Published on Wednesday, 1 October 2025 at 3:53:32 PM
Following extensive community consultation and expert review, the Shire of Denmark Council voted to endorse the updated Mount Hallowell Management Plan, reaffirming its commitment to the long-term protection and sustainable use of one of the region’s most iconic natural landscapes.
Adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 30 September 2025, the Kooryunderup/Mt Hallowell Management Plan 2025–2035 sets a clear direction for the future care and conservation of the reserve, seeking to balance environmental protection with recreational activities such as walking, hiking, birdwatching and biking to ensure continued community access and enjoyment.
Shire President Kingsley Gibson said this updated plan reflects our community’s deep connection to the reserve and the varied ways we interact with it.
“Kooryunderup is a place of immense ecological, cultural and social significance, and this comprehensive plan ensures we are managing it with care, foresight and in partnership with the community,” Cr Gibson said.
The majority of the reserve will remain protected for native vegetation, threatened species, and essential ecological processes. The implementation of key actions, including targeted weed and dieback control, appropriate fire mitigation treatments and habitat rehabilitation, will ensure the continued health of the reserve.
Areas for recreational activities, including a designated off-leash dog area in the south-east, a walking-only trail and a one-way cycling trail, will be formalised. As the Shire implements the actions outlined in the Management Plan, improved signage and infrastructure will be used to demarcate these existing paths clearly.
An amendment to the plan also allows walking dogs on-lead on the portion of the Bibbulmun Track that runs through the reserve, acknowledging the dog walking that is known to take place here and formalising this use, but with the requirement for dogs to be kept on a lead.
All remaining informal recreational trails will be closed and rehabilitated, and no new trails will be constructed in any part of the reserve, reflecting the Shire’s aim to protect sensitive habitats.
Finally, the new plan recognises the cultural significance of Kooryunderup/Mt Hallowell, committing to work with Traditional Custodians to share Noongar stories through interpretive signage and education, while implementing fire management strategies that balance ecological protection with community safety through upgraded emergency access, low-fuel zones and updated response plans. It further encourages ongoing community involvement via citizen science, education programs and volunteer opportunities, harnessing local knowledge and passion to support long-term stewardship.
“By working with local users and recognising established patterns of use, we can achieve better outcomes for both our people and our environment.”
The finalised plan will now be submitted to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage for Ministerial approval.
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