Opening of the Wait-jen Trail

11/5/03
A new tourist attraction for the Great Southern - a cultural heritage walking trail bordering Wagin's lakes - was opened today by Environment and Heritage Minister Judy Edwards.
The Wait-jen Trail is 10?km long and starts near the Great Southern Highway about 12km south of Wagin. It is part of a lakes restoration project that has drawn broad community and Government support.
Dr Edwards said the trail, which has interpretive signage and information panels created by local indigenous artists, provides a window on the area's Noongar culture.
"Aboriginal people have always had a close affinity with the lakes, and have been a driving force in the rehabilitation plans and creation of Wait-jen," she said.
"Much of the trail was constructed by a team of four Aboriginal people undertaking a Landcare traineeship.
"Materials were purchased with Lotterywest funds provided to Trails West, a branch of the Department of Sport and Recreation and one of several supporting Government agencies.
"Many Wagin service organisations and the shire have also been strong backers of the project."
Much of the trail is within Parkeyrerring Nature Reserve, managed by the Department of Conservation and Land Management.
Dr Edwards said the department had provided approval and advice to the project and was represented on the Wagin Lakes Project steering committee, which was composed mainly of Noongar representatives and local farmers.
Today's launch function was co-ordinated by the Department of Agriculture. One of the guests speakers was Olympic athlete Nova Peris, who attended as ATSIC Treaty Ambassador.
Minister's office: 9220 5050