Mount Toolbrunup walking trail set to undergo upgrades to protect natural environment, boost hiker experience

The Mount Toolbrunup walking trail in the Stirling Range National Park is set to be repaired and improved after the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions received a Federal Government grant. The DBCA received $50,672 through round four of the Australian Heritage Grants to upgrade the walking trail. The project seeks to repair erosion and improve the trail through the construction of stone steps and improved drainage. Improved trail markers and visitor information would be installed to encourage visitors to stay on the trail. “The upgrade works are intended to minimise interactions and impacts from visitors to the site on threatened flora,” O’Connor MHR Rick Wilson said. “This will reduce the potential of trail braiding and risk of degradation to the habitat of short-range endemic invertebrates.” Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the fourth round of the Australian Heritage Grants had a focus on supporting community recovery from the pandemic. “This year’s funding round centres on preserving and promoting our nation’s rich heritage, boosting tourism and delivering economic stimulus for COVID-impacted economies,” she said. “Heritage Funding will be spent on protecting our iconic natural areas by investing in practical environmental work on the ground and by strengthening conservation and public engagement of sites on our National Heritage List. “This round of funding will help create jobs and boost patronage of sites, assisting both public and privately-owned and operated National Heritage List places to recover from declining tourism numbers as a result of COVID.”