BHP splashes cash for Rotto walk trail

Mining giant BHP Billiton has contributed about $500,000 towards the construction of a walk trail on Rottnest Island, making it the largest contribution to the island by a corporate entity.

BHP’s contribution to the state government’s $8.5 million Rottnest Wadjemup Walk Trail project came as Tourism Minister Kim Hames announced the completion of rehabilitation works and a seal viewing platform, as well as the installation of public artworks, at Cathedral Rocks.

“Thanks to BHP Billiton’s agreement with the Rottnest Foundation, a major investment of $532,800 will go to developing this next part of the trail from Wadjemup Lighthouse to the coast and back around the northern beaches, and which will be ready next year,” Dr Hames said.

He said the new amenities at Cathedral Rocks linked to the recently-upgraded Cape Vlamingh site 200 metres away, and were part of the 50-kilometre long Wadjemup project, to provide safe, ecologically responsible and convenient access to popular areas of the island.

Cathedral Rocks has been home to a colony of fur seals for over six years.

“Sightseers now have a safe way to watch these animals and enjoy the area, confident the new facilities are protecting the site from further environmental degradation,” Dr Hames said.

The state government provided $130,000 in funding for the rehabilitation works, with the federal government kicking in $110,000.

“This is an excellent example of how a much-loved tourism asset and a conservation initiative can go hand-in-hand,” Dr Hames said.

He said the trail project was now 57 per cent complete.