New determination set to designate sections of Stidwell Bridle Trail as horse only, public comment open

A two-month public comment period aiming to address user conflicts, enhance safety and improve management within the Stidwell Bridle Trail area has opened. A new determination map produced by the City of Albany shows large sections of the trail will be predominately set aside for use by horseriders only under current recommendations. The map shows that horse riders will have exclusive access to the 11.5km Werrillup Loop, except for use by authorised vehicles mainly in emergency situations. Reasoning attached to the determination suggests the loop is “the most suitable” section of the SBT to be designated horse only because it is located entirely within the City-managed Sandpatch Reserve and crown land. The reasoning also notes a portion of the loop intersects with a fire access track which “presents the most significant challenge in preventing unauthorised vehicles from using it” because it is utilised by the public to travel to the northern part of Sandpatch Reserve. Some sections of the 12km Sandpatch Loop are also recommended for horse-only dedication. They are largely sections of the loop with limited access points, but a section north of the Model Aero Club would remain shared use to enable access. A separate section in unallocated crown land would also be shared use as it connects Roberts Road to existing tracks within Sandpatch Reserve. “To close access to licensed motorised vehicles at this location would push more vehicles onto the gravel Wind Farm Road,” the reasoning states. “Synergy and Bright Energy have already expressed their concerns around the risk of motorised vehicles on this road to their workers and contractors.” Other sections of the trails within constructed road reserves would also remain shared use. Last month, the council unanimously endorsed putting the determination map out to a public comment period. It comes after several years of combined work from the City and the Friends of Stidwell Bridle Trail to improve the safety of the trail network. Details of the determination and public comments can be found on the City’s website. The public comment period will remain open until October 25. The council will consider the submissions and the determination at its December ordinary meeting.