FAQs

The Shire of Denmark is considering a proposal to develop a network of walking and mountain biking (cycling) trails in the south-east corner of the Mt Hallowell Reserve. The proposed area incorporates the existing trails and informal tracks adjacent to Ocean Beach Road, including the Sheila Hill Trail/Bibbulmun Track. The proposal consists of two activity precincts – a walking trail area and a mountain bike trail area – that will be connected by a dual-use (shared) trail.

The proposal includes the following key elements:

• A walking trail network that meets the needs of residents by consolidating existing informal tracks and firebreaks with the Bibbulmun Track and Sheila Hill Trail. The proposed walking trail network is 1.7km in length.
• Dual-use (walking and cycling) loop trail of 2.2km in length. The primary purpose of the dual-use trail is to connect the walking precinct to the mountain bike precinct.
• A mountain bike (MTB) trail network that consists of single-track cross-country style trails suitable for a diverse range of users and a skills area. The trail network will include an inclusive trail suitable for access by cyclists using hand-crank cycles or other all-abilities cycle equipment suitable for people living with disabilities. The total length of the MTB trail network is 8.8km (approximately 68ha)

Yes. The project area for the trails network has developed and evolved since the first round of consultation. This has resulted in a change to the potential trail network area.

• the proposed trail network area has moved away from the southern boundary of the Reserve, providing a larger buffer area between trails and the bush blocks on the southern boundary.
• the proposed trail network area has moved further west into the Reserve to:
  1. Separate the mountain bike area and the walking area in order to improve user safety and decrease potential user conflict; and
  2. Increase the elevation available for mountain bike trails.

This new project area includes a section designated in the Mt Hallowell Management Plan as “Core” area that is in place to safeguard the biodiversity of Hallowell “A “ Class reserve.  

Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage states that A Class reserves are for areas that;

“Holds intrinsic community value or is of high conservation value that should be preserved and maintained for the benefit of future generations”

Council is keen to understand community views on the proposed scope of the new trail project area before it decides to proceed with the project.

The proposal to develop walking and mountain bike trails in Mt Hallowell was identified in the Great Southern Regional Trails Master Plan. The plan explored several different options for mountain bike trails in the Shire of Denmark, including Mt Shadforth, Weedon Hill, Inlet Drive, Recreation Centre Reserve, and Mt Lindesay. 

Mt Hallowell was considered the most suitable for the following reasons:

• The Mt Hallowell Reserve was created for the purpose of Conservation and Recreation, and there are numerous existing trails in the reserve that are used by walkers and cyclists.
• In recent years, a number of unsanctioned trails (i.e. informal trails constructed without Shire approval) have begun to appear in the south-east corner of the Mt Hallowell Reserve. Although these trails are used by both walkers and cyclists, they reflect a growing demand for mountain bike trails from nearby residents.
• Mt Hallowell Reserve’s proximity to residential areas and tourist accommodation, as well as the fact that it can be easily accessed via the existing Ocean Beach dual-use cycle path, means that it provides a highly accessible recreation area for residents and visitors. This means that many young people can ride to the trails without relying on parents to drive them to the trailhead. In contrast, trail networks that are a distance from the town centre could pose a barrier to use by young people. 

The Shire of Denmark is following the Western Australian Government’s eight-stage trail development framework, which provides a best practice approach to trail development. 

Trails are like any other facility development and are subject to an approval process. The Trail Development Process (TDP) provides landowners, land managers, and trail users in Western Australia with a methodology to ensure any trails developed in the State are sustainable and an asset rather than a liability.

The Shire is currently at stage four of the eight-stage process, and has completed the following consultation to date:

If the community is supportive of moving forward with the proposed trails, the other stages include:

The Mount Hallowell Management Plan (2008) identifies Reserve NO. 46618, Mt Hallowell Reserve, as an A Class Reserve with management vested to the Shire of Denmark for the purpose of Conservation and Recreation.

The Plan notes the use of walking trails as a form of permitted recreation in the Reserve. The Plan is silent on cycling and mountain bike trails.

The Management Plan recommended that the Core area of the reserve should be protected from further impacts including clearing, feral animals and walk-tracks.

Should the community support the progression of trails in the proposed area the Management Plan would need to be reviewed and adopted by Council.

Please refer to the background documents to read the full Mt Hallowell Reserve Management Plan (2008).

The Mount Hallowell Management Plan identifies Reserve NO. 46618, Mt Hallowell Reserve, as an A Class Reserve with management vested to the Shire of Denmark for the purpose of Conservation and Recreation.

Mount Hallowell Reserve consists of mostly virgin (unlogged) old growth forest and has long been regarded as an area of high biodiversity in a region listed as one of the biodiversity hotspots on the planet (Myers et al 2000).

The Management Plan produced in 1995 and its review in 2006 by the Shire of Denmark has listed as its management priority the conservation value of the park, and highlighted the many species of flora, fungi and fauna present.

The Reserve serves as a key benchmark for fire management research as it is one of the few remnant long-unburnt areas in the South West that remains a ‘no planned burn area’ (Christensen and Abbott 1989). The last reported burn over the majority of the Reserve was in 1937, making it one of the longest unburnt areas in the South West.

A survey and research project conducted in 2004 described an area (referred to as the ‘core area’) in the Reserve that “has limited intrusion from introduced species and limited environmental disturbance and so it has the highest biodiversity value”. At that time, the estimated area of the core was less than 190ha. A map of the core is contained in the Mt Hallowell Management Plan (2008) [link].

The proposed trail network area includes a section of the eastern side of the core.  This section is approximately 24.8 hectares or 13% of the core area.

• The Flora and Vegetation survey report showed that there are no declared rare flora species on the proposed site. However, priority species Banksia serra (P4) occurs in the Reserve and it is possible that there may be species in the proposed trail area.
• The Fauna survey revealed that the Reserve provides habitat for various threatened black cockatoo species (Baudin’s cockatoo (VU), Forest red-tailed black cockatoo (VU) and Carnaby’s cockatoo (EN)). Within the existing walking area there is an active Osprey nest and the consultant advised that trails should avoid the osprey nest to minimise disturbance to the birds during breeding. A habitat assessment confirmed the potential presence of habitat for quokka (VU), western ringtail possum (CR), quenda, and the Mains Assassins spider (EN).
• The Mount Hallowell Management Plan (2008) notes that the Reserve is also an important area for fungi which forms an integral part of the ecosystem. 

The walking and dual-use trails will use as much of the existing trail footprint as possible. This includes firebreaks and informal/unsanctioned trails.

The mountain bike trails are all new trails and therefore vegetation will need to be cleared for these trails. Mountain bike trails are usually 600mm-1500mm wide, depending on the grade (wider for beginner or fire road trails, narrower for advanced trails). Construction techniques ensure that as much vegetation is retained as possible, with no trees over 100mm diameter being removed. The aim is to maintain a natural feel to the trail. 

Expert consultants undertook a flora and vegetation survey and a fauna survey in sections of the proposed trail project area. The Management Plan 2008 also has information relating to flora and fauna in the reserve.

If the community supports the development of the trail network, the Shire will undertake additional flora and fauna surveys at Stage 5 (Corridor Evaluation) to ensure that any priority species are identified, and the trail network does not adversely impact on these species.

Dieback (Phytophthora cinnamomi) is an introduced soil borne plant pathogen that causes disease and death in susceptible species. Dieback has been surveyed in some sections of the Mount Hallowell Reserve. 

The predicted disease impact in the proposed trail network area, however, is low due to the lack of susceptible species. This area is primarily Karri forest vegetation type which has few species that are susceptible to Dieback, and therefore the disease impact in this area is anticipated to be low.

The Trail head is adjacent to an identified dieback area. Whilst the Karri bush has few Dieback indicator species, bike tyres could carry dieback infected soil into new areas of the reserve and other areas of the Shire when they leave the site.

If the community supports the development of the trail network, the Shire will undertake additional risk assessments (including the need for additional surveys), as well as a detailed Phytophthora Dieback Management Plan. This management plan will ensure that tools and equipment are cleaned before and after use in the Reserve to minimise the spread of disease within the Reserve, and to reduce the risk of removing the pathogen from the Reserve and transmitting it to other areas.

Yes. In January 2021, an Aboriginal Heritage Survey was undertaken on the proposed site by an expert consultant. A Menang People (Wagyl Kaip) Working Group carried out archaeological and ethnographic surveys in the trail network area.  They have not been consulted on the increased area which includes the core.

In addition to these surveys the, Wagyl Kaip working group met with an expert consultant to better understand the impact of Dieback in the proposed trail network area. 

On the basis of its investigations, the Wagyl Kaip Working Group is supportive of the construction of trails on the proposed site. The Shire of Denmark will continue to consult with and involve the Working Group in the ongoing planning for the trails. 

 Within the proposed site there are several existing trails including the Bibbulmun Track, the Shiela Hill Memorial Trail, and several unsanctioned walking and Mountain Bike trails. The informal (unsanctioned) trails are poorly designed and are impacting on the environmental values of the area. Walkers and cyclists are using the same narrow tracks with poor visibility, leading to potential user conflict and safety hazards.

Unsanctioned trails will either be closed and rehabilitated or used as the footprint for two new, purpose-built trails using best practice trail construction techniques. This will minimise the amount of clearing required for the new walking trails.     

By closing down and rehabilitating these unsanctioned trails, and creating well-designed, purpose-built walk trails, the user experience will be enhanced, safety improved, and the environmental impact reduced.

Mountain biking is one of the world’s fastest growing recreational activities. Mountain biking is a great way to experience the outdoors, giving riders the opportunity to connect with the natural landscapes and diverse environments as well as gain significant health benefits.

Mountain bike trails are used by residents, sporting clubs, schools, tourists, outdoor enthusiasts and other interest groups. They provide an opportunity for the community to experience improved health outcomes and cultural enrichment through interaction with the environment. Trails encourage outdoor recreation activity leading to improved physical and mental wellbeing for residents.

The Shire of Denmark has an active mountain bike club made up of people of all ages and abilities. There are currently very few locations for club members to ride their bikes and develop and improve their skills.

The Skills Area is an area that contains short mountain trails similar to a pump track that provides a space for beginners to test their skills and abilities before riding the trails.

Yes. In addition to new trailheads (i.e. maps and information about the trail network), interpretive signage will be installed in the walking area.

The proposed trails at Mount Hallowell will require ongoing management and maintenance. If the community supports the development of the trail network, a detailed trail management plan will be developed. The trail management plan will clarify the management roles and responsibilities, create a maintenance program, and identify opportunities to partner with community to provide on-going maintenance. 

Several models of trail management exist across other trail networks including the use of volunteer groups or clubs under a trail adoption agreement.

Trails can offer significant benefits to local and regional communities. These benefits include local community engagement and enjoyment, and increased participation in recreational activity. Trails have a significant impact on liveability, in that they provide current and future residents with improved infrastructure and better amenities leading to improved health and wellbeing.

Trails play a role in improving awareness and appreciation of the natural environment and build support for its conservation and protection. Increased appreciation and understanding of environmental values will bring about advocacy for those values.

Economic benefits are also associated with trails. These benefits are achieved through an increase in general visitation, indirect visitor spend, investment in business/other tourism activities, and new jobs created. 

Trail users will be encouraged to walk or cycle to the trailhead. If the community supports the development of the proposed trails, the Shire will investigate the feasibility of providing additional parking near the Ocean Beach Fire Shed.  The current Sheila Hill car park will continue to be available for disabled parking and drop off / pick up of trail users.

If the community supports the development of the proposed trails, the Shire will investigate the feasibility of providing toilet facilities near the Ocean Beach Fire Shed.

Three Chillies Design estimated that the trail proposal (i.e. all walking and mountain bike trails) would cost an estimated $620,585 (2021 prices) to construct. It is likely that given the increased cost of materials and labour, the 2022 figure may be up to 30% higher.

The Shire has not made any budgetary provisions for the construction of the proposed trails. If the community supports the trail proposal, the Shire will investigate the options associated with funding the network, including applying for grant funding.