Meeting with the City of Mandurah

Local Dawesville residents recently met with the City of Mandurah to discuss a growing issue: local motorbike riders, many of them young people, have nowhere legal and safe to ride. The aim of the meeting was simple – to explore whether the City could support a designated riding area to reduce conflict, improve safety and give riders a fair go.

The response from the City was clear but disappointing. Mandurah is effectively built out. Any remaining land is already allocated, environmentally protected, too close to homes or politically difficult to repurpose. In short, within Mandurah itself, there is no obvious parcel of land that can be turned into a formal riding area.

The problem: riders with nowhere to go

With no designated space, local riders are pushed into a familiar cycle. They use bush pockets, dunes & informal tracks. Residents complain about noise and safety. Rangers and police are called. Tensions rise, but nothing really changes because there is no legitimate alternative for riders to use.

This situation is not just about “naughty riders”. It is a community safety and youth engagement issue. Without a safe outlet, young people are more likely to ride in risky places, at risky times, and in ways that frustrate neighbours. A structured solution would benefit both riders and the wider community.

Looking south: Dawesville and beyond

With Mandurah proper out of options, attention naturally turns south. Dawesville, Bouvard, Herron, Lake Clifton and the broader Yalgorup corridor all contain pockets of Crown land that may offer more realistic possibilities.

The focus is on land that:

• Is far enough from dense residential areas to minimise noise and dust impacts
• Is already disturbed or of relatively low environmental value
• Is accessible without major new roads or infrastructure
• Is not part of high-conservation or highly sensitive zones
• Is large enough to safely absorb off-road riding activity

These criteria point towards carefully selected Crown land parcels on the edges of existing reserves or in less-developed pockets east and west of Old Coast Road, rather than within the heart of Mandurah’s suburbs.

City of Mandurah’s formal push for a regional facility

The City of Mandurah has formally acknowledged the strong community interest in a regional-level off-road vehicle facility. In a letter to the Minister for Sport and Recreation, the City cited the Peel Regional Trails Plan and a 2018 survey showing that 38.75% of respondents preferred trail bike riding as their recreational activity — second only to walking.

The City highlighted the economic potential of a gazetted off-road vehicle area and referenced successful models in Pinjar and York, with Pinjar reportedly hosting up to 120,000 riders annually. It also noted that a site investigation had already been completed at East Keralup, and requested guidance on next steps to make such a facility a reality.

Other potential sites mentioned included Paganoni, mining rehabilitation zones within the Shire of Murray, and land around Myalup. The City urged the Minister to maintain urgency on the matter, recognising its importance to the community and the need for progress south of Perth.

How to frame a community-friendly solution

Any proposal for a riding area needs to be framed as a solution, not a demand. The emphasis is on safety, community benefit and controlled use, rather than simply “finding somewhere for bikes to go”.

A constructive approach would highlight:

• Safety: fewer riders on suburban streets and informal bush tracks, and reduced risk of injury.
• Community benefit: fewer noise complaints, less conflict with neighbours and better relationships between riders and residents.
• Controlled environment: clear signage, defined hours of use, noise buffers and managed access.

A trial-first model could also make the idea more acceptable. A 12-month trial site would allow the City and State agencies to collect data, monitor impacts and adjust or withdraw if needed. This lowers the political risk while still giving riders a genuine opportunity.

Possible next steps for Dawesville and surrounds

From here, the path forward could include mapping the most promising Crown land parcels, engaging with local Members of Parliament and relevant Ministers, and building a clear, community-focused narrative around the proposal.

Local residents, riders and community groups could work together to:

• Identify specific sites that meet the agreed criteria
• Develop a simple concept plan for a basic riding area
• Gather community feedback and address concerns early
• Present a unified, solutions-focused case to the City and State agencies

Rather than accepting ongoing conflict as inevitable, Dawesville and its neighbouring communities have an opportunity to lead with a practical, balanced approach that recognises both the needs of riders and the rights of residents.