Trails Forum sets future direction for sustainable active outdoor recreation in Western Australia

The 2024 WA Trails Forum, hosted by the Western Australian Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) and City of Armadale, brought together trail and sustainability experts and enthusiasts across industry and the community to explore the vital role of trail networks in state’s outdoor recreation landscape. 

Held yesterday (Friday 19th April), the event featured presentations which covered trail planning, construction and conservation, and balancing the increasing demand for outdoor recreational activities with showcasing Western Australia’s natural beauty to locals and tourists. 

A highlight of the forum was the unveiling of Collie and Dwellingup as Western Australia’s premier trail destinations as the first accredited Trail Towns.

The Trail Town standards, developed in partnership with Western Australian Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and DLGSC, cover criteria such as trail infrastructure, landscapes, tourism marketing, maintenance, and community engagement. 

DLGSC supports the trails sector through a number of funding initiatives.

Click here for more information, including when grant applications are open.

Images: 2024 WA Trails forum presenters and attendees (top, from left), Natasha Hanham, Emma Draper, Steve Bennett, Kelly Armstrong, Sue Brooks, Suzanne Andrews, Tim Swart, Glenn Morley, Marcelyn Nicolaou, Erin Gauntlett and Forum presentations at the Armadale District Hall (below).