The development of new recreation trails across the Great Southern is a step closer with the announcement of Lotterywest funding support.
Funding worth $109,100 has been allocated to the Great Southern Centre for Outdoor Recreation Excellence (GSCORE) to develop a Regional Trails Master Plan.
The project has received matching funding support from all eleven local governments in the Great Southern region, as well as the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
GSCORE Executive Director, Dr Lenore Lyons said that the funding will enable the Centre to develop a ten-year plan for trail development across the entire region.
“The Great Southern region is blessed with an array of outstanding natural landscapes suited to a diversity of trail activities, including hiking, cycling, paddling, and horse riding. But, as a region, we lag behind other parts of the state, particularly the South West, which are investing in trails,” she said.
“The aim of the Regional Trails Master Plan is to develop ‘shovel-ready’ plans for a number of priority projects so that we can begin construction as soon as possible.”
Phase One of the project, which will begin in early 2019, will involve an extensive process of community consultation across all Great Southern towns. Community members will be asked for their views on the types of trail they would like to see in their region.