Part of Greenough River trail closed indefinitely as council tries to find solution with new owners

Users and nearby residents of the popular Greenough River trail were confronted with a surprise on Tuesday when part of the track was suddenly closed off.

Not because of flooding, but due to locked gates and signs warning “Private Property — No Access”.

The section of the trail between Devlin Pool Road and Bootenal Springs carpark has been gated off after new owners took over the property that borders Brand Highway and the Greenough River.

The 17km loop is popular with local walkers and visitors to the area. Some sections of the trail go through private property, and feature some of the area’s most beautiful landmarks.

Walkers and trail riders can get a taste of the Greenough River, Devlin Pool and Double Beach along the trail and take in native flora and fauna.

Signs reading “Private Property” have been secured to locked gates, and signage for the walking trail has been covered with “Closed” markers.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim acknowledged the community’s passion for the walking path and said the council was working with the new owners.

“The City of Greater Geraldton understands the community’s interest in this much-loved Greenough River Walk Trail and access to it that was originally created by the Shire of Greenough,” he said.

The Shire of Greenough was amalgamated with the City of Geraldton in 2011.

“The city has been in contact with the new property owners to discuss community access to the walk trail and will continue to engage constructively with them to reach an arrangement that benefits everyone,” Mr McKim said.

The new property owners were unable to be reached for comment.