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WA Hiking Participation Grants were recently launched at the Dwellingup Trails Forum and will support local governments and community organisations to grow participation in trail running and bushwalking activities in Western Australia.

The grant program will focus on developing leadership skills and supporting volunteers. Grants of between $5000 and $25,000 will address one or more of the following objectives:

• increase entry-level opportunities to engage and encourage more people to take up hiking in WA
• expand the skill development opportunities of participants to help them become more experienced and independent hikers
• grow the number of people involved in leadership roles in hiking (including guides, coaches, instructors and assistants)
• grow and support the number of volunteers involved in hiking activities. 

The funding program has been developed in response to the recommendations of the WA Hiking Strategy released earlier this year.

Held at the Dwellingup Community Hall, the forum was attended by land managers, planners, funders, trail builders, local government officers, volunteers, tourism experts and trails advocates.

Steve Bennett, Senior Policy Officer at the department, provided an update on the grants and the development of an implementation plan for the WA Hiking Strategy.

Highlights from the day included presentations from active recreation trail organisations including Australian Trail Horse Riders Association, WestCycle, HikeWest, Recreational Trailbike Riders' Association and Perth Trails Series representing trail runners. Presenters updated the audience on various projects, opportunities and challenges occurring in this progressive time for the trails industry. 

The forum was hosted by the department in partnership with the Shire of Murray, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Trails WA.

WA Hiking Participation Grants