Region’s $17.5m Wadandi Track planning review begins with long road ahead

Agencies have got the ball rolling on a transformational project for the region’s Wadandi Track that, when completed, will offer another world-class walking trail to the Capes region, stakeholders say. The State Government tipped in $17.5 million for the project in May’s Budget, bringing the redevelopment to life which has been in the planning stages since at least 2010. The 100km track between Augusta and Busselton had seriously degraded sections which were the subject of discussions for many years. While the investment was welcomed by the City of Busselton and Shire of Augusta-Margaret River — who will help co-ordinate the project with WA’s Department of Transport — sensitivities about native flora and fauna as well as Aboriginal heritage are likely to slow progress on the project. When the money was announced in May, stakeholders lamented the investment in a major tourism attraction when feral animals and weeds were running unchecked through Capes national parks which an alliance of local groups had argued were inadequately staffed to handle peak visitation. But Environment Minister Reece Whitby said feedback from the Wadandi Track funding was overall positive and appreciated. A Department of Transport spokesperson told the Times the track would be completed in 54km chunks across two sections. “Once complete, it will form a 109km trail following the former railway line from Busselton to Flinders Bay in Augusta,” they said. “The project scope includes new and refurbished bridges, various smaller water crossings, new and upgraded sections of track as well as wayfinding, interpretation and activation. “The funding injection will focus on completing the track with the priority being structures such as bridges and incomplete trail sections.” At a meeting last month, veteran Augusta-Margaret River Shire councillor Ian Earl voiced concerns some of the money could be squandered on duplicated planning. He was involved in a major review of the scope planning with the city back in 2011. “All of the planning has already been done,” Cr Earl said. “I just hope it comes through before I’m 90.” No time line is yet established for the project’s finish date. “Significant planning has been undertaken by the Augusta-Margaret River shire and the City of Busselton,” the Transport spokesperson said. “While somewhat dated, it has provided a solid base from which to develop the expansion project. “Standards for environmental and heritage surveys, data collection and evaluation, as well as bridge design and construction methodologies have evolved over the intervening decade.” Shire sustainable development and infrastructure director Nick Logan said the planning work offered “a solid starting point to develop the project”. “While the majority of the project’s budget will be used for the actual works, some funding will be an allocated to obtaining relevant approvals and ensuring the project complies with all of the latest construction standards,” he said. City infrastructure and environment director Oliver Darby welcomed the commitment to the region as part of the State Government’s $165m Outdoor Adventure Tourism package.