Trails WA awards Collie and Dwellingup with Trail Town accreditation

Collie and Dwellingup have secured Trail Town accreditation from Trails WA following on from significant Western Australian Government investment in mountain bike trails throughout both locations.

The designation - created by Trails WA in conjunction with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions - is awarded to towns that satisfy a wide range of criteria, including:

• landscape and setting, including sense of place, connection of trails to nature and culture of the area;

• trail inventory and quality;

• tourism services and infrastructure, such as accommodation, food and beverage, events, transport and equipment, medical and other supporting services;

• level of planning and community support through partnerships and management arrangements;

• supportive businesses which are engaged with the trails; and

• marketing, including a trail brand, logo, website, maps and listing of trails on Trails WA as well as having "Top Trails".

Collie and Dwellingup earned Trail Town status by exceeding criteria for services and infrastructure, boasting more than 250 kilometres of mountain bike trails between them.

That comes on the back of significant State Government investment in Dwellingup, where it has invested $4.9 million in the Dwellingup Adventure Trails project, and Collie, where it invested $10 million in the Collie Adventure Trails initiative.

WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby noted "we know Western Australia's abundance of nature-based tourism opportunities is a major reason why tourists come to our State.

"Investing in and supporting world-class Trail Towns is important for creating new tourism destinations and opportunities for local businesses in places like Collie and Dwellingup, which will benefit from our investment in adventure trails."

WA Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti added "Collie and Dwellingup have so much to offer tourists, with their natural wonders and outdoor tourism.

"This new Trail Town status, plus confirmation of the AusCycling Mountain Bike National Championships being held in Collie later this year, only further boosts the region's reputation as a tourist destination for interstate and overseas visitors."

WA Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman shared "The Trails WA initiative aims to boost Western Australia's regional centres by promoting world-class mountain bike trails that will increase participation in active outdoor activities.

"Trails are good for mental and physical health, they create connections to nature and culture and offer great economic opportunities for communities to benefit from the strong growth and interest in trails."

For more information, head to trailswa.com.au/