A SPECTACULAR new walking and cycling trail in Central Australia’s East MacDonnell Ranges has been officially opened to the public after six years in the making.
The $364,000 trail is the biggest investment in public infrastructure by any Aboriginal group in Central Australia.
Traditional owners of the Yeperenye/Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park near Alice Springs celebrated the official opening of their new public walking and cycling trail between Anthwerrke (Emily Gap) and Atherrke (Jessie Gap) on Wednesday.
The traditional owners used the rent income they get for the jointly managed park to pay for the trail because they want to raise awareness of the cultural significance of the area and create employment in trail design, construction and tourism.
More than 30 Aboriginal workers built the 7.2 kilometre trail by hand, receiving on-the-job training by local company Tricky Tracks.
Traditional owners also helped to design the trail which follows the contours of the East MacDonnell Range.
Those involved in the trail say they hoped the project will open up possibilities to create similar projects in the future.
Traditional owner Lynette Ellis said the community was proud to launch the trail and encouraged tourists to learn about country.
“We waited six years to do it and now it’s finally here,” she said.
“Not many tourists come to Jesse Gap, they are always going to the West Macs so we thought it would be something good to do to attract them out this way.
“There might be some sort of tour around here with tour guides.
“We will be doing more projects.”
MORE CENTRALIAN NEWS
Central Australian tourism operators report losing millions in recent bookings
Nine new homes delivered at first new Central Australian subdivision in decades
Grant Wallace, from Amoonguna, said the trail gives tourists more experience in the East MacDonnell Ranges.
Mr Wallace is a member of the traditional owner group that planned and funded the project with the help of the CLC’s community development program.
He was one of the workers who built the trail using hand tools, which minimises erosion.
“It has been good learning new skills and being able to work hard and share this sacred place with everyone,” Mr Wallace said.
“I’m looking forward to using these skills for future trail work around here.”
Central Land Council chief executive Lesley Turner said the trail was “an act of generosity by the traditional owners that will not only benefit local tourism, but also create employment on country”.
“They have so much more to teach us all about their country and visitors are crying out for those experiences.
“We will continue to support traditional owners who wish to invest their collective income in
sustainable projects,” he said.
Wheelchair users can access the dual usage trail at both the Emily Gap and Jessie Gap ends and there is seating at rest stops.
The park is home to significant dreamings, the place where the three caterpillar songlines Yeperenye, Ntyarlke and Utnerrengatye intersect.
jasmine.burke@news.com.au
Add your comment to this story
To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register
Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout
Iconic Central Aus resort closed to public due to ‘huge decline in numbers’
A special Red Centre spot that has delighted locals and tourists alike for six decades has begun its new life as a functions and festivals venue closed off to the general public. We now know why its owner made the tough call.
Talking wine bottles, washing machine drama: Free film festival line-up revealed
An Australia-wide film festival is headed to Alice Springs for the first time, and it’s bringing some highlights from the world of international cinema – for free. Find out more.