The Liberal Government is committed to supporting the West Coast community.
One of the ideas most often suggested to the West Coast Economic Working Group has been the establishment of new or expanded walking and mountain bike tracks on the West Coast.
The Working Group has discussed a number of different proposals for new tracks and at our meeting today identified a shortlist of proposals which we think show significant potential for further development.
Two of the most promising proposals are for a Mountain Bike Hub on the West Coast, and for upgrading and expansion of the Lake Margaret track, which would allow for licensed four-wheel drive tours and short walks.
The region has great potential for mountain bike trails due to the legacy of disused mining and forestry tracks.
There is already an existing road and duckboard walk, which require significant upgrades, which could form the basis of an expanded Lake Margaret track. This would provide stunning panoramic views of Cradle Mountain and the ocean. As the track is on Hydro-owned land we will consult with Hydro about this proposal. A feasibility study was undertaken by Hydro several years ago and an upgrade wasn’t supported at that time, but the Group would like to re-examine the potential.
The possible upgrade of these and several other tracks in the region will now be costed and further investigated for feasibility.
The Working Group is of the view that development of any of these tracks, if they are feasible, would provide significant opportunities for the tourism and hospitality industry on the West Coast.
We will now work with the relevant agencies and stakeholders to examine in detail the feasibility of these proposals. The ability for the tracks to be maintained in the long-term will be an important consideration.
The Group also continues to work behind the scenes with a number of private sector proponents with ideas for projects which could create jobs in the area. We will support those proponents to progress their ideas, and they will release more details at the appropriate time.
Adam Brooks, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Trade
