The Nannup Geopark Proposal has been granted $98,035 under the Native Forestry Transition, Community Small Grant Fund (CSGF). The CSGF is part of the Government’s Native Forestry Transition Plan to support affected workers, businesses and regional communities through the transition from commercial logging of our native forests.

 

“This is an amazing boost to our project,” Chair, Mark White of Nannup said today when the funding was announced.  “We will now be able to make a start on something that will not only boost economic activity and add value to the tourism experience in the Shire of Nannup, but will increase the awareness and pride of the local people in the amazing environment and culture of our region.”

 

The Nannup WA Geopark is being developed in line with the rules and guidelines set for international geoparks by UNESCO.

 

Mr White stressed Geoparks do not trigger restrictions or limitations of access or activity but are a means to showcase the region by fostering GEO and ECO tourism through the creation of geological, ecological, and cultural trails as well as through supporting educational and research initiatives.

 

“Our Geopark will be supported by an app and website, so we do not have the cost of brochures and promotional material,” Mr White said.

 

The funding application will cover 4 main components, each focusing on highlighting the geological, biological, and cultural features of the Shire of Nannup:

• the design work for a static display comprising a vertical geological model, a timeline fence and a tectonic movement model,
• the development of a website that will allow easy access to education information, the upload research data, direct patrons to the app, and provide advertising opportunities for local businesses,
• the development of app technology which will offer access to education, research and GEO/ECO-tourism trails. The app will be equipped with GPS ‘Locate me’ mapping feature, to allow access when out of range, and
• Indigenous heritage engagement.

 

“The project will have a strong focus on the place of indigenous culture in the landscape and history of the region and we are looking forward to working closely with the local indigenous people,” Vice Chair Crystelle Evangelista said.

 

“With the grant funding we will be able to get ourselves in a position to be designated an Aspiring Geopark and then work on the rigorous process to be recognised by UNESCO.  This will open up a whole new international market segment for visitors to Nannup,” she said.

 

For further information contact:

Mark White     0427443807                            Crystelle Evangelista           0481 295 546