Published on Tuesday, 11 February 2025 at 9:51:00 AM
The Shires of Nungarin, Trayning and Wyalkatchem received a $5,000 Western Australia Bicycle Network Grant to explore and develop the concept of the Wheatbelt Way Rail Trail[1]. The proposed project involves construction of a dual use path for use by the community and visitors to the region, along the disused Wyalkatchem - Merredin railway line. The vision for the project is ‘to design and construct a dual use facility that will provide the region with opportunities for additional recreation activities, attract more visitors to those communities and provide an avenue to showcase the cultural heritage of the communities, its industries and its people.’
The trail proposes to utilise existing tracks, for a dual use trail for walkers and cyclists. The trail will run from the western end of the Wyalkatchem townsite and travel approximately 70km to the main street of Nungarin. The facility will also offer the use of e-bikes and e-scooters to capitalise on the growing popularity of these modes of transport.
According to the WA Strategic Trails Blueprint 2022-2027[2], “trails and participation in trail related activities provide a range of far reaching social, health, economic and environmental benefits for individuals, communities, key stakeholders and Government agencies. Some of these benefits include low-cost transportation alternative to motor vehicles or public transport and opportunities to implement placemaking; transforming public spaces to strengthen connections between people and these public spaces.”
Infrastructure required for the project includes gravel sheeting sections of the maintenance track that are unusable after rain, some drainage to prevent flooding, interpretive signage and trail markers (directional signage), and pedestrian warning signs on roads.
Article image designed by Freepik
[1] Wheatbelt Way Rail Trail, Shire of Trayning, 2023.
[2] Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, WA Strategic Trails Blueprint 2022-2027, www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/department/publications/publication/wa-strategic-trails[2]blueprint-2022-2027, December 2024.
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