Published on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 at 11:01:23 AM
Nannup’s Trail Town Vision Delivers a New Future – But Vandalism Threatens a Community’s Hard Work
The Shire of Nannup is calling on the community and wider South West region to support and protect one of the most significant economic diversification projects ever delivered in the town’s history, following a series of deliberate vandalism incidents within the new Pine Ridge Mountain Bike Park.
While the Shire is proud of the overwhelming support received from residents, visitors, businesses, volunteers and many responsible motorbike riders throughout the development of the project, recent damage to newly constructed trails and infrastructure has been deeply disappointing.
Figure 1: Pine Ridge MTB Park Duel Salom when construction was complete on 30 June 2026
The Pine Ridge Mountain Bike Park is not simply a recreation project. It represents part of Nannup’s response to one of the most significant economic transitions in the town’s history.
For generations, Nannup’s identity and economy were built around forestry and timber. The closure of the Nannup timber mill in 2024 resulted in the loss of 64 local jobs and created major economic and social challenges for the community. In response, Nannup accelerated a strategy already underway to diversify its economy through nature-based tourism, trail development and outdoor recreation.
Today, the Trail Town vision is helping create a sustainable future for a community of approximately 1,600 people. Through strategic planning and partnerships, an initial Shire investment of just $166,000 has leveraged more than $5.87 million in external funding for trail infrastructure, visitor facilities, events and community assets.
Projects delivered through this vision include Tank 7 MTB Park, Ngoolark Jump Park, trailhead facilities, town-to-trail connections, visitor infrastructure and now Pine Ridge MTB Park, which is scheduled to open in late September.
The new Pine Ridge MTB Park has transformed the disused fairways of the former Pine Ridge Golf Course into a progressive 16.5-kilometre mountain bike trail network designed to attract visitors, support local businesses and create long-term economic opportunities for the region.
Importantly, the project has been developed within existing disturbed areas and former forestry roads, following extensive environmental, cultural heritage and planning approvals. The development required environmental assessments, flora and fauna surveys, Traditional Owner engagement and approval processes with State Government land management agencies. No native forest areas were cleared to construct the trail network.
The Shire recognises that many people have used the old golf course and surrounding State Forest areas for recreation over many years, including off-road motorbike riding. The change of use has understandably created disappointment for some users. However, that disappointment cannot justify acts of vandalism or environmental damage.
Recent incidents have included deliberate damage to completed trail infrastructure, trail features and signage. The latest acts of vandalism were captured on camera and the footage will be provided to police for investigation. These actions impose significant repair costs and divert resources away from delivering community projects and maintaining public assets.
Figure 2: Damage occurred to the Dual Salom on Saturday 11 July after 4.00pm.
Beyond the vandalism, the Shire remains concerned about the environmental impacts associated with unauthorised motorbike use within sensitive areas of State Forest surrounding the project. Evidence collected throughout the planning process identified extensive unofficial motorbike tracks through native vegetation, priority flora areas and environmentally sensitive locations.
Of particular concern is the spread of dieback disease (Phytophthora), one of the greatest threats to native forest ecosystems. The movement of soil on tyres through unmanaged trail networks contributes to the spread of the disease and accelerates environmental decline. The native forest surrounding Pine Ridge has experienced significant dieback infestation, with the remaining unaffected areas largely those without informal motorbike trail access.
The former golf course site has also experienced ongoing issues associated with illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, rubbish accumulation and unauthorised camping, creating environmental and public safety concerns that required ongoing management.
The Shire wishes to emphasise that this is not an anti-motorbike position. Licensed motorbike riders remain welcome to visit Nannup, support local businesses and enjoy approved areas. The Shire supports future discussions that identify sustainable and appropriate opportunities for off-road motorbike recreation across Western Australia.
However, the deliberate destruction of public infrastructure, disregard for trail closures and continued damage to environmentally sensitive areas cannot be accepted. State Forests are among Western Australia’s most valuable environmental assets and require responsible management and protection for future generations.
Shire President Statement
"Pine Ridge MTB Park represents years of planning, partnership and hard work by our community. It forms part of a broader vision that is helping Nannup transition from the loss of traditional timber industry jobs to a more sustainable future based on nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation."
"The overwhelming majority of people support this project and understand its importance. It is therefore extremely disappointing that a small number of individuals have chosen to damage infrastructure, ignore signage and undermine a project that is creating opportunities for local businesses, local jobs and future generations."
"Protecting our forests, respecting public assets and supporting responsible recreation should be goals we can all share. We encourage everyone to work with us to ensure Pine Ridge MTB Park becomes a source of pride for the entire community."
The Bigger Picture
Nannup's Trail Town journey demonstrates how rural communities can respond to economic change through innovation, resilience and strategic investment. By transforming previously disturbed land into a world-class tourism asset, Pine Ridge MTB Park has become a symbol of the town's determination to create new opportunities while protecting its natural environment and unique character.
The actions of a small minority should not overshadow the positive story of a community working together to build a stronger future. The Shire of Nannup calls on all recreational users to respect trail closures, obey signage, protect State Forest environments and help safeguard a project that belongs to the entire community.
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