Kalgoorlie-Boulder could get micro-downhill mountain bike trail if proposed project gets enough support

Kalgoorlie-Boulder could be home to a micro-downhill mountain bike trail if a proposed project gets enough community support. Inspired by new mountain bike trails that opened in Fremantle’s Booyeembara Park last year, Kalgoorlie MP Ali Kent has launched a petition to gauge support for opening a similar course locally. The Fremantle trails are WA’s first micro-downhill course featuring two 400m downhill trails designed for experienced and intermediate riders, along with a pump track for beginners. Ms Kent said she was amazed by the project and recognised the potential for mountain biking to provide economic, physical and mental health, environmental and social benefits. “One of the biggest things people raise with me is that there are not enough activities to do in Kalgoorlie-Boulder — especially for teenagers,” she said. “We have so much natural environment around us and having a mountain bike track here won’t only benefit residents but there’s also a massive event circuit to be a part of so tourism could play a part as well.” Mountain biking is one of the fastest-growing sports in Australia, with the latest data from AusPlay revealing there are about 453,000 mountain bikers nationally, up 124 per cent from 2018. With more than 100 signatories as of Wednesday afternoon, Ms Kent said the feedback from the community had been “incredible” since she started calling for feedback. “If I can get significant support then I can take that information and start advocating with ministers and government to start the planning process to get this started,” she said. “This is just the start of the conversation. I’ve talked to lots of enthusiasts and had initial discussions with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. “I am very excited at the prospect of making this come to reality in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and I know that I’ll have the community support behind me.” Ms Kent said her petition — which is available online at her website — had already been shared widely.