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Bike paths funding a boost for Donnybrook and Collie

Stuart McGuckinSouth Western Times
Mountain biking enthusiast Karl Hutchinson, shire engineering technical officer Luisa Dayle and shire chief executive Ben Rose are excited by planned bike paths in Donnybrook.
Camera IconMountain biking enthusiast Karl Hutchinson, shire engineering technical officer Luisa Dayle and shire chief executive Ben Rose are excited by planned bike paths in Donnybrook. Credit: Stuart McGuckin

Bike path projects in Donnybrook and Collie have received more than $500,000 in State Government funding.

Two projects in Collie will share $310,000 while $192,000 has will cover half the costs of a new path that will link the Donnybrook townsite to Meldene Estate as well as the Munda Biddi Trail.

Donnybrook-Balingup shire chief executive Ben Rose said the grants would fund the two-stage project to improve connections within the community.

“This funding comes in over the next two financial years,” he said.

“It will provide paths and networks that will connect schools, land owners and this residential estate back into Donnybrook.”

In the Collie shire, more than $200,000 will be put towards constructing a 3.3km long red asphalt path between Jack Mears Spring and Minninup Pool. The path is stage four of the Collie River Trail.

A similar 2km circuit will be constructed on the northern and southern banks of the Collie River between Coombe Street Bridge and East End Bridge.

Shire president Sarah Stanley said completing the projects was the next step towards being recognised as a trail town.

“It’s a very welcome part of our ambitions to connect all our trails together,” she said.

The funding was announced as part of $6.4 million of bicycle network grants allocated to 40 councils as part of bike week.

Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said improving the network in Collie would have a fantastic effect on tourism potential while the Donnybrook link would make the community more interconnected.

“Improving the surface on existing tracks provides a safer route for cyclists and walkers and also allows people with wheelchairs or mobility scooters to used the shared paths,” he said.

“I encourage all residents to give riding a go to keep fit and see more of our wonderful communities.”

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