Mountain biking in the Perth Hills – Illegal Jumps in the spotlight
Bike riders are asked to stop building bike jumps in reserves and protect our natural bushland. While the City of Kalamunda encourages active and creative pursuits, protecting the natural environment for future generations is a priority.
The City provides a range of quality cycling, mountain biking and walk trails that cater for all levels of experience and which currently remain open to the community. The Kalamunda Trails area is one of the most popular mountain biking destinations in WA, with over 40km of fully signed tracks and located in scenic National Parks and State Forests.
Unfortunately, the City’s skate/BMX parks have been temporarily closed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. Users of these spaces are encouraged to find alternative ways to exercise. All walking and mountain biking trails are still open, as long as people practise social distancing and ensure they are not gathering with more than 2 people outside of their immediate family.
Mayor Margaret Thomas noted that illegal dumping and building of bike jumps in local reserves are not new issues, but the City had noticed an increase in recent weeks, potentially due to changes in the community related to COVID-19.
“The City has no choice but to remove illegal bike jumps and any associated material from reserves to reduce the impact these structures on the environment and also to protect the community.”
“We have more than 30 amazing mountain trails for all skill levels off Mundaring Weir Road. By riding authorised trails it ensures that we can protect the environment whilst also having world class trails that are cared and maintained for the community to enjoy. It is a win-win.”
“It is not that we do not want local kids outdoors having fun. The reality is, the natural vegetation in the City of Kalamunda is rare and highly valued both by human residents and the many plants and animals that require the remnant bushland for their long-term survival. Soil movement increases the risk of spreading dieback in our Jarrah trees and other plants and has a negative impact on dormant wildflowers, such as orchids. Instead we encourage families to contact us and find out more about their local reserve, and perhaps even consider helping out to manage it as a part of our Friends Group program.”
“The local community is asked to protect our native landscape by keeping to marked tracks, avoiding fenced areas, refraining from disturbing the natural landscape and reporting damage.”
“Users of trails are reminded to practice social distancing.”
In regards to illegal dumping the City stressed the importance of utilising the services available. The Walliston Transfer Station is available for rubbish disposal. City of Kalamunda residents do not pay fees for the non-commercial use of the Walliston Transfer Station. To gain free access, please ensure you bring your Entry Pass and your proof of residency (e.g. Driver’s licence). Access is unlimited for green waste, with four general waste visits a year. Please allow more time during peak periods as limits apply to the numbers of cars permitted on site at any one time to help the community maintain social distancing and reduce the spread of coronavirus.
The City also provides free skip bins on-request to residents, for the collection of green waste and general household waste. As, always, people can contact the City on (08) 9257 9999 or email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au for assistance with their options.
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