Intro
Key decision-makers from government, the not-for-profit sector and businesses will come together to discuss current opportunities and challenges and plan the future of trails and recreation in WA.
Former Olympic pole vaulter and passionate outdoor recreation advocate Emma George will give the keynote address on her personal journey of recovery and resilience.
The forum is part of the ongoing work set out in the Western Australian Strategic Trails Blueprint 2017-2021, a guide for consistent and co-ordinated planning, development and management of quality trails.
It is being held on the back of one of the busiest periods for Western Australia's trail industry, which has experienced considerable growth as more Western Australians holiday at home.
Participation in bushwalking has increased by 45.5 per cent in the four years to June 2020, while mountain biking grew 61.4 per cent for the same period.
The growth in participation has been met with investment by the State Government, with more than $20 million invested in the Great Southern region towards trails and national park amenities alone through WA Recovery Plan funding.
The State Government also released its 10-year WA Hiking Strategy in June 2020 as a plan for further growth, while further trails funding has been delivered through programs such as WA Hiking Participation Grants, Regional Economic Development Grants and election commitments such as the Dwellingup Trails Gap Project.
The forum is delivered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Outdoors Great Southern and the City of Albany.