Art trail set to entice more tourists to Ferguson Valley after concept plan endorsed by Shire of Dardanup

A popular South West photo spot could have a metal cut-out structure erected there as part of plans to develop a public art trail for the Ferguson Valley. Dardanup Shire councillors unanimously voted to endorse a concept plan for the Ferguson Valley Public Art Trail, which is set to be developed in stages over the coming years. Councillors also endorsed for the first commissioned artwork for the trail to be installed at the Pile Road photo pull-in bay due to its existing infrastructure and greater ease of implementation. In his report to council, Shire of Dardanup acting place and community manager Gary Thompson said a metal cut-out style structure that would contrast against the sky was envisaged, allowing an opportunity for an emerging local artist to create the structure. “It is important that the initial artwork speaks to the future of the artwork and inspires future impetus and investment,” the report stated. “This initial location would achieve this through its existing tourist connection and the amount of organic photos on social media from visitors.” Along with the Pile Road photo pull-in bay, 13 other locations within the Ferguson Valley were identified in the concept plan as other opportunities for public art to be displayed, including the Dardanup Centre, Joel Court, the Wellington Discovery Forest, Crooked Brook Forest, St Aidan Church and the Wellington Dam Forest entry. However, Mr Thompson said there was also a strong interest from business owners within the Ferguson Valley to include artwork on their premises. It comes after the Shire of Dardanup received more than $60,000 in State Government funding to develop the concept plan last year. After receiving the funding, the Shire conducted extensive community consultation with several workshops, group meetings, online engagement activities and an intensive artist charette. Located between the Wellington Dam mural and Bunbury, the Ferguson Valley has been identified as an area of growing tourism potential with its picturesque natural surroundings complemented by small and boutique wineries and breweries. It also comes following the success of the inaugural Lost and Found Festival, which held more than 20 events in the area made for lovers of food, wine, craft beer and live music. The festival was also one of 68 events to be awarded grants through the State Government’s Tourism WA Regional Events scheme.