South West trail focuses on stories

A heritage trail linking two South West shires was officially opened last week.

Running along the Collie River Foreshore in Eaton, the Leschenault Historic Walk Trail is a 2km path between the Old Coast Road Bridge and Hands Avenue Lookout.

Telling the community’s stories, promoting health, and showing appreciation of the natural environment, South West MLC Sally Talbot said the new trail ticked all the boxes.

“There is a significant link between a trail and a journey and telling a story,” Ms Talbot said.

“This trail tells a story of our non-Aboriginal history and also the history of local Aboriginal people, and it’s really important as the area grows that people will add their stories about the fun they had using this area.

“What better way to get people moving and in the outdoors than to build a magnificent facility like this?

“People using this facility will increase our awareness of this wonderful environment in which we live and how crucial it is to protect it into the future.”

Dardanup Shire president Mick Bennett said interpretive signs were being developed in consultation with local Noongar elders and would be installed along the trail to share information on the area’s heritage.

Cr Bennett said Shire staff were also working with the Bunbury Regional Prison on signs and seating for the project.

The collaborative project was guided by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, which routinely uses red asphalt or red gravel mixes in its recreational trails, giving the trail its unique colour.