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BINJAREB-PEEL GEODRIVE TRAIL LAUNCHED
Well, we were expecting to get wet, but the day turned out to be perfect for the launch of the much-vaunted Binjareb-Peel Geodrive Trail.
The Honourable Don Punch Minister for Regional Development; Disability Services; Fisheries; Seniors and Ageing; Volunteering came to launch the geodrive and he was accompanied by the Honourable David Templeman MLA Member for Mandurah, Robyn Clarke MLA Member for Murray-Wellington and Lisa Munday MLA for Dawesville.
We also had attendance from each local authority through which the geodrive trail runs and several government agencies plus Geoparks WA board members Ross and Wendy Dowling, Tracy Shea (and Husband Syd) and Lisa Hindmarsh. Around 30 people attended the launch.
I MC’d the event, and it was a pleasure to have Traditional Elder George Walley provide a Welcome to Country presentation in which he outlined the significance of the Thrombolites in Noongar culture as well as relating Western science in the interpretation of the area.
Minister Punch gave a very positive speech and included the following:
“It is my pleasure to be on Bindjareb Country today to officially launch the Peel Geotrail Drive, which is a great way to explore the geological, natural and cultural highlights of the area.
“The Lake Clifton Thrombolites are the jewel in our Geotrail crown – a wonderous tourism attraction of cultural and environmental significance and I hope that many visitors get to explore and be educated about this unique and beautiful region.
“It is through education about these sites that we can conserve them for both their geological and cultural heritage values.
“It is a priority of the Cook Government to leverage WA’s natural assets to drive regional tourism. Underpinning our approach to regional development is a focus on enhancing climate resilience, maintaining biodiversity, and environmentally sustainable development.”
All in all, it was a day in the making as we worked over the past 3 years since obtaining a grant from the Peel Development Commission to undertake development of the trail. Mandurah City, Murray and Waroona Shires, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions assisted in coordinate wording and signage which was based on excellent work done by Sebastian and Jamie Jones who run Salt and Bush Eco tours locally. Unfortunately for the launch they were in Queensland leading tours.
Next steps, getting a community group together to further develop the Binjareb-Peel Geopark.
Dr Alan Briggs President – Geoparks WA
Mobile: 0429 914 051
Binjareb Elder George Wally – Welcome Ministers George Walley and Robert Taylor (CEO, WAITOC) and Geoparks WA team at the Thrombolites
Geoparks WA board members with Wendy Muir (Peel Development Commission).
Refreshments at the Thorny Devil Brewery – excellent 😊