Shire of Augusta Margaret River May 2016 Project Update - Cape to Cape Winter Diversion Trail

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Cape to Cape Track Winter Diversion – Project Update Background

The Shire’s 2004 Path plan includes an indicative alignment of a proposed Regional/Recreational Path along the south bank of the Margaret River heading west from the Margaret River townsite.

In 2009, land was ceded and a developer contribution made as part of the McHenry Hohnen subdivision to enable the construction of a 2.5m wide shared pathway in that area.

The 2013-2017 Corporate Plan identified Action 4.1.20 as Commence staged implementation of trail along the Margaret River from Rotary Park to the Rivermouth. The action has remained an action item in the 2014-18 and 2015-19 Corporate Plans.

Initial walks were undertaken by Shire officers and Friends of Cape to Cape Track (FoC2CT) in January 2013 to determine the potential alignment to construct part of the C2C Track Winter diversion. It was considered that the section from Caves Road to St Alouarn Place would form Stage 1 of an eventual trail from Margaret River to the Rivermouth.

A series of subsequent site visits and meetings were held with FoC2CT and the Margaret River Off Road Cycling Association (MRORCA). The trail has also been an agenda item at the Shire’s Trail Forum/Community Reference Group since November 2013.

Early 2014 – the joint owners of Lot 4 gave in-principle approval for the trail to be constructed on their land rather than it being built in the Shire Reserve which would require a boardwalk to protect the river environment.

In July 2014 FoC2CT was granted $68,000 from Lotterywest to construct an unsealed dual direction multi-use track.

A flora survey was undertaken in Spring 2014 and confirmation was received from the Department of Environmental Regulation in October 2014 that a clearing permit was not required.

Construction started in September 2015. Contracts to deliver the track, excluding the long boardwalk are in place between FoC2CT and Common Ground.

Shire of Augusta Margaret River May 2016 Project Update - Cape to Cape Winter Diversion Trail

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Funding sources Stage 1

Cash In kind Total Lotterywest $ 68,000.00 FoC2CT Contribution $ 9,061.00 Shire Contribution $ 20,000.00 Development contribution $ 30,000.00 MRORCA in kind $9,380.00 $ 127,061.00 $ 136,441.00

Alignment

There are very limited alignment options available due to the narrowness of the Shire reserves, the terrain and presence of vegetation/rock.

The initial alignment was developed through walking the track a number of times in 2013 and 2014 by Shire officers, and volunteers from FoC2CT and MRORCA.

The alignment was developed to ensure the trail stays within Shire reserves except through Lot 4, and meets the dual use dual direction standard whist avoiding significant vegetation wherever possible.

The initial alignment formed the basis of a successful grant application to Lotterywest by the FoC2CT. This included a section to be constructed on Lot 4.

However the permission for use of private land at Lot 4 has been withdrawn, necessitating a 240m long boardwalk to complete Stage 1.

The alignment of the boardwalk was determined by Shire officers, FoC2CT and the contractor to minimise removal or pruning of living paperbark trees and is located between 5 and 20 metres off a private property boundary. The alignment is seasonally inundated, with water depth between 0.5 and 1.5m deep along the alignment. It is designed to ensure that there is 300mm freeboard between the deck of the boardwalk and maximum water height. The boardwalk is proposed to be 1.2m wide, with passing bays every 50-60m.

A Section 18 Application has been submitted to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs to construct the boardwalk. Grant applications have been submitted by FoC2CT to Royalties for Regions, State NRM and Friends of South West Community for the boardwalk. In the meantime, negotiations with the owners Lot 4 are continuing. If these negotiations are successful the boardwalk will not be pursued.

Current status

See map.

Dual use, dual direction

The trail has been designed and constructed as a dual use, dual direction green trail as per the WA Mountain Bike Management Guidelines.

Shire of Augusta Margaret River May 2016 Project Update - Cape to Cape Winter Diversion Trail

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Future boardwalk budget

Funding Secured for Long Boardwalk NRM Grant $ 35,000.00 FoSWC - Grant $ 10,000.00 Friends of C2CT - $ 25,000.00 additional cash

approved by FoC2CT committee

Surplus from rest of stage 1 track $ 21,420.51 savings from original budget.

Total $ 91,420.51

The budget shortfall for the proposed boardwalk is anticipated to between $40,000 and $120,000. Detailed costs cannot be estimated at this stage as a detailed design has not yet been completed, and additional grant funding is being sought.

An additional $84,000 has been allocated at the mid-year budget review to the overall project from savings in other projects. It is anticipated that some of this money will be allocated to the boardwalk component and some to other aspects of the track, including rehabilitation, Aboriginal Heritage surveys, fencing and interpretive signage.

Future Stages from Margaret River to Rivermouth.

As per the Shire’s Corporate Plan, it is intended to continue staged implementation of a trail from Margaret River to the Rivermouth. Detailed planning for remaining sections (town to Caves Road and St Alouarn Place to coast) will commence in due course.