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Interpretative signage coming to Narrogin as recreational trails receive $95,000 of funding

Campbell WilliamsonNarrogin Observer
Shire president Leigh Ballard and artist Ross Storey.
Camera IconShire president Leigh Ballard and artist Ross Storey.

Recreational trails in the Shire of Narrogin are set for a boost with $95,000 of Lotterywest funding awarded to bring interpretative trail signage to Narrogin for the first time.

Trails at Foxes Lair, Railway Dam and Archibald Park reserves, the Griffo mountain bike trail and the Noongar Dreaming Path in Gnarojin Park will benefit from the improvements valued at about $200,000.

Under the plan, culturally significant sites along the trails will also be registered and located on the Aboriginal sites and heritage places register with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

Interpretative signs will be used to identify and profile culturally significant sites to help celebrate Indigenous connection to country, identity, and culture.

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Six trail head panels and 36 interpretative coloured panels will be installed to provide information on local plants and animals.

Noongar man Ross Storey performed the welcome to country at the official funding announcement on Friday.

“It’s about recognising the Noongar link to the greater Narrogin area,” he said.

“I have a family connection from around the Narrogin area and Narrogin itself. People probably lived and camped around here back in the day.

“I think it will open it up to the wider area and help teach people about Noongar people. Sharing this history is a big thing for the community.

“There’s a lot of potential in the area that we’re looking to expose so I think there are a lot of positives that come out of this.”

The project is expected to take 12 months. Several walk trails will become dual use and universally accessible while new fencing and infrastructure will enhance safety on the trails and protect the environment.

The upgrade will help bring to fruition the 2019 Walk Trails Master Plan which provides a framework for the improvement of existing trails within the shire.

Shire of Narrogin president Leigh Ballard said the shire was well positioned to take advantage of the growing popularity of bushwalking.

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