Trails in the Great Southern have been given a further boost.

In the latest round of the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, the Great Southern Regional Trails Master Plan has received $129,482 in funding.

The plan will create a vision to guide the growth and development of trails across the region.

Spearheaded by the Great Southern Centre for Outdoor Recreation Excellence (GSCORE), the plan will identify a 10-year program of infrastructure delivery for a range of different trail types and user groups, including residents and visitors as well potentially attracting national and international trail events.

Work has already started on the plan with a series of successful trails workshops hosted throughout the region.

“We’re excited that this grant cements the next phase of work on the Great Southern Regional Trails Master Plan,” says Dr Lenore Lyons, Executive Director of GSCORE.

“We’ve already been consulting with local stakeholders and held numerous workshops in the region. They have been a chance for trail users and interested groups to have their say on the future of trails. This feedback will help map the master plan.”

“A project like this will help increase domestic and international visitor numbers which in turn will benefit local business and grow jobs,” says Rick Wilson, Federal Member for O’Connor.

“Quality trails also get locals outdoors and active, which not only creates a connection to community but improves physical and mental health and ultimately puts less strain on our health system.”

The need for trails master planning is a local government priority in the Great Southern Regional Sport and Recreation Plan.

The first stage of the project is community consultation which will identify existing and planned trails, while Stage 2 will develop a list of priority projects and create structures for management and maintenance for the proposed infrastructure. A Trail Building Network will be established to ensure longevity in trails management.

GSCORE has also received Lotterywest funding and with matching funds from local government and state government agencies to deliver three fully scoped concept plans for future trails.