Aboriginal heritage walk trail to provide unique interpretation

14/11/01
Co-operation between Government agencies, industry and local Aboriginal groups has resulted in the development of an Aboriginal Heritage Walk Trail at the Spectacles Wetland, Beeliar Regional Park, in Perth's southern suburbs.
Opening the trail today, Environment and Heritage Minister Judy Edwards said the trail allowed for the unique interpretation of the ecologically rich environment of the Spectacles from the perspective of Aboriginal people.
"Beeliar Regional Park is a significant historical site to Aboriginal people as it was a key food gathering site, water source and camp site," Dr Edwards said.
"The trail is an excellent idea and presents the cultural meaning of some of the area's special features for the enjoyment and education of regional park visitors.
"It is a five kilometre long circuit, traversing land owned by Alcoa and land managed by the Department of Conservation and Land Management."
Dr Edwards said the trail has been designed to pass through a variety of vegetation communities, including banksia and flooded gum woodlands, paperbark forest, wetland scrub thickets and some revegetation areas.
"It is a significant nature-based tourism attraction and provides people with the opportunity to experience and learn about the conservation and cultural values of this unique area," she said.
"It also forms part of a network of trails at the Spectacles, linking with other pedestrian and cycle trails in the Kwinana area."
Dr Edwards said the trail was the result of collaboration between the department, Alcoa and the Medina Aboriginal Corporation.
"Senior traditional custodian Joe Walley has provided the stories that are portrayed on the signs marking the trail," she said.
"Joe's stories tell of the spiritual meaning of the Spectacles' natural features, the traditional ways of life of Aboriginal people, and the bush foods of the area and how they were used.
"The artwork and sign designs were developed by Artice, an Aboriginal art and interpretation company and the project was jointly managed and funded by Alcoa of Australia and the department."
Media contact: John Carey on 9220 5050