The Shire of Pingelly has taken a significant step towards enhancing local recreational facilities by presenting a petition in Parliament, aiming for improved off-road dirt bike tracks. On August 13, 2023, Central Wheatbelt MP Lachlan Hunter tabled the petition, which has gathered support from 101 signatures, during a session of the Legislative Assembly. This initiative seeks to attract government funding to upgrade off-road facilities for the community.
The existing off-road track, situated next to the Pingelly tip, has not seen substantial maintenance since its construction in 1930. As a result, the track has developed hazardous conditions, including holes and washouts during winter, posing risks to riders. The petition was spearheaded by local resident Dani Summers, who highlighted growing community concerns about unregulated dirt bike usage within the township and the associated dangers.
Summers noted that the Shire of Pingelly had first proposed the development of an off-road facility in the Pingelly Youth Strategy 2021, responding to a notable interest in dirt biking among local youth. She began advocating for the project after hearing from community members about the dangers posed by riders using dirt bikes on residential roads. Residents expressed worries regarding the safety of both riders and pedestrians, as well as issues related to noise.
“It highlights that community support; it isn’t just another funding application that a shire has put through,” Summers stated. “It’s based on a long-term approach where our community has been consulted. We have engaged on things that we really know that we want and need to build our community.” She emphasized the importance of youth services and facilities, illustrating the community’s commitment to providing a safe environment for recreational activities.
The petition reflects a broad coalition of support from various segments of the community, demonstrating a united front in pursuit of improved facilities. Summers added, “We wanted to show, ‘hey, listen to us’. We may be small, but we’ve got a big heart; we’ve got big plans.”
In a bid to bolster support, a second petition is in the works, aiming to increase the total number of signatures to 140. This additional petition will also be presented to the Legislative Council, continuing the community’s efforts to secure safe and structured environments for riders.
As Pingelly’s residents rally for enhanced off-road facilities, the outcome of their initiatives may significantly influence the local landscape, providing youth and families with safe recreational opportunities while addressing community safety concerns.
