The Boyagin Rock Refurbishment project has been given a significant boost, thanks to a $47,640 Wheatbelt Community Chest Fund (CCF) grant.
Member for Wagin Terry Waldron MLA said the funding had been allocated for the local refurbishments, via the Seabrook Aboriginal Corporation.
The Boyagin Rock Nature Reserve that contains Boyagin Rock is located between Pingelly and Brookton in the Wheatbelt, and is widely recognised as one of the few local areas of original fauna and flora. It provides refuge for a variety of fauna including numbats, goannas, echidnas and Tammar wallabies.
The Boyagin Rock Day Use Area Refurbishment Project includes an upgrade of facilities at Boyagin Rock, which is a tourist attraction and Aboriginal Heritage Listed site. The following improvements will take place:
- Beautification of the existing picnic area.
- A walk trail around the rock structure but away from the rock.
- Interpretation of the cultural significance of Boyagin Rock to the Noongar Peoples.
- Interpretation of the flora and fauna that inhabit the rock and its surrounds.
Mr Waldron, who recently visited the site with community members, said the recent funding was made possible by the Royalties for Regions program.
He said the CCF provided one-off grants to community groups, local governments and not-for-profit organisations to improve and develop infrastructure and services in the region.
“The Community Chest Fund provides regional voluntary organisations, educational institutions and community organisations with grants of up to $50,000 to support local projects,” he said.
“The Boyagin Rock and surrounding nature reserve are places of Aboriginal significance; therefore I am pleased that this important project will be overseen by the Seabrook Aboriginal Corporation.”
Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies MLA, whose electorate will take in Pingelly at the next State election, also welcomed the funding.
Ms Davies helped present the corporation with their funding certificate recently, alongside Minister for Regional Development Terry Redman.
“This refurbishment project is one of a number of excellent initiatives that have been recognised through this round of the Wheatbelt Community Chest fund,” Ms Davies said.
“Projects like these help attract important investment, increase economic growth, provide job opportunities and improve the quality of life for communities in the region.”
Mr Waldron said the fund supported region-specific priorities driven by local communities to develop infrastructure, services and community projects that helped build vibrant regions with strong economies.
WA’s nine regional development commissions oversee the projects, each being allocated an equal share from which to provide the CCF grants. Through the Royalties for Regions program, the State Government has invested $10 million into the CCF (across four years).
For more information visit – http://biggerpicture.regions.wa.gov.au/