided tours, bike hire and maintenance services.
To further investigate the Munda Biddi Harvey Spur Trail proposal, funding was obtained to complete stage 1 — Trail Proposal and stage 2 — Trail Framework. including preliminary desktop assessment of cultural heritage and environmental values, assessment of demand and intended target market and definition of trail vision/intent and details of preliminary alignment. Once agreement has been reached on the
