The tasks required by the SHRRRP Project stem directly from the recently concluded Perth’s Eastern Region Swan River Trails Project. That project report, prepared by Transplan Pty Ltd and Kulbardi Hill Consulting for the EMRC and its member local governments, recommended the preparation of a comprehensive pathway development plan that would prioritise all missing links in the network in order to establish a complete pathway system. The report indicated the need for establishing path development priorities to guide implementation of the remaining ‘missing links’. The report also highlighted the need for a thorough and comprehensive distance and directional signage plan.

The objectives of this project, as specified in the Consultant’s Brief, are to:

+ Identify physical and environmental constraints relevant to path development along foreshores within the Swan and Helena Rivers Management Framework study area.
+ Identify a route envelope for path development.
+ Develop a design standard for shared paths, footpaths, boardwalks, directional signage and supporting facilities, taking into account relevant standards and universal access requirements.
+ Identify infrastructure requirements and indicative costings for upgrade of existing or construction of new shared paths to complete the SHRRRP.

The Williams to Darkan corridor is approximately 47 kilometres and has 20 timber bridges ranging in size from 3.0 metres to over 60 metres.

In preparing this ‘limited’ feasibility study, the following factors were considered:

+ Is there a market for the proposed trail?
+ Is there a supportive local government(s)?
+ Is there a supportive/strong advocates (trail proponent)?
+ Is there a supportive community?
+ What is the user experience (terrain/landscape/history)?
+ Would the trail be value for money?
+ Is there a commitment to maintenance (“friends of …” group or support network)?
+ Will the trail provide a unique experience? The main tasks of this study were to:
+ Provide an overview history of rail trail developments in Australia and give an outline of the basic concepts and features of existing rail trail developments.
+ Provide a description of the corridor and the works required.
+ Undertake an evaluation of the project including the expected benefits and costs associated with the proposed rail trail development.
+ Identify and discuss the main issues concerning the proposed development and give recommendations concerning the implementation process and possible funding sources.

The Project Brief sets out the following specific requirements:

+ Make recommendations on the proposed location of cycle-paths in both Port and South Hedland, making use of current and future footpath planning, and parks upgrades;
+ Make recommendations on linking existing pathways within Port and South Hedland to create loops and links for cyclists / pedestrians;
+ Make recommendations on the location of new cycle-ways, or ways to expand existing ones;
+ Make recommendations on the design and location of a potential cycleway between Port and South Hedland, and detail a planned approach to achieving this; and
+ Make recommendations on how to utilise current roadways to create circuits and loops to encourage safe road cycling.

The project brief states that the impetus for the project has primarily been driven by the following factors:

+ The need to better plan for existing and future recreation trails in the Town of Port Hedland;
+ The need to identify opportunities for the linking of existing passive and active recreational areas and parks; and
+ The recognition that the Council should be encouraging physical activity within the Town of Port Hedland, and strategies and plans to achieve this outcome are necessary.

The expected outcomes of the plan are:

+ A consolidated, costed, five-year recommendation on the future provision, and alteration to existing footpaths, of cycle-ways and footpaths in Port and South Hedland;
+ A report recommending locations of signposted cycle-ways for pedestrians and recreational cyclists within Port and South Hedland that link parks and other recreational reserves / areas of interest in a circuit fashion;
+ A report recommending the process, legalities, location and design of a cycle-way between Port and South Hedland; and
+ A report detailing circuit potentials in Port and South Hedland for road cyclists.

The following matters were also considered in the preparation of this plan:

+ Analysis of existing pathway networks;
+ Assessment of the location of existing parks and other recreational facilities, and the access currently available for cyclists and pedestrians to these locations;
+ Consideration of safe routes to the schools of Port and South Hedland;
+ Identification of key routes to link services, trip attractors and important points of access;
+ Determination of a program of improvement works including cost estimates;
+ Identification of the order of priority in which improvements works or new works should be undertaken to provide clear direction to Council; and
+ A cost estimate for each project.

The tasks set out in the brief include:

+ A detailed route description (with mapping) for each trail
+ Possible resolutions to issues pertaining to neighbouring landowners
+ Comprehensive works list, with budget / cost estimates
+ Description of construction processes (but not including engineer’s specifications)
+ Summary of rationale behind trail, including target user groups
+ Description of infrastructure requirements & recommendations
+ Recommended interpretive sites, themes and styles
+ A “sign log” containing a list of management signs, locations, styles etc
+ Marketing & promotional recommendations
+ Sample drawings (trail sections, sign styles etc – note: not to engineers standards)
+ Recommended trail maintenance schedule

Following Lieutenant George Grey’s shipwreck north of Geraldton, and his trek back to the Swan River Colony, many Europeans began heading north to the Champion Bay district in search of better pastures.

The constant flow of people and stock up and down the coast between the Swan River Colony and Champion Bay led to the development of a well used and well worn track. The Perth to Champion Bay Road, commonly known as the North Road, was eventually gazetted in May 1862. Later, in 1889, the government gazetted a half mile corridor as a stock route. That stock route followed the alignment of the old North Road as far as 8-mile well (8 miles south of the Irwin River at Irwin).

The Trail Development Plan includes the following:

+ Site (or development) plans for each of the recommended sites;
+ Site assessment sheet for each site considered for inclusion on the drive trail;
+ Works lists and cost estimates for works for each recommended site;
+ Detailed sign log and sign designs (for consideration by the client);
+ Detailed route notes of the proposed route of the trail;
+ Summary of recommended story or stories (ie. interpretive themes) to be told at each of the recommended sites (but not the actual text for inclusion on the proposed interpretive panel – that would be the subject of a separate project);
+ An overall route map (showing the recommended route and sites, relationship with other major and minor roads, and nearby towns); and
+ Notes of consultation undertaken with key stakeholders.

The Shire of York is fortunate in that it has a wide range of attractive and varied landscapes, and a great diversity in wildlife and vegetation. It’s most famous attraction is the Avon River and the historic buildings of the Town are amongst the oldest in Western Australia. York markets itself as “the first inland town in Western Australia”.

The Shire has large tracts of land still well covered in natural vegetation including the wonderful wandoo forest, natural attractions including Mt Brown and Mt Bakewell, an abundance of historic places, and it has the majestic Avon River all of which provide ideal opportunities for trails and views out over the surrounding picturesque landscapes.

In common with numerous other Trails Master Pans prepared by Transplan Pty Ltd, the York Trails Master Plan sought a number of key outcomes:

+ A Vision statement that support’s the Shire’s vision statement that succinctly sets out Council’s and the community’s desire for the orderly and progressive establishment of a trails network within the Shire.
+ An inventory of existing and potential trails including their purpose, general condition and use.
+ Identification of potential trails while having due regard for other land owners such as adjoining local governments and land managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation.
+ Mapping of trails within the Shire of York.
+ A trail ‘gap analysis’.
+ Preliminary cost estimates and priorities for upgrading of existing trails and development of any proposed new trails.
+ Identification of management priorities and funding opportunities for trail development.
+ Community consultation.
+ Identification of management and maintenance issues associated with existing trails and the development of new trails including linking known or new walk trails with drive trails.
+ Recommendations and advice on marketing and promotion of the Shire’s trails network, including trail themes, trail brochures or trail guide books, and other collateral.
+ Recommendations on matters that could be interpreted along each of the existing and proposed trails.
+ Guidance on trail signage, including directional markers, promotional signage, warning and advisory signage.
+ Guidelines for the development of interpretative information and signage styles on existing and future trails, as well as recommendation in this regard.
+ Guidance on ways to link the existing and proposed trails, including the option of drive trails, and through promotional materials.

The Busselton Wetlands, including the Vasse and Wonnerup estuaries, are 1.5 kilometres wide and extend 25 kilometres behind coastal dunes along Geographe Bay. They are registered as wetlands of international significance for migratory birds under the Ramsar Convention.

The Concept Design and business plan identified the possibility of varying levels of trails on the site. These were multi-purpose regional trails linking points of interest in the Vasse Wonnerup Wetland to the west and east, local trails linking the Wetland Centre to the Busselton commercial district, the Tourist Bureau, parking facilities or the Shire Office, internal nature trails providing access to points of ecological or educational interest close to the Wetland Centre, and specific purpose interpretive trails providing special educational opportunities, lookouts or hides.

The project is designed to provide detailed planning for these trails. The Concept Plan suggested some broad parameters for these trails (covering issues such as width, standards of construction, surface material and other issues). The Concept Plan indicates that the Master Plan will need to work out the necessary detail.

The project has two clear stages.

Phase 1 involves the selection and design of a series of walk trails to satisfy expected demand from visitors to the Wetlands. The process involves determination of broad trail routes within the Wetlands reserve. This process will be informed by an assessment of cultural, heritage and environmental considerations, an assessment of likely user demands, assessment of the capacity of potential trails to link with complementary on-site facilities, and community and stakeholder views. The process will result in the broad trail planning recommendations relating to trail corridors and potential alignments and indicative costings (including recommended materials), identification of potential funding sources, and location of trails in relation to complementary facilities.

Phase 2 involves the preparation of a comprehensive schedule of works and full cost analysis of the development of the selected trails. Detailed, costed works schedules, with priorities will be an integral component of the report. Construction plans with a list of necessary construction items, quantity estimates, and materials required will be prepared. An implementation program including a time-line and stages for trail development is also required. This phase also contains detail on management and maintenance planning.

The objectives of this project are to:

+ Identify and present the most significant themes and stories about sites, buildings and people of the Greater Geraldton area;
+ Outline the most suitable way of presenting themes and stories so that local people and visitors have stimulating experiences while on the trails;
+ Ensure that the heritage values of places, structures and objects are preserved;
+ Provide a framework for managing trail users;
+ Provide general costings and a timetable for implementation;
+ Be practical, achievable and realistic but above all, flexible and open to further development; and
+ Outline a prioritised list of achievable projects.

Determination of the recommended trails projects has been made after a careful field examination of the existing pathway network and all existing trails, as well as an assessment of the opportunities for interpreting the indigenous, non-indigenous and natural history of the area, taking into account the views of the community and other key stakeholders.

Generally, the following criteria were used to select sites and therefore routes of the recommended trails:

+ Clusters of historic sites and/or buildings;
+ A variety of potential stories along the chosen route;
+ Existing infrastructure (sealed footpaths; car parking; shops; rest areas; etc);
+ Aesthetic appeal of the streetscape or environment;
+ Availability of parking (and other trailhead facilities);
+ A variety of trail lengths; and
+ Proximity of town centre, the visitor information centre, the museum and other major attractions and ease of access to the trailhead.

The project will capitalise on major infrastructure developments planned for these areas, with a strong emphasis on creating and nurturing economic enterprise opportunities for Indigenous communities with the tourism industry.

The Warlu Way will provide visitors with a clear route to explore the region and provides an ideal opportunity through which to showcase the region’s attractions. The aim of the project is to develop an accessible and safe adventure drive through the establishment of key infrastructure, travel planning information and safety initiatives. Australia’s North West Tourism is working closely with Tourism Western Australia and the Department of Environment and Conservation on this project.

One of the major objectives of the interpretation plan is to select 30 suitable and accessible ‘sites’ along the route for interpretation (and the installation of interpretive signs at a later date).

This report examines the extent of the current provision of pathways and trails along the Swan River east of the Causeway and makes recommendations for the development of 4 new sections of pathway.

Determination of the priority projects has been made after a careful field examination of the existing pathway network (and the opportunities for putting in place the missing sections), taking into account the views of the community and other key stakeholders, including the local governments.

Selection of the priority projects has been based on a number of factors:

+ The extent of already developed foreshore pathways/trails (ie. what paths are already in place, how continuous and uninterrupted are they and where are the ‘missing links’ in the network);
+ Strategic importance of the selected trail (ie. the degree to which the trail project completes a significant ‘missing link’ in the riverside pathway network);
+ Relationship to the river (ie. is the project close to or alongside the river, or will it be set back alongside roads which parallel the river);
+ Potential for interpretation along the trail (ie. are there good opportunities for telling stories about the natural qualities of the river and/or the foreshore, or about indigenous life on and alongside the river, or stories of European exploration and settlement, and how might these stories enrich the experience of trail users);
+ Community support (ie. what does the community think is the highest priority path or trail);
+ Local government support (ie. what are the views and opinions of the local government staff and elected officials, and what relevant projects are planned and how might these impact on the selection of priority trail projects);
+ Tenure of land (ie. is the land over which the trail project will pass in public or private ownership; and if in private ownership, what is the likelihood of it being acquired for public use and enjoyment); and
+ Cost of the project (ie. will the cost of construction of the trail, or some element of it such as a bridge, make it financially unviable and cost prohibitive).

In order to arrive at the recommended (priority) projects, several steps were taken:

+ Fieldwork along the entire foreshore on both sides of the river (assessing the extent of existing trails and pathways, and determining opportunities for new paths);
+ Consultation with the community and key stakeholders;
+ Research into land tenure, and the plans and projects of key stakeholders;
+ Research into environmental conditions; and
+ Analytical decisions regarding projects that will make the biggest difference in striving to achieve a continuous, uninterrupted trail system along both sides of the Swan River.

The limestone coastal features between Princetown and Port Campbell are some of the most spectacular in the world, encompassing the iconic attractions of the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

It is expected that the Coast to Crater Trail will provide an added attraction to what is already a popular tourist destination as well as providing physical exercise and socialising opportunities to local community members and visitors. For these reasons the local community has pressed ahead with the initiative to develop the trail.

Development of a trail or pathway between Princetown and Timboon, via Port Campbell, will not be without its challenges and difficulties – as acknowledged in the brief. The narrowness of the Port Campbell National Park and its precipitous cliffs, the traffic volumes and speed of traffic along the Great Ocean Road, the stringent vegetation clearing restrictions and re-vegetation requirements, the narrowness and steepness of some road reserves, the need to cross rivers and creeks, the location of some private land holdings and the requirements of key stakeholders are just some of the notable constraints.

Of considerable importance in the selection of an acceptable trail route between Port Campbell and Princetown, through the Port Campbell national park, is the imperative to minimise clearing of vegetation.

However, a route for a pathway between Princetown and Port Campbell is certainly achievable – using a combination of old (disused) roadways, old vehicle tracks (discernible on aerial photography), firebreaks along fences, road reserves and low volume roads. Even though a major objective of this trail assessment study has been to minimise the clearing of vegetation, and to maximise use of already disturbed land, clearing of vegetation is inevitable. Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Framework sets out the manner in which clearing of native vegetation is to be handled – notably by the employment of net offset gain principles.

The focus then of this strategy is to make cycling safer and more convenient for the residents of the towns of the Corangamite Shire (enabling cycling to become the preferred choice of travel mode within the towns) and for visitors (including cycle tourists).

The project has focussed on bicycle strategy plans for the following townships:

+ Camperdown
+ Cobden
+ Derrinallum
+ Lismore
+ Noorat
+ Skipton
+ Simpson
+ Terang
+ Timboon

A major objective of this Bicycle Strategy has been to identify key origins and destinations within each town. Generally, the major origin of bicycle trips are the residential suburbs of the town. The usual destinations (trip attractors) of any town are educational institutions (primary and high schools, and tertiary), recreation centres and recreation reserves, major public transport termini (eg. train stations), commercial areas (shops) and work places.

The maps for each town included in this Bicycle Strategy highlight the major bicycle trip attractors (destinations). The maps identify existing facilities (on and off-road) and trip attractors. The recommended new bicycle facilities are designed to provide an enhanced network linking residential areas and destinations.

The level of visitation to the Crows Nest Shire is steadily increasing, and more attractions (and places to stay) are being progressively added. Population growth will continue, and Highfields is set to double its population over the next 25 years. This Trails Master Plan sought to develop an inventory of existing trails, to determine what improvements and upgrading was necessary. The Plan also sought to deliver a program of new trail development, and associated trails projects (such as brochures and mapping) in order to appeal to the local residents, the nearby Toowoomba market and the millions living in SE Queensland.

The Trails Master Plan sought several key outcomes:

+ Preparation of an inventory of existing recreational trails,
+ Identification of existing and potential user groups,
+ Determination of the needs of user groups in relation to trail location, use maintenance and design,
+ Identification of future trail opportunities in particular regional links which are consistent with the existing trail and open space network and the broader transport network,
+ Identification of minimum standards in relation to trail design, maintenance and signage,
+ Ensuring that the trail network is consistent with proposed regional strategies and Council’s Planning Scheme objectives,
+ Preparation of maps of existing and proposed trails in the Shire to a scale of 1:50,000.
+ Determination of a prioritised and staged series of trails in Crows Nest Shire.

Eight specific projects are recommended in this Trails Master Plan.

a) Mountain Bike Mecca – 8 Great Mountain Bike Trails of the Crows Nest Shire:

Assessment, selection and development of 8 great short mountain bike rides, focussing largely on State Forest management tracks, and quiet rural back roads, and catering primarily to the cross country and family-oriented off-road cyclist (see user profiles).

b) Local Trails Enhancement Program:

This project involves upgrading existing walk trails to bring them up to recognised and consistent standards. Work may include surfacing, steps, erosion control and furniture. Signage may be required, including trailhead, directional, promotional and interpretive along with promotional signage, mapping and brochures.

c) Lakes, Lookouts and Legends – 10 Great Short Walks of the Crows Nest Shire:

This project involves the identification and development of a series of short walks focussing on ‘lakes, lookouts and legends’ of the Crows Nest Shire. Many of these trail experiences already exist – they simply need upgrading and ‘packaging’ – some will need construction. The project is modelled on the highly successful “60 Great Short Walks” program of Tasmania.

d) Canoe Trails Program:

This project involves preparation of development plans for canoe trails, and emerging area of activity and interest, on Cooby and Cressbrook Dams. Plans would determine landing points and route, interpretation, development of infrastructure and provide cost estimates.

e) Escarpment Escape:

Feasibility study of the long term plan to link Crows Nest and Toowoomba via a walk trail along the escarpment. Study would review potential alignments and linkages to towns.

f) Bicentennial National Trail: Review of Alignment, Focus and Functionality:

A State-level project designed to enhance the appeal of the Bicentennial National Trail, a prospective icon which currently does not live up to its potential. The project should review the focus and function of the trail, in addition to seeking better route alignments, links to towns (such as Crows Nest) and opportunities for infrastructure improvements (especially signposting).

g) Horse Heaven – Horse Riding Trails of the Crows Nest Shire:

This project involves the development, packaging and promotion of a series of bridle trails of the Crows Nest Shire. Many of these trail experiences already exist – they simply need signposting, upgrading and ‘packaging’.

h) Information Collation and Dissemination Program:

Trails are either currently available for all three user groups or will be developed or upgraded through the programs set out above, When in place, they will need to be better promoted. This is best achieved through a concerted effort at compiling information, and publishing it in the form of simple but aesthetically-pleasing brochures/maps. The first priority should be the Mountain Bike Mecca brochure/maps.

Already the Queensland and Northern Territory segments of the Savannah Way have been developed, and signposting of the route is well established. The completion of site development and signage for the Western Australian segment will make the entire tourist drive complete – though ongoing enhancements will inevitably occur in the coming years.

A Steering Committee comprised of representatives of relevant stakeholder groups, including State and local government, and business organisations, was established to oversee the development of the Savannah Way project within Western Australia. This group provided important guidance and direction on the range possible sites that might be included on the Savannah Way. In addition, a Questionnaire Survey was distributed to an extensive list of stakeholders throughout the Kimberley. The input received from these organisations and individuals helped in the compiling of the initial list of possible interpretive sites and stories.

Additional consultation along the route with stakeholder groups (including local government representatives, tourist/visitor information centres, representatives of indigenous groups and communities and various other individuals) also contributed to the eventual refinement of a long list of possible sites down to those which are included in the report.

The Interpretation and Presentation Plan contains the following:

1. Notes on the 23 recommended sites (15 ‘between town’ sites and 6”in-town’ sites), the suggested interpretive themes and suggested stories to be told at each of those sites.

2. 23 site (or ‘presentation’) plans, which illustrate the layout of the recommended site, the extent of existing development or infrastructure at the site, and recommended works at the site, and the suggested location for installation of the interpretive panel.

3. 35 ‘site assessment sheets’, which were used to compare the range of possible sites along the Savannah Way between Broome and the WA/NT border.

4. A detailed ‘sign log’, which provides information on the directional signage required along the route to enable tourists to follow the correct route to each site.

5. A ‘route map’ or ‘orientation plan’ which shows the route diagrammatically, the towns along the route, the recommended interpretive sites, and distances between sites and towns.

Moyne Shire has the potential to complement its open space reserves with a Rail Trail along the former rail line running approximately 30-kilometres from Port Fairy to Dennington, via Koroit. Rail Trails are becoming increasingly popular tourist attractions and in many cases are providing an economic boost to the communities where they have been developed. The project brief called for the conduct of an independent, objective, and comprehensive feasibility study into the development of a Rail Trail on the disused rail line passing through natural and farm land environments from Port Fairy to Dennington, via Koroit, and if proven feasible, provision of a thorough exploration of long-term management options for the facility.

This study is an initiative of Moyne Shire Council and proposes strategies for the trail’s implementation and subsequent long-term management. The study also provides guidance and direction to Council in terms of whether or not to progress the Rail Trail project.

Project Objectives:

+ To determine the feasibility of developing a Rail Trail on the proposed disused rail section
+ To assess the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the Rail Trail’s development
+ To gauge current community support levels for the Rail Trail concept
+ To produce a comprehensive audit of works and full cost-analysis of the development of the Rail Trail route, including possible staged development, recommendations and priorities
+ To determine if a Rail Trail will fill existing gaps in the provision of public open space in the municipality
+ To provide strategic direction to Council for the development and ongoing management and maintenance of the proposed Rail Trail, including possible staged development, funding options, recommendations and priorities
+ To make recommendations to ensure full and proper integration of the Rail Trail into the public open space recreational and environment and conservation strategies of Council e.g. bicycle strategy, walking trails, recreation study, coastal action plan, conservation plan.

+ Develop a Vision statement that succinctly sets out Council’s and the community’s desire for the orderly and progressive establishment of a trails network within the Shire.
+ An analysis of existing trails including their purpose, general condition and use.

A major component of the Wongan Ballidu Trails Master Plan was determining works required to enhance existing trails.

+ A major component of the Wongan Ballidu Trails Master Plan was determining works required to enhance existing trails.
+ Identify potential trails while having due regard for other land owners such as adjoining local governments and land managed by CALM and the DPI.
+ Map trails within the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu.
+ Undertake a trail ‘gap analysis’.
+ Provide preliminary cost estimates and priorities for upgrading of existing trails and development of any proposed new trails.
+ Identify management priorities and funding opportunities for trail development.
+ Undertake community consultation.
+ Identify management and maintenance issues associated with existing trails and the development of new trails including linking known or new walk trails with drive trails.
+ Make recommendations and provide advice on marketing and promotion of the Shire’s trails network, including trail themes, trail brochures or trail guide books, and other collateral.
+ Make recommendations on matters that could be interpreted along each of the existing and proposed trails.
+ Provide guidance on trail signage, including directional markers, promotional signage, warning and advisory signage.
+ Develop guidelines for the development of interpretative information and signage styles on existing and future trails.
+ Provide guidance on ways to link the existing and proposed trails, including the option of drive trails, and through promotional materials.

+ Review the outcomes of Trails Master Plan – Stage 1 and determine a core group of 3 trails for further development;
+ Determine the most appropriate route for each trail;
+ Identify and address issues pertaining to land ownership and title;
+ Identify and address environmental issues;
+ Provide linkages to existing and potential trails identified within the Trails Master Plan – Stage 1;
+ Provide appropriate methods of design and construction, including the most appropriate method of providing for supporting infrastructure;
+ Provide a cost plan with an itemised cost for the construction of each proposed trail and required supporting infrastructure;
+ Provide final staging of works associated with the implementation of the identified trails;
+ Provide management regimes for the selected trails;
+ Provide signage and marketing strategies;
+ Identify tourism potential and strategies to link trail themes, tourism and eco-tourism opportunities with precinct areas;
+ Identify available funding options; and
+ Develop community partnerships

Based on the detailed assessment undertaken, the three trails that were recommended for further trail development work were:

+ Yaberoo-Budjara Heritage Trail. This project involved a detailed examination of an existing 30km walk trail between Joondalup and Yanchep National Park through Neerabup National Park, and making recommendations on a range of improvements and enhancements that would make the trail a more enjoyable, safer and rewarding experience. The detailed and costed work schedules include a wide range of improvements including improved signage (directional, warning, promotional, user etiquette, etc), trail surface upgrading; route realignment, road crossing treatments, interpretation, a mid-point campsite and shelter, trailhead development, interpretation, links to other trails, promotion and marketing.
+ Lake Joondalup Circuit Trail. The pathway around Lake Joondalup is about 90% complete. This project examined what was required to complete the missing links to provide an uninterrupted circuit trail around the lake. The improvements to the 15km circuit trail include the construction of asphalt paths (“missing links”), fencing, drainage, interpretation, rest areas (“comfort stops”) and distance/directional signage.
Equestrian Trail through Gnangara Park. This project involved determining the best route for a new 90km bridle trail through the pine plantations and state forests of Gnangara Park. The detailed and costed work schedules provide information on suggested trailhead locations, watering points, access control, trail surface requirements, trail directional signposting, road crossing treatments, interpretation, etc.

The project continues upgrading of the former Eastern Railway formation from Wooroloo (at the termination of the Shire of Mundaring’s Railway Reserves Heritage Trail) and involves a substantial upgrading to part of the existing Farming Heritage Trail, located within the Shire of Northam.

The major task in the Kep Track Upgrade Project Management was determining where improvements to the existing trail surface was required.The role of Transplan Pty Ltd is to design and document the final route and scope of works to upgrade the Kep Track between Wooroloo and Trimmer Rd, Northam. The scope also includes tendering the construction works to achieve a price within the National Trust’s budget.

The primary elements of this project are:

+ Design and document trail route
+ research land ownership along the proposed trail route
+ obtain all necessary permits and approvals for land use along the proposed trail route including permission to enter private of government property (eg Water Corporation land)
+ propose any necessary modifications to the proposed trail route
+ consult with stakeholders to obtain final approval for the trail route
+ document all necessary elements of construction suitable for pricing purposes
+ Obtain a fixed price construction fee based on final accepted documentation
+ Negotiate a final price to meet the agreed budget for works.

Trail construction is expected to be a long term project, to be implemented over ten years. The project brief recognises that some of the proposed trail may not be on Council controlled land or other public land and is seeking recommendations on options for trail routing in accordance with the Integrated Planning Act and the Caloundra City Plan. We are also providing advice on other practical solutions to this issue (such as routing the trail away from the river in places).

The trail planning study includes a review of the concerns of neighboring landowners, and devises solutions to issues raised. The study will identify ways to improve the visual amenity of the corridor through appropriate re-vegetation and landscaping where appropriate, screening to protect the privacy of nearby residences and access to the river for stock.

In October 2002 Council completed the Recreational Links and Trails Strategy. The Strategy was developed as a guide to enhance the quality of life and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors and to guide the provision of recreational experiences on a wide range of non-motorised trails across this city.

The need for this Master Plan arose from a need to take this strategy toward implementation. The master plan examines the recommended trail and links and Council’s adopted Prioritisation criteria and develops priority trails for implementation.

The Trails and Links Master Plan will provide Council with directions for the future implementation of the strategy and guidelines on infrastructure development. It will also provide concepts for the future development of trails and links throughout Caloundra City. The Master Plan will ensure these will be developed in a rational and cost effective manner, with forward planning requirements earmarked to enable a smooth implementation process.

It will develop a priority list for implementation of the Signature and District trails of the strategy, based on the adopted assessment criteria. It will examine the issues required to complete each section of the strategy, both physical, such as crossings, and organisational such as tenure. The master plan will provide a broad costing for each trail or link. The Master Plan will also develop guidelines for the provision of trails on private lands where there are no other options on public land.

In 2004, Crows Nest Shire Council (with funding support from Sport and Recreation Queensland) completed the Crows Nest Shire Trails Master Plan to develop a strategy for the future development and maintenance of a multi-purpose integrated network of recreational trails throughout Crows Nest Shire. Council unanimously endorsed the Crows Nest Trails Master Plan in June 2004.

Crows Nest Shire Council is now proceeding with the next step of providing trails for the community by preparing trail development plans that will provide the required detail for planning, development and construction of new trails. These plans will guide the implementation and long-term management options for the two packages of trails:
Lakes, Lookouts and Legends – 10 Great Short Walks of the Crows Nest Shire. This project involves the identification and development of a series of short walks focusing on ‘lakes, lookouts and legends’ of the Crows Nest Shire. While some of these trail experiences have already been identified and need upgrading and ‘packaging’ – others need to be designed and constructed. It is anticipated that implementing and constructing these trails would proceed in the following year.
Canoe Trails Program. This project involves preparation of development plans for canoe trails, an emerging area of activity and interest, on Cooby and Cressbrook Dams. Plans will determine landing points and route, interpretation, infrastructure requirements and provide cost estimates.

This study aims to assess the feasibility of a continuous linear shared pedestrian/cycling trail circumnavigating Barwon Heads and promoting linkages through the township. If feasible the study will make recommendations as to how it may be achieved and proposing strategies for the trail’s implementation and subsequent long-term management. The study will provide guidance and direction to Council and the project partners as to whether to progress the Round the Heads Trail project.

The objectives for the project are:

+ To assess the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the Trail’s development.
+ To gauge current levels of community support for the Round the Heads Trail concept.
+ To produce a comprehensive audit of works and full cost-analysis of the development of the Round the Heads Trail route, including possible staged development, recommendations and priorities
+ To assess any impacts on native vegetation as a result of possible path alignments including associated construction works, in accordance with Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Framework (DSE 2002)
+ To provide strategic direction to the project partners for the ongoing management and maintenance of the proposed Trail.
+ To make recommendations to ensure full and proper integration of the Trail into existing public open space, on and off road trails, coastal networks and other important community, residential and commercial nodes.
+ To ensure any recommendations integrate with existing strategies and studies related to the area.

The plan is to include:

+ An overall Trails Master Plan for the Kwinana area
+ A development plan for the construction of the Kwinana Tramway Nature Trail
+ A development plan for identified linkages possibly including the Kwinana Greenbelt Loop.

Developing the Trails Master plan will involve ground truthing the location of the trails, extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders including property owners, the community, the Department of Conservation and Land Management, other local government authorities and state government. The development plan will be staged over a 5 year period and will provide detailed costings for the development of the trails and loop.

The purpose of the Management Plan is to:

+ Identify the original track as per celebratory rides / historical stock movements, Indigenous routes and the link with water holes and other significant sites.
+ Identify types of land ownership along the trail i.e. freehold, leasehold, crown land and managers of such land i.e. individuals, CALM, Local Government etc.
+ Identify constraints and management practices required to ensure the future development of a continuous trail.
+ Identify those areas subject to Native Title claim/s including the status of such claim/s.
+ Identify potential offshoot routes / loops that either currently exist or have the potential to be developed.
+ Identify Aboriginal sites of significance and restrictions regarding access (if any).
+ Identify possible trail designs, costs and provide a prioritised development timetable using the Australian Track Standards.
+ Identify support facilities, including standards, required for all user groups transcending the whole or sections of the trail and existing or potential loops (an audit of existing facilities will be required).
+ To provide estimated costings of providing such facilities in a prioritised order over a five (5) year period.
+ Identify possible nodal tourism development sites including types of development.
+ Identify the possible location of and type of interpretive signage required.
+ Identify possible funding sources for the implementation of the strategy that covers track construction, provisions of facilities, interpretive signage, additional study areas to be undertaken and progressive marketing / promotion of the trail as it is developed.
+ Provide suggestions with regard to sustainable maintenance and marketing of the track. This should include Memorandum of Understanding with Local Government authorities, CALM along similar lines to the Golden Pipeline and Outback Pathways projects and private and lessee landholders.
+ Provide a Risk Management Policy.
+ Provide a suggested system of Governance with specific strategies for collaboration across multiple Local Governments.
+ Provide a User Policy using the Bibbulmun and Munda Biddi track policies as a guide.