Woodside joins the Swan Canning River Journeys Project

Swan River, Perth (Photo: Mike Abicare, @winingimages)

Woodside’s support for the Swan Canning River Journeys Project will enable the WA Parks Foundation to work with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and others to develop additional interpretation nodes with seating, interpretive signage and improved foreshore access to complement a planned riverside trail along the Swan Canning Riverpark.

The River Journeys Project aims to better connect visitors with the rivers and parks. The plan for the Riverpark trail includes 25 key visitor nodes. Four of these visitor nodes have been completed by DBCA, with two more scheduled to be completed over the next 12 months. Woodside’s sponsorship will support the creation of up to an additional three nodes over the next three years.

The Hon Kerry Sanderson, WA Parks Foundation Chair, said the Swan and Canning rivers flow through the heart of metropolitan Perth and are integral to our city’s sense of place, its cultural and environmental identity.

“The vision of the River Journeys Project is to create a continuous recreation trail network from Fremantle to Guildford on both shores of the Swan and Canning rivers,” she said.

“In addition to park infrastructure, the project will draw upon visual elements, sound and art to engage visitors and share information in a variety of ways.

“Once completed the River Journeys Project will be a defining trail and destination activity for Perth. It will provide an opportunity for visitors and community members alike to connect with our wonderful river landscape, the natural environment and the Swan and Canning rivers’ rich history and cultural importance to the Whadjuk Noongar people.”

Woodside Senior Vice President Corporate and Legal Michael Abbott said the aim was to make visitors more aware of the natural, historic, social and Aboriginal cultural significance of the river park.

“Woodside will commit up to $375,000 to the project, which will include the installation of audio files to provide visitors with self-guided tours and information about the rivers’ natural and cultural history, including the sharing of Dreamtime stories by Aboriginal Elders.”

“Creating opportunities for Aboriginal people to help visitors understand the area from the Indigenous cultural perspective is a priority for both the Foundation and Woodside,” he said.

Find out more on the Swan Canning Riverpark Journeys project.