- $4.8 million for local governments to develop and upgrade off-road vehicle areas
- Funding to ensure dedicated ORV facilities meet growing community demand
- Grant applications open tomorrow and close on November 8 2024
The Cook Government has announced $4.8 million worth of grants for local governments to develop and improve off-road vehicle (ORV) areas in Western Australia.
This funding injection will provide grants up to $1 million for local governments to construct new areas and grants up to $200,000 for expanding and upgrading existing areas.
Local governments will be able to request additional funding to support the initial years of operating a new area, and partner with organisations, such as rider associations or community groups, to develop new facilities.
This landmark investment follows the recent introduction of the Control of Vehicles (Off-road Areas) Amendment Bill 2024, which will enable online registration of ORVs, allow registration stickers as an alternative to plates and increase penalties for existing offences.
Fees collected from registrations will continue to support ongoing investments into ORV areas.
Applications can be lodged at www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/ORV-grants, and close on November 8 2024. Enquiries can be made here: orv@dlgsc.wa.gov.au.
Comments attributed to Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley:
"This is one of the biggest investments ever made to support off-road riding in WA.
"I have seen first-hand how important it is for riders to have dedicated areas to ride, especially younger riders learning and developing their skills.
"This is a huge opportunity for local governments to build major new sites to provide more accessible and family-friendly places to ride and drive.
"We also know that great ORV areas, like the Shire of York's Oliver Battista York Motocross Track and Pinjar, can be important attractions to promote local tourism.
"I have also introduced new laws into Parliament to make it easier for ORV owners to apply for and renew registrations online, as well as allowing registration stickers instead of plates."
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"High-quality off-road riding areas are valuable assets for our local communities.
"This grant program has been designed to support local governments develop new areas that meet the needs and expectations of riders.
"Our Government has continued to invest in outdoor recreation - including our landmark $165 million package to support Western Australians explore the great outdoors, and our Community Trail Planning Grants Program for bushwalking, trail running, horse riding and mountain biking trail projects."
