Bridport walking track opened

The new $1 million Bridport walking track has been formally opened ... with most of the townsfolk turning out to mark the occasion.

A bevy of State, Federal and local politicians joined the State cricket coach and a local Aboriginal elder to snip a ribbon of foliage to throw open the 10-kilometre track.

The official openers included Federal Bass MP Geoff Lyons, Dorset Mayor Barry Jarvis, Aboriginal elder Patsy Cameron, State Bass MP Michelle O'Byrne and State cricket coach Tim Coyle

Added to the long existent foreshore and wildflower reserve walks the new section of track along and across the Brid River means nature lovers can now completely circumnavigate the township.

An added advantage is that access points to various parts means it can be walked in comfortable chunks.

The project was funded through a $700,000 Federal training program and a State construction grant of more than  $200,000.

The graduation of 27 trainees and team leaders was also recognised at the ceremony with cricket coach Tim Coyle drawing comparisons with the teamwork involved in the recent successes of the Tassie Tigers.

The politicians on hand congratulated the managers of the project Conservation Volunteers Australia and Bridport Innovations for the organisation's foresight in pursuing it.

Graduating trainees celebrate their achievement

Apart from the health and amenity advantages for locals the track is expected to provide visitors to the town with another rewarding activity.

It passes through a wide range of landscape and habitats... along the estuary and beach coves, the low undulations of the heathy wildflower reserve and the steeper, more heavily forested sections to the south of the town down to the pleasant stroll along the riverside.

Maps of the track are available from the information Pavilion in the centre of town.

Kate and Frank entertain the throng at the track opening