Published on Friday, 27 May 2022 at 10:18:05 AM
On Friday 13 May the Shire of Nannup together with its partners, Forest Products Commission (FPC) and the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) celebrated the opening of the much anticipated Nannup Tank 7 Mountain Bike Park. Nannup is fast becoming a world-class destination for cycling.
The official opening was attended by more than 60 delegates from the local community, government and tourism sector. Local Wadandi Pibulmun Menang elder, Sandra Hill performed the Welcome to Country. Sandra, a cultural custodian of the land shared the story from the Wadandi people and the meaning of the word Nannup as the stopping place.
Federal Member for O’Connor, Mr Rick Wilson cut the ribbon together with the Nannup Shire President, Mr Tony Dean and Forest Products Commission’s Community Engagement Leader Sonia Michelon. This was followed by a display ride from the Three Chillies Design trail building team. The crowd was impressed by the technical skills on display. The exciting feature at the Tank 7 trailhead is the elevated platform on the Mannup trail, the riders wowing the crowd with a three meter drop off to begin their ride.
Mr Wilson said he was proud to be part of the park’s opening ceremony.
“This challenging trail will provide an excellent recreational opportunity for local MTB enthusiasts, and its completion marks Nannup’s arrival as an adventure tourism hotspot,” Mr Wilson said.
“Accordingly, this fantastic project promises to deliver many social, health and economic benefits for the people of Nannup.”
Nannup set in the picturesque forest and known for its raw and rocky terrain, is a drawcard for mountain bikers. The network design has everything from green climbs, blue flow, black technical and the highly technical double black trails. Set to be one of the very best mountain bike parks found anywhere in the world, there is a bit of everything for the keen mountain biker.
The Nannup Shire President, Mr Tony Dean described the park as world class.
“The Nannup Tank 7 Mountain Bike Park has been in the making for more than 10 years, we listened to our community, and delivered over 35km of track that is world-class and good as any other bike park in the Country.”
The extensive network is designed to maximise Nannup’s natural elevation and make the most of its picturesque landscape, including forests of tall trees.
The trails suit a range of abilities from beginners to more adventurous and experienced mountain bike riders. The unique development was described by FPC General Manager, Mr Stuart West as transforming Nannup.
He commended the project team, “It is amazing to see the finished project and it is unique in that it promotes organised recreation in an active pine plantation, something FPC encourages.”
This multi-stakeholder project demonstrates great outcomes for the community and is expected to attract over 10,000 new visitors in the first year.
“This will have a positive impact on the economic outcome for the town,” he said.
The development of a Nannup Tank 7 Mountain Bike Park was supported by Federal and State funds, making the trail town aspiration a reality for the community.
Over the weekend Nannup was host to the Trek Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Gravel World Series. The SEVEN Gravel Race attracted over 1500 rider participants and is expected to grow. The Trek Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Gravel World Series is a worldwide mountain bike racing competition of 16 rounds with Nannup pitched as a qualifying sector of the series.
With more trail town infrastructure in the development at Nannup, the town will continue to open attractions for trail users in the coming years. This includes a freestyle jump park and a native forest mountain bike park with further mapping of gravel tracks and a link to the Donnelly River Village. To access all of the trail maps within the Shire of Nannup download the Experience Nannup App from www.experiencenannupwa.com.au.
ENDS
For media enquiries:
Shire of Nannup on 08 9756 1018
email nannup@nannup.wa.gov.au
Photo credit: Daniela Tommasi Photography - Aerial, Sports, Commercial Photography
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