CNN recognition of Cape-to-Cape Track throws focus on Environment Minister Reece Whitby

Global broadcaster CNN has thrown a spotlight on the region’s signature Cape-to-Cape Track, but volunteers and regular users say more State Government funding is needed. The CNN report recognised the coastal trek boasted “some of the best scenery in Australia” and listed it among the world’s top 23 hiking adventures. Tour operators and custodians were thrilled at the recognition, but Friends of the Cape-to-Cape Track president Kevin Lange said the reality was the tourist attraction deserved much greater funding. “An under-resourced Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and volunteers from within the Friends are struggling to protect the environment through which it traverses,” he told the Times. “It is a wonderful walk through a wonderful part of the world, enjoyed by thousands who flock to the area, benefiting retail businesses, wineries, accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants. “Very, very little goes back to the track that draws many visitors in.” Cape-to-Cape Explorer Tours boss Gene Hardy said it was no surprise the track made CNN’s list. “(It) is without doubt one of the most spectacular hikes you can do in WA, in Australia, and indeed on the planet,” Mr Hardy said. The track was a popular destination for hiking tourists, with his company almost booked out for this year and 2023 was filling up. The 124km track was included in a project to map and consolidate all of the walking trails across the Capes region, but this year’s State Budget included no funds for it. Environment Minister Reece Whitby said DBCA was undertaking maintenance works with the Friends focused on priority projects, but didn’t respond to the funding call. Mr Lange said the WA Government needed to come to the party, echoing concerns DBCA’s Parks and Wildlife division also could not meet its expectations in the region without a considerable funding boost. Margaret River Discovery Company operator Sean Blocksidge said the CNN recognition was “a testament to the efforts of the volunteers and DBCA”. “The challenge for the trail as it becomes more popular and attracts more visitors to the region will be to maintain its wild and remote feel,” he said. “We really need to see more investment in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. “It’s seriously under-resourced with only three rangers for the most visited national park in the State. That’s a disgrace. “If this was an American national park with this much visitation, they’d have triple the staff and funding to maintain it.” Mr Lange said existing facilities on the track were “tired” and the route suffered serious erosion, with realignments needed, and more infrastructure and campground upgrades crucial. Earlier this year, a working group including the Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association, Margaret River Wine Association and Undalup Association lodged a six-point plan with the Environment Minister in the wake of the Calgardup bushfires which seriously affected the region’s national park.