eNews from Bushwalking WA (13/02/2019)

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 13:36:25 GMT

For best viewing experience, please

Bushwalking WA ('BWA') is the peak body for bushwalking / hiking in WA. The Board is committed to promoting bushwalking and the interests of bushwalkers in the State, in keeping with BWA’s vision for ‘Better Bushwalking for Western Australia’. There is no better way than bushwalking to discover and value the natural beauty of our parks and forests.

In this FEBRUARY 2019 issue

The new website for bushwalkers
An epic walk in the park
New walk trail
National Park expansion
Wheatbelt Region reserves plan
Statewide bushwalking strategy
Walks of the southwest

National AAAS - pre-release
An executive opportunity
Top Plan - online planning tool
Upcoming activities/events
Welcoming new sponsors
Our sponsors and advertisers
How you can support BWA

What's happening for bushwalking / hiking in WA?

The new website for bushwalkers!

BWA has celebrated the launch this week of our new website (and our new logo). See: https://www.bushwalkingwa.org.au/. The new site has benefits for BWA, our members and supporters, and the wider community by increasing our efficiency and effectiveness in fostering and promoting bushwalking within WA.

Thank-you! - A big shout-out to those bushwalker-photographers who generously shared with us several great photos of their activities which now adorn the new website. Special thanks also to Lotterywest whose funding support made the project possible.

Do take a few minutes to explore the new website (link) and discover the information there for you or your organisation. And please send us your feedback!

An epic walk in Kalbarri National Park

The Kalbarri Skywalk above the Murchison Gorge is expected to begin drawing increased numbers of visitors to the national park after it is completed in mid-2019. But the truly outstanding attraction of the park for adventurous bushwalkers will always be the epic 38-55km, 4-6 day gorge walk from Hardabut Pool or Ross Graham Lookout to The Loop (and Nature's Window). Find out more about this walk on the BWA website.

New Walk Trail, Wellington National Park

Parks & Wildlife Service recently announced the opening of the new Wiilman Bilya Trail in Wellington National Park, near Collie. The 20km trail stretches from Wellington Dam north to the Coalfields Highway, winding through blackbutt, open jarrah forest and past granite outcrops, providing a full day walk in either direction, with the option to camp overnight at Nyingarn Campsite or at Potters Gorge. See DBCA media statement.

Wellington National Park expansion

A proposal for the expansion of Wellington NP (link) has been released by DBCA with a 13 March deadline for public submissions. The Bibbulmun Track (and spur) and the old Thor (forestry) Track pass through parts of the area. The proposed area excludes portions of State Forest immediately bordering Wellington Dam itself. BWA is seeking members' and other bushwalkers' views prior to considering a submission. Please contact BWA Acting Exec.Officer to offer your views or for more info.

10-year plan for Wheatbelt Region parks & reserves released

DBCA and the Conservation and Parks Commission recently released a draft management planwith a closing date of 5 April for public comment. Of the 728 existing parks and reserves covered by the draft plan, Dryandra Woodland and Boyagin Nature Reserve will be the most familiar to bushwalkers. BWA will consider making a submission. Please contact BWA Acting Exec.Officer to offer your views or for more info.

Statewide Strategy development progress

Following the earlier online survey and various stakeholder and public consultation meetings in 2018, the consultant appointed by DLGSCI - Sport & Recreation and DBCA-Parks & Wildlife Service, is to present a draft Bushwalking and Trail Running Trails Strategy document to the Stakeholders Reference Group, including BWA, on 18 Feb. for feedback. See BWA summary (link) of some of the key issues we hope to see addressed within the final Strategy.

Walks of the Southwest - progress

BWA's summaries of 33 mostly new adventurous walk routes in the southwest, totalling over 1000km of walking opportunities, are now accessible online to experienced walkers registering an interest in assisting BWA to test them. SeeBWA website for more info. If you have info. about any little-known walks from your own adventures in the southwest and/or wish to contribute to testing the walk routes, please contact BWA Acting Exec.Officer. BWA is liaising with Parks & Wildlife Service throughout this project.

National Adventure Activity Standard (AAAS)- pre-release

The AAAS (link) has recently been pre-released. Free information webinar sessions (link and also below) are being held this week. Peak national body Bushwalking Australia (‘BAI’) is independently developing an online bushwalking manual for national use and supports the development of simple, relevant guidelines that enable bushwalkers to improve the standard and safety of their activities.

A rewarding executive opportunity

You are community-spirited and enthusiastic about BWA’s mission of fostering & promoting bushwalking / hiking in our great state of walk opportunities? You could be our next Executive Officer! See SeekVolunteer or BWA website for more info. on the position or contact BWA President now for more details.

'Top Plan' - online planning tool for clubs

WA Sports Federation have recently launched a strategic planning tool, apparently created with sports clubs/orgs. in mind, but possibly also useful for hiking clubs wanting to set a clear direction for the future. See WASF site for more info (link) or contact Maree Jones on mob 0424 448 985 or at mareejones@wasportsfed.asn.au.

Other BWA projects and 2019 priorities

If you are a keen bushwalker / hiker or have other skills or experience to contribute, please do offer to participate in one (or more) of our working groups. You don't need to be a member of a Member Club to help us achieve better bushwalking for WA.

Clubs/Affiliates/Supporters

Upcoming activities/events

WAFBC. Family Bushwalkers WA. News

eNews from Bushwalking WA (13/02/2019)