Turner Road Mountain Bike Trails Network Draft Concept Review

The Turner Road Mountain Bike (MTB) Trail Network Draft Concept Plan proposes a locally significant trail system that will bring a much-anticipated mountain biking recreational asset to Denmark.

Background to the Concept Draft

The development of a Concept Plan for a Mountain Bike Trail Network at the Turner Road site is a direct result of community feedback following a previous proposal to develop trails on Mount Hallowell within the Shire. There was strong community sentiment through the consultation phase of Mount Hallowell to explore an alternative site, and in late 2022, Council resolved to consider Turner Road as a potential site.

Turner Road Site

The heavily disturbed Turner Road site was formerly used for gravel extraction by the Shire, and has undergone some revegetation in more recent years, offering up a far less environmentally sensitive alternative to Mount Hallowell. Repurposing the site will ensure the mountain biking community has access to a local network to enjoy and promote. The Draft Concept Trail Network has been developed to be sympathetic to natural site features including protection of wet areas and native vegetation, and to utilise already disturbed areas as much as possible. The proposed use of the site for a low impact recreational activity will secure this level of protection for future generations.

Trail Development

It is best practice for the development of Mountain Bike Trails to follow an eight-stage Trail Development Series. The earlier stages of the trail development process ‘Trail Proposal’ & ‘Framework’ were undertaken as part of the Mount Hallowell Mountain Bike Proposal. These stages covered things such as the rationale for considering trails, who the likely users are, and what type of trails would be appropriate. As this work is transferrable and relatable to alternative sites, Turner Road picked up the process at Stage 3 involving ‘Site Assessment’. This has seen field assessment and mapping undertaken, including identification of significant conservation flora, vegetation type and condition, weed mapping, and an Aboriginal Heritage Survey. Stages 4 and 5 have also progressed, resulting in a ‘Corridor Evaluation’ and the preparation of a draft ‘Concept Plan’.

Proposed Trail Network

The terrain makes the Turner Road site ideal for a diverse range of trails from family-friendly to advanced, catering to all skill and fitness levels. It is envisaged that the Turner Road mountain bike network will be rolled out in stages with associated infrastructure to be developed relative to the scale of trail development, such as parking, amenities and a clubhouse. The surrounding road network is also earmarked for upgrades in the Draft Corporate Business Plan including the sealing of Turner Road in 25/26 & Walter Road in 26/27.

Have Your Say: Draft Turner Road MTB Trails Network Concept Plan Review

The Concept Plan represents a tangible and direct outcome of the public consultation undertaken for the Mount Hallowell proposal. The Shire is proud to present the Turner Road (MTB) Trail Network Draft Concept Plan to the community for review. The feedback portal which has been extended will now be open until 4pm Friday 2nd August 2024.

If you would like to provide feedback, please visit the portal below. We’ve provided a few prompts and invite your feedback on the Concept Plan so that we can further understand what is important to you!