2020 Trails Forum: Dwellingup

Dwellingup Trails Forum 2020. Photo credit: Katie Stevens

On 20 November around 130 people attended the 2020 Trails Forum in Dwellingup.

The event provided the perfect opportunity to showcase the huge amount of progress made towards developing Dwellingup into a world class trail destination - including a new Trails and Visitor Information Centre and a 35-kilometre mtb trail network.

The day was not entirely about Dwellingup however, with speakers presenting interesting plans and proposals for upcoming and recent work and representing many different trail user groups and trail types including equestrian, mountain bike, hiking and trail bikes.

Maitland Hill, Welcome to Country Opening. Photo credit: Katie Stevens

Opening with a fantastic Welcome to Country from Maitland Hill, attendees heard from a variety of speakers representing local and state government, various user groups and the local community.

From left to right: Steve Bennett (DLGSC), Linda Daniels (Trails WA), Lenore Lyons (GSCORE), Kelvin Barr (Shire of Murray). Photo credit: Katie Stevens

There were some very interesting presentations throughout the day.

Steve Bennet, Senior Policy Officer with Sport & Recreation (DLGSC), spoke about the WA Hiking Strategy launched in June.  The needs of both bushwalkers and trail runners are considered in the strategy which identified the need for purpose built loop trails close to Perth as the number one priority.  The State Government has allocated $250K over three years to increase participation in hiking.  Steve announced the opening of a funding round of $100,000 for 20/21.  Details are available here.

Lenore Lyons, Executive Officer of GSCORE (Great Southern Centre for Outdoor Recreation Excellence) passionately elaborated on the Great Southern Trails Regional Masterplan, and the exciting allocation of around $17 million from the State Government which will fast-track many of the trail and infrastructure upgrades.

Linda Daniels, Executive Officer, Trails WA, presented an overview of the Trail Town and Trail Friendly Business programs which have been developed to international standards.  The accreditation process will help trail destinations to develop both the trails and services required to meet the needs of trail users.  More information is available here.

Rod Annear, Assistant Director Parks and Visitor Services at DBCA, elaborated on the Government's role in developing the new Murray Valley Mountain Bike Trails Network (now live on Trails WA).

He highlighted that the ideal management model for sustainable trails was a partnership between government and community and development of income streams for maintenance such as sponsorship and merchandise.  Rod modelled a stylish T-Shirt featuring the Busted Nuts trail logo.   

Interestingly, Busted Nuts refers to the fact that you can tell which type of parrot ate a Gumnut by the markings and state of the nut lying on the ground.  DBCA is keen to incorporate snippets of interpretation into the marketing of trails to engender an interest in the natural environment as trail users will become the next generation of guardians.

Rod Annear (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions) Photo credit: Katie Stevens

The WA Representative from Rail Trails Australia, James Pearse, outlined the possible areas available for Rail Trail building across the state, as well as delving into the unique trails that already exist.

Robert Taylor from WAITOC (Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council) shared some fantastic stories from their Postcards campaign from a handful of the indigenous owned and operated businesses across the state. It’s worth checking out some of the Postcards here. 

James Pearse (WA Representative: Rail Trails Australia) Photo credit: Katie Stevens

The Dwellingup Trails & Visitor Centre is now very much on its way to being completed. The onsite Waypoints Café is now open, and the bike shop, operated by Dwellingup Adventures, stocked with a selection of cycle, mountain bike and hiking supplies.

We’re pleased to report that the café serves excellent coffee and, if the catered lunch was anything to go by, they will prove to be a popular refuelling stop between trails.

Steve Sertis (Bibbulmun Track Foundation) chatting to the barista at Waypoints Café.  Photo credit: Katie Stevens

Dwellingup Trails & Visitor Centre.  Photo credit: Katie Stevens