BHP Billiton has partnered with the Rottnest Foundation on the next stage of the Wadjemup Walk Trail on Rottnest Island due to open by October 2016.

This partnership includes a A$500,000 contribution from BHP Billiton and will support the Rottnest Foundation to deliver a walking trail linking Wadjemup Hill, Strickland Bay, Rocky Bay, Ricey Beach, City of York Bay, Catherine Bay and Armstrong Point while incorporating Aboriginal Heritage as part of the experience. 

BHP Billiton Iron Ore Senior Manager of Community and Indigenous Affairs, Richard O’Connell, said the Company was proud to be supporting an iconic Western Australian location.

“This partnership will contribute to the legacy for future generations of Western Australian families, as well as visitors to the State and we are pleased to be able to support such a unique project,” Mr O’Connell said.

The Wadjemup Walk Trail comprises five separate sections totalling approximately 50 kilometres. Each section boasts individual charm and unique experiences to be enhanced by the construction of new facilities, beach access infrastructure and interpretative elements. 

The support provided by BHP Billiton will enable the Wadjemup Hill section to be constructed, which consists of 10.6 kilometres of walkable trail, including the construction of formalised beach access at Narrow Neck, Catherine Bay and Armstrong Point. This section will incorporate Aboriginal heritage through artistic expression and link to the Lakes Walk section of the Wadjemup Walk Trail.

The trail offers a strategy to minimise the pressures of tourism on the iconic island destination by formalising access and directing foot traffic to visit different bays, taking pressure off over-populated sites during the high season.

Interpretative signage will foster appreciation of the cultural significance, multiple histories and environmental dynamics of Rottnest and encourage visitors to better appreciate, protect and respect the Island. 

Rottnest Foundation Chairman, Jeff King said the Wadjemup Walk Trail was a great initiative, providing a low impact recreational opportunity that both conserves and enhances the Island to ensure it can be enjoyed by future generations for many years to come.  

“We are pleased to have the support of BHP Billiton to make this trail a reality and I encourage the public to visit Rottnest Island and walk the sections of Trail that are already open,” Mr King said.

The Wadjemup Walk Trail will greatly enhance the Rottnest Island experience by providing a new outdoor educational platform for school kids and generate new cultural and environmental tours, events and opportunities to be enjoyed by the community of Western Australia.

The Rottnest Foundation welcomes other partners to join them in delivering this exciting project. The Foundation is a not-for-profit group, established in 1985, with a focus on encouraging community involvement and raising funds to support projects that ‘Conserve the Essence of Rottnest’.

For more information, please see our News Release.