Potential Regional Cycling and Walking Trails in Moira Shire 16/08/13

About this document Contents This is the report of an investigation of potential regional cycling and walking trails in Moira Shire. Executive Summary ...... 2

This document presents the key issues and 1. Introduction ...... 4 opportunities for the provision of regional trails 2. Benefits of trails ...... 6 with regard to the location of the Shire, visitor 3. Context ...... 8 attractions and potential users. 4. Identification and assessment of Acknowledgments potential regional trails ...... 13

@leisure acknowledges the contribution made by 5. General issues relating to trails ...... 26 staff of Moira Shire Council, particularly Lonnie 6. The way forward ...... 32  All rights reserved. O’Dwyer and Geoff Hay (Economic Development), 7. Action Plan ...... 35 No part of this publication may be and a range of stakeholders in providing reproduced, stored in a retrieval information and comments that have 8. Appendices ...... 37 system or transmitted in any form, contributed to this report. by any means, without the prior written permission of Moira Shire Council and @leisure

Rear 534 Mt Alexander Rd Ascot Vale Vic 3032 P: 03 9326 1662 E: [email protected] www.atleisure.com.au

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 1 16/08/13 Moira Shire’s tourism sector is a major driving Potential regional trails Executive Summary force in the Shire’s economy, as it is relatively large, has strong linkages in the local economy, Trails offer a range of benefits to individuals, and earns a substantial proportion of its income communities and the environment. These Context from outside the Shire. include promotion of physical and social health and wellbeing opportunities, education about The purpose of this project is to determine the Tourism also provides qualitative benefits to the natural and cultural environments, and economic potential for cycling and walking trails in Moira Shire in terms of enhancing the attractiveness of returns to local communities. Shire that can enhance the visitor experience to the Shire as a place to live in the provision of There are a number of regional communities in the Shire and provide additional activities for enhanced recreational activities, entertainment, Australia who have significantly benefitted from local residents. eating-out and the appealing qualities of the built environment. the establishment of regional trails. The key attractions of Moira Shire are centred on The Shire also has connections with trails, Whilst there are numerous walking and cycling the Murray River and based on natural features. trails that have been developed or are informally These include: attractions or recreational activities in adjoining municipalities, including: used in Moira Shire, none are considered to have ■ National Park regional significance. ■ Rutherglen area ■ Lake Mulwala The Murray Valley Trail was proposed in the ■ Murray to Mountains Rail Trail ■ A multitude of beaches along the river, Victorian Trail Strategy 2005-2010 to be a multi- particularly between and ■ Echuca use trail along the length of the Murray River. Yarrawonga ■ Ovens Valley area This will extend 1,800km from the mountains in ■ The confluence of the Ovens River with the ■ King Valley area northeast Victoria to the mouth in South Australia. Murray River (at Bundalong) ■ Dookie and Mt Major Fourteen potential regional trails were ■ Other State forests and park reserves along ■ Benalla the river. investigated as part of this project. A two-stage ■ Shepparton approach was used to assess potential trails. Most visitors to the Shire are principally attracted ■ Wangaratta Stage 1 determined the regional significance of a by water-based recreation opportunities such as potential trail and Stage 2 determined its priority boating, fishing, camping and kayaking / ■ New South Wales border towns of Barooga, for construction. canoeing. Mulwala and ■ Ned Kelly Touring Route.

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 2 16/08/13 General issues relating to trails The lower priority trails along the Murray River Key findings are: The success of a regional trail in Moira Shire will depend on the establishment of ongoing Analysis has found a number of potential cycling a) Bundalong to Wahgunyah (approximately partnerships between relevant stakeholders to and walking trail routes in Moira Shire that could 30km), and connecting with the Murray to coordinate trail related activities and ensure be regionally significant. These largely follow the Mountains Rail Trail and Rutherglen trails can be funded, promoted, serviced and Murray River, which is the primary attraction in b) Tocumwal to Barmah (approximately 66km) maintained. the area. Maps 3-5 illustrate these trails. c) Barmah to Echuca (approximately 30km). Trails must be well-designed and maintained. The highest priority trail should be Cobram to There are also opportunities to create circuit Adequate facilities also should support users at Yarrawonga. This would be approximately 40km trails and different user experiences, including: in length. It is proposed that different reaches of trail heads and along the route. a) Along the Ovens River from Bundalong to the trail be developed to provide for a range of Wangaratta A high quality visitor experience will help assure users and user experiences. return visits and longer stays. This in turn will b) Along Broken Creek from Barmah to contribute more to the local economy. The medium priority trails are: (via Nathalia, and a) Yarrawonga to Bundalong (approximately The majority of the preferred trail routes can be ) 20km) located on existing public land, such as foreshore c) Along rail corridors between Yarrawonga areas, road reserves and railway corridors. In b) Cobram to Tocumwal (approximately 19km, and Benalla (via Tungamah), Katamatite and some sections, however, the preferred routes with a potential side loop to ). Shepparton (via Dookie), and Numurkah pass through private land. The long-term desirable outcome is a continuous and (via Nathalia). Regional trails need to be supported by quality cycle and walking trail along the Murray River A number of other actions are also on-site and off-site information. This is required between the tourist areas of Rutherglen and recommended to improve opportunities to for strategic planning, asset management, Echuca, as well as the Murray to Mountains Rail establish regional cycling and walking trails in the promotion, and user choice and safety. Trail. This route also provides connections to the Shire and address current issues. These can be major attractions and visitor services in Moira found in Section 7. Shire.

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 3 16/08/13 1. Introduction Methods

Purpose of report Definitions Literature review The purpose of this report is to determine the In this report, a regional trail is a defined as: This report has been produced following the potential for cycling and walking trails in Moira review of the following documents: Shire that can enhance the visitor experience to ■ a terrestrial path, route or track that has ■ Moira Shire Cycling and Walking Strategy the Shire and provide additional activities for significance and/or connections beyond the (2005) local residents. Moira Shire and which is used by residents and visitors for non-motorised recreation. ■ Moira Shire Economic Development The project objectives are: This project focuses on trails to accommodate Strategy 2008-2013 ■ Undertake a comprehensive audit of the walking and cycling (including mountain biking), ■ Moira Shire Council Plan 2009-2013 existing and identified potential regional however these trails may also be used for other trails within the Moira Shire including those ■ Moira Shire Strategic Resource Plan 2008- recreation activities such as skating, dog walking, that intersect with other Shire boundaries 2018 or, where appropriate, equestrian activities. ■ Moira Shire Economic Profile 2013 ■ Provide comprehensive mapping of these People may also use them with mobility aids such trails as wheelchairs and motorised scooters. ■ 2011/12 Regional Tourism Profiles ■ Victorian Trail Strategy 2005-2010 ■ Classify existing and potential regional trails This report primarily considers off-road trails, throughout the Shire which are provided in a road verge or other ■ North East Victoria Tourism Board Industry ■ Prioritise potential trail tourism, economic public land. Footpaths and on-road bicycle routes Sector Plan – Cycle and social values may, however, be a consideration in providing ■ Cobram Strategy Plan (2007) ■ Consider the implications of regional trails regional walking and cycling trails where off-road ■ Yarrawonga Growth Management Strategy passing through private land trails are not feasible due to site constraints. (2008) ■ Provide indicative costs to develop trails ■ Yarrawonga to Bundalong Foreshore Master ■ Prepare a report that contains the above Plan (2008) information. ■ Yarrawonga Strategy (2004) The outcomes of this project will support any ■ Yarrawonga Urban Design Framework future regional trail projects in the Shire. (2000)

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 4 16/08/13 ■ Community Action Plans for Barmah, Bearii, Tourism / business groups: Evaluation of potential routes Bundalong, , Cobram, ■ Tourism North East Invergordon, , Katamatite, Fourteen potential trails were investigated as , Koonoomoo, , , ■ Sun Country on the Murray part of this project. These were identified from , Nathalia, Numurkah, Picola, St ■ Tourist Information Centres – Cobram and review of previous studies, stakeholder James, , Tungamah, , Yarrawonga consultation and site inspections. Descriptions of Wilby, , Yarrawonga and ■ Yarrawonga Mulwala Chamber of these routes are provided in Section 4.1. (2011-2013). Commerce The method for evaluation of potential routes is ■ Cobram Barooga Business and Tourism outlined in Section 4.2. Site inspections Development Two days were spent inspecting existing and ■ Numurkah Chamber of Commerce potential trails. ■ Cobram Barooga Golf Resort. Stakeholder engagement Trail user groups: ■ Bicycle Network Victoria Telephone interviews were conducted with ■ Cobram Barooga Cycle Club representatives from the following organisations: ■ Artavilla Emporium Bike Shop Moira Council staff: ■ Hume Riding Develops Abilities ■ Staff from planning, recreation, community ■ Mulwala Waterski Club. development, assets and operations sections of the Council. State agencies: Neighbouring Councils: ■ Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority ■ Greater Shepparton City Council ■ Goulburn-Murray Water ■ Benalla Shire Council ■ Parks Victoria ■ Rural City of Wangaratta ■ Cobram District Community Health Centre ■ Campaspe Shire Council ■ Community Vibe (consultant for the Hume ■ Berrigan Shire Council. Regional Tracks and Trails Strategy). Notes from those interviews were provided to Council on 18 April 2013.

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 5 16/08/13 ■ Choices for people to gain access to an 2. Benefits of trails active lifestyle at low cost Protection and promotion of natural ■ Affordable and accessible connections to and cultural heritage towns and associated community facilities Benefits of trails include: Trails offer a range of benefits to individuals, and services communities and the environment. These ■ Promotion of and increased opportunities ■ Opportunities to increase accessibility and include promotion of physical and social health to experience and appreciate valuable exposure of smaller rural townships and wellbeing opportunities, education about environmental and cultural heritage natural and cultural environments, and economic ■ Promotion of exercise, independence and features and character self-confidence in children, as well as returns to local communities. ■ Provision of trails that support green’ enhancement of way-finding skills and recreation activities and that can have safety awareness Individual and community social health minimal impact on the environment, as and wellbeing ■ Developing and fostering partnerships compared to motorised recreation and between landowners, local government, road-based activities Benefits of off-road trails include: community and user groups. Involving ■ Planned trail design, landscaping and communities in the construction of trails ■ Provision of a diversity of recreational habitat protection or enhancement during can provide social capital and personal activities for a range of users, regardless of construction, and management can reduce benefits through volunteerism and a sense age or ability. Trail activities, such as fragmentation and incremental degradation of achievement, as well as helping walking, cycling, dog walking and running of the natural environment and cultural contribute to the equitable distribution of are the most common physical activity features through uncontrolled use, and resources amongst communities. participated in by people over 15 years of manage access to sensitive areas age ■ Reusing and maintaining existing ■ A broad range of health benefits from infrastructure such as tracks along river cycling and walking, including improved corridors and disused rail corridors. coordination, muscle tone improvement, lower risk of heart disease and higher energy levels ■ Provision of safe settings for undertaking individual or group activities, including opportunities for social interaction ■ Opportunities for communities to connect through recreation and tourism

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 6 16/08/13

Economic Benefits Economic benefits of trails can include: As an example of the economic benefits of trails, ■ Increasing numbers of visitors and resultant a study in 2009 found that bike riders on the expenditure in smaller rural communities Murray to Mountain Rail Trail in north-eastern surrounding trails Victoria spent an average of $244/day compared to the $159/day average spend of other ■ Local employment opportunities and 1 increased income through the provision of travellers in the region . facilities and services such as food, In 2006, research found that the 8,500 bike riders accommodation, transport, equipment, who rode on this trail over the Easter weekend entertainment and guided tourism products brought $2.3m to the local economy and created 2 ■ Flow-on economic benefits to the health, the equivalent of 21 full-time jobs . tourism, retail and transport sectors ■ Creating business partnership opportunities through packaging of services and cooperative relationships ■ Reducing community health costs through active community participation and time spent outdoors ■ Opportunities to attract or develop major sporting or recreation events such as triathlon, cycling or multisports. This includes expanding current events such as Yarrawonga Triathlon, Splash ‘n’ Dash or Cycle Salute, and Charity walk-runs ■ Stimulation of local employment opportunities related to trail construction and maintenance 1 Cycling in Regional Communities: A Longitudinal Study of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, Victoria, Australia (S. ■ Boosting property values near trails. Beeton; 2009) 2 Regional Communities and Cycling: The case of the Murray to Mountains Rail trail, Victoria, Australia (S.Beeton; 2006)

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 7 16/08/13

More than two-thirds of the Shire is used for Tourism 3. Context agriculture. Other rural land uses include horticulture and viticulture, with the region being Moira Shire's tourism sector has strong linkages a major fruit, dairying and beef district. in the local economy, and earns a substantial 3.1 Moira Shire Moira Shire’s tourism sector is a major driving proportion of its income from outside the Shire. force in the Shire’s economy (otherwise known It is estimated that the tourism sector as a ‘propulsive’ sector), as it is relatively large, contributed the following to the economy of Physical context has strong linkages in the local economy, and Moira Shire4: earns a substantial proportion of its income from Moira Shire is located on the southern banks of outside the Shire. ■ Is the ninth largest sector in the Shire’s the Murray River, bordering New South Wales. It economy by output with $85.3m worth of is about 250km from Melbourne. The Shire Population output (3.2% of total output) and $37.3m of encompasses a total land area of 4,057km2, added value (3.6% of total value added) which is predominantly rural. The main In 2011, the population of Moira Shire was ■ Attracted visitation of 475,000 domestic townships are Cobram, Numurkah, Yarrawonga 31,126. This is projected to rise to approximately 3 visitors in the year to September 2012, of and Nathalia, and there are also several smaller 39,900 by 2031 . The population of the Shire is which nearly 60% were overnight visitors. townships. aging – in 2011 approximately 29% of the Visitors spent 1.04 million nights in the Shire, population was aged over 60 and by 2031 this is The Shire is bounded by Corowa, Berrigan and with an average stay of 3.8 nights. projected to increase to over 35%. There are also Murray Shires (NSW) in the north and west, Expenditure per visitor was $428 and $74 high proportions of people aged under 15 and Indigo Shire and the Rural City of Wangaratta in for overnight stays and daytrips respectively 35-49 years. the east, and Benalla Rural City, the City of ■ Is responsible for generating 510 direct jobs, Greater Shepparton and the Shire of Campaspe which account for 4.2% of the total jobs in in the south. the Moira Shire. The Shire is located on the alluvial floodplains of the Murray, Goulburn and Ovens Rivers. The natural systems of these rivers are the core natural assets of the Shire providing fertile farming land, a desirable tourist attraction and important habitat for native species and ecosystem services.

4 Moira Shire Economic Profile 2013 (Moira Shire Council; 3 i.d. Population Forecasts for Moira Shire (Profile i.d.) March 2013)

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 8 16/08/13 When considering the wider area along the One-or two-day walking or cycling loops around Murray River5, tourism in 2011/12 had the 3.2 Visitor attractions key towns using existing trails are considered following economic attributes: most likely to attract significant usage. ■ $754m expenditure from domestic visitors, The key attractions of Moira Shire are centred on The Murray Darling Association is currently of which 75% was from those staying at the Murray River and based on natural features. managing the project, and it was proposed that it least one night These include: be developed between 2002 and 2012. ■ Nearly 3.5 million visitors, consisting of 1.9 ■ Barmah National Park Other attractions in the Shire identified by million for domestic day, 1.57 million for ■ Lake Mulwala stakeholders include: domestic overnight and 30,000 for ■ A multitude of beaches along the river, ■ Waterways and wetlands, such as Broken international particularly between Cobram and Creek, Broken-Boosey State Park and ■ 4.75 million nights for domestic overnight Yarrawonga (approximately 90 beaches, Kinnairds Wetlands, Ovens River and the visitors and 581,000 nights for international including Thompsons Beach at Cobram) Lower Goulburn River visitors ■ The confluence of the Ovens River with the ■ The country / rural character ■ Average stay – 3 nights per domestic Murray River (at Bundalong) ■ The flat terrain of the area overnight visitor and 19 nights for each ■ Other State forests and park reserves along ■ The sand hills and trees along the Murray international visitor the river. Valley Highway ■ Expenditure per visitor was $362 and $99 ■ Golf courses, particularly around Cobram for overnight stays and daytrips respectively Most visitors to the Shire are principally attracted by water-based recreation opportunities such as and Yarrawonga Tourism also provides qualitative benefits to the boating, fishing, camping and kayaking / ■ Disused railway lines Shire in terms of enhancing the attractiveness of canoeing. the Shire as a place to live in the provision of ■ Rural townships. Many townships, such as enhanced recreational activities, entertainment, The Murray Valley Trail was proposed in the Numurkah, Barmah and Nathalia, have eating-out and the appealing qualities of the built Victorian Trail Strategy 2005-2010 to be a multi- interesting local histories, character and environment. use trail along the length of the Murray River. buildings. Main streets are generally the This will extend 1,800km from the mountains in focal points of the towns, with community northeast Victoria to the mouth in South facilities, pubs, eateries and parks Australia. ■ The different landscape towards Dookie. The Murray Valley Trail will link the 109 existing 5 This area is a combination of The Murray Region of New Key visitor attractions are shown on Map 1. South Wales and the Central Murray region of Victoria trails along the Murray River, and will be (Campaspe and Moira Shires). Tourism data has been accessible by car, bicycle and foot. sourced from the 2011/12 Regional Tourism Profiles (Tourism Research Australia; Canberra)

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 9 16/08/13 o A circuit along Mookarii Street, 3.4 Issues and opportunities of 3.3 Existing trails Broadway Street Murray Valley Highway and Campbell Road potential cross-boundary trail There are numerous walking and cycling trails ■ A shared off-road trail from Cobram to connections that have been developed or are informally used Barooga, along Mookarii Street / Vermont in Moira Shire. None are considered to have Street. There are connecting tracks to the There are several opportunities to connect with regional significance. Existing trails include: Murray River, including to Thompsons trails, attractions or recreational activities in Beach / GJ Kennedy Park ■ Yarrawonga to Bundalong, either via the adjoining municipalities. These include: ■ numerous informal tracks along the Murray Cobram to Tocumwal, either via informal ■ The major tourist area of Rutherglen (Indigo River (some of which are used for vehicle tracks along the Murray River or along Shire), which includes historical townships, access to the river) or along the Murray roadsides via Koonoomoo tourist attractions, recreation facilities, Valley Highway ■ Cobram to Yarrawonga, either via the wineries, fresh produce, the Murray to ■ Within Yarrawonga township, including: numerous informal tracks along the Murray Mountains Rail Trail and some on-road cycle River (some of which are used for vehicle o Along the foreshore of Lake Mulwala routes. The township provides services and access to the river) or along River Road / from the skate park to Chinamans facilities for visitors. This area has Murray Valley Highway Island. This trail is proposed to be connections with Moira Shire via the extended east to Hogans Road through ■ Numerous informal tracks within Barmah Murray Valley Highway and the Murray the Silverwood Golf Course National Park (some of which are used for River corridor development vehicle access to the Murray River) ■ Echuca (Campaspe Shire), which is a major o Within Yarrawonga Regional Park along ■ A shared pathway within Numurkah tourist centre based on the Murray River. the Murray River, from Yarrawonga township, along Broken Creek to Kinnairds This township has connections with Moira Holiday Park to Chinamans Bend Wetland including around Lake Numurkah Shire via the Murray Valley Highway and the Murray River corridor (including Barmah o From South Road to James Lillis Drive ■ Walking tracks along sections of Broken and back along Benalla-Yarrawonga Creek between Tungamah and Nathalia, National Park) Road within Broken-Boosey State Park ■ The Ovens Valley area extends south east from Wangaratta and includes the major ■ Within Cobram township, including: ■ Sealed walking trail along the Broken Creek tourist towns of Bright and Beechworth, as o To Island levee bank in Nathalia well as other historical towns, the Murray to Along River Road to Quinn Island and o The key existing trails in the Shire are shown on Mountains Rail Trail, and fresh produce and around the island Map 1. wineries

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 10 16/08/13 ■ The King Valley area extends south to south ■ Shepparton (City of Greater Shepparton) – ■ The New South Wales border towns of east from Wangaratta, and includes the township includes tourist attractions, Barooga (Berrigan Shire), Mulwala (Corowa wineries, fresh produce and the Murray to recreation facilities and walking and cycling Shire) and Tocumwal (Berrigan Shire), which Mountains Rail Trail trails along the Goulburn River, and there include tourist attractions, recreation ■ Dookie (City of Greater Shepparton), are nearby historical towns, fresh produce, facilities, and services and facilities for including the Dookie Rail Trail, trail up Mt wineries and some on-road cycle routes visitors. The Murray River separates Major (the only mountain in the area) and (such as to Dookie, Nagambie and Tatura). Barooga and Mulwala from Cobram and wineries. This area has connections with The township provides services and facilities Yarrawonga respectively, whilst Tocumwal Moira Shire via local roads and the disused for visitors and cycle sports facilities such as has easy connections with Cobram and the rail corridor to Katamatite a velodrome and BMX racing track. This remainder of Moira Shire via the Goulburn area has connections with Moira Shire via Valley Highway, local roads and the Murray ■ Benalla (Rural City of Benalla) – the the Goulburn Valley Highway and the River corridor township includes tourist attractions, Goulburn River corridor recreation facilities and walking and cycling ■ The Ned Kelly Touring Route, which trails along Broken Creek, and there are the ■ Wangaratta (Rural City of Wangaratta) – the includes townships in northern Victoria such nearby Winton Wetlands, wineries and township includes tourist attractions and as Euroa, Benalla, Glenrowan, Wangaratta some on-road cycle routes. The township recreation facilities, and starting points to and Beechworth, as well as Jerilderie in provides services and facilities for visitors. the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and southern New South Wales. This area has connections with Moira Shire some on-road cycle routes. The township via Benalla-Tocumwal Road, Benalla- provides services and facilities for visitors, Yarrawonga Road, the Yarrawonga rail and cycle sports facilities including a corridor and the Broken Creek corridor velodrome. This area has connections with Moira Shire via Yarrawonga-Wangaratta Road and the Ovens River corridor

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 11

16/08/13 9. Route I: Yarrawonga to Benalla (Rural City Route A: Numurkah town centre to Kinnairds 4. Identification and of Benalla) via Tungamah Wetlands assessment of potential 10. Route J: Katamatite to Dookie (City of Greater Shepparton) ■ Type: Creek trail regional trails 11. Route K: Numurkah to Katamatite ■ Route: along Broken Creek corridor and 12. Route L: Cobram to Katamatite adjoining road reserves (if required) ■ Approximate length: 7.5km (circuit) 13. Route M: Cobram to Koonoomoo to ■ Degree of difficulty: easy 4.1 Potential regional trails Tocumwal (Berrigan Shire) ■ Potential activities: walking, cycling 14. Route N: Bundalong to Rutherglen (Indigo ■ Visitor attractions: Numurkah township, Shire) Fourteen potential trails were investigated as Broken Creek, Lake Numurkah, Kinnairds part of this project. These were identified from A brief description of each potential trail is Wetlands ■ User services: Numurkah review of previous studies, stakeholder provided below. These are shown on Map 2. ■ Potential mid-trip nodes: none consultation and site inspections. These potential ■ Potential connection/s to other route: Routes regionally significant trails are: B and K 1. Route A: Numurkah town centre to ■ Potential connections outside Shire: none Kinnairds Wetlands ■ Current status: existing local trail 2. Route B: Numurkah to Nathalia / Picola ■ Likely works required: minor upgrading trail surface, signage 3. Route C: Nathalia to Barmah / Barmah ■ Ecological sensitivity: low-moderate National Park (Dharnya Interpretation Centre) 4. Route D: Cobram to Barmah / Barmah National Park (Dharnya Interpretation Centre) via Tocumwal / Murray River 5. Route E: Cobram to Strathmerton via Yarroweyah 6. Route F: Cobram to Yarrawonga 7. Route G: Yarrawonga to Bundalong 8. Route H: Bundalong to Wangaratta (Rural City of Wangaratta)

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 13 16/08/13 Route C: Nathalia to Barmah / Barmah National Route D: Cobram to Barmah / Barmah National Route B: Numurkah to Nathalia / Picola Park (Dharnya Interpretation Centre) Park (Dharnya Interpretation Centre) via Tocumwal / Murray River ■ Type: Rail trail ■ Type: Creek trail ■ Route: along former railway reserve and/or ■ Route: along Shepparton-Barmah Road ■ Type: River trail adjoining road reserves (if required) ■ Approximate length: 32km (one-way) ■ Route: along Murray River corridor and/or ■ Approximate length: 22km (to Nathalia) or ■ Degree of difficulty: moderate adjoining road reserves (if required) 32km (to Picola) (one-way) ■ Potential activities: walking (all or part, ■ Approximate length: 85km (one-way) ■ Degree of difficulty: moderate depending on provision of overnight facilities ■ Degree of difficulty: challenging ■ Potential activities: walking (all or part, en route), cycling, equestrian (possibly in ■ Potential activities: walking (all or part, depending on provision of overnight facilities some sections) depending on provision of overnight facilities en route), cycling, equestrian (possibly in ■ Visitor attractions: Broken Creek, Barmah en route), mountain biking some sections) National Park, Barmah Forest Heritage & ■ Visitor attractions: Cobram township, Murray ■ Visitor attractions: Numurkah township, Education Centre, Dharnya Interpretation River, Barmah National Park, Dharnya Broken-Boosey State Park, Nathalia township, Centre Interpretation Centre, Barmah township Barmah Forest Heritage & Education Centre ■ Potential user services: Nathalia, Barmah ■ Potential user services: Cobram, Barmah (Nathalia) ■ Potential mid-trip nodes: Picola, several stops ■ Potential mid-trip nodes: several stops in ■ Potential user services: Numurkah, Nathalia on Broken Creek National Park / on river, such as ■ Potential mid-trip nodes: Waaia, Nathalia (if ■ Potential connections outside Shire: Echuca and The Gulf extended to Picola) (Campaspe Shire) ■ Potential connections outside Shire: Echuca ■ Potential connections outside Shire: none ■ Potential connection/s to other route: Routes (Campaspe Shire) ■ Potential connection/s to other route: Routes B and D ■ Potential connection/s to other route: Routes A, C and K ■ Current status: route currently marketed as C, E, F, L and M ■ Current status: community interest; likely rail the 'Broken Creek Drive' ■ Current status: various tracks within Barmah corridor has been leased to adjoining ■ Likely works required: full construction of trail, National Park / along Murray River; potentially landholders including minor earthworks and drainage, part of proposed Murray Valley Trail ■ Likely works required: full construction of trail, fencing, possible road / waterway crossings, ■ Likely works required: upgrading of existing including minor earthworks and drainage, mid-trip facilities and signage trails as required, mid-trip facilities and fencing, possible road / waterway crossings, ■ Ecological sensitivity: low-moderate signage mid-trip facilities and signage ■ Other comments: refer to tourist brochure ■ Ecological sensitivity: high ■ Ecological sensitivity: low ■ Other comments: if land along rail corridor cannot be secured, use road corridors

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 14 16/08/13 Route G: Yarrawonga to Bundalong Route E: Cobram to Strathmerton via Route F: Cobram to Yarrawonga Yarroweyah ■ Type: River trail ■ Type: River trail ■ Route: along Murray River corridor and/or ■ Type: Roadside trail ■ Route: along Murray River corridor and/or Murray Valley Highway (if required) ■ Route: along Murray Valley Highway Murray Valley Highway (if required) ■ Approximate length: 15km (one-way) ■ Approximate length: 16km (one-way) ■ Approximate length: 40km (one-way) ■ Degree of difficulty: moderate ■ Degree of difficulty: moderately easy ■ Degree of difficulty: moderate ■ Potential activities: walking (all or part), ■ Potential activities: walking, cycling, ■ Potential activities: walking (all or part, mountain biking, equestrian (possibly in some equestrian (possibly in some sections) depending on provision of overnight facilities sections) ■ Visitor attractions: Cobram township en route), cycling, mountain biking, equestrian ■ Visitor attractions: Yarrawonga township, ■ Potential user services: Cobram, Strathmerton (possibly in some sections) Murray River, Lake Mulwala, Chinamans ■ Potential mid-trip nodes: Yarroweyah ■ Visitor attractions: Cobram Regional Park, Island, Ovens River ■ Potential connections outside Shire: none Quinn Island, Yarrawonga Regional Park, Lake ■ Potential user services: Yarrawonga, ■ Potential connection/s to other route: Routes Mulwala, Chinamans Island, Byramine Bundalong M, F and L Homestead ■ Potential mid-trip nodes: several stops on ■ Current status: community interest ■ Potential user services: Cobram, Yarrawonga Murray River ■ Likely works required: full construction of trail, ■ Potential mid-trip nodes: Several stops on ■ Potential connections outside Shire: including minor earthworks and drainage, Murray River Rutherglen / Wahgunyah (Indigo Shire), fencing, possible road / waterway crossings, ■ Potential connections outside Shire: Corowa (Corowa Shire), Wangaratta (Rural end / mid trip facilities and signage Tocumwal (Berrigan Shire), Mulwala (Corowa City of Wangaratta) ■ Ecological sensitivity: low Shire) ■ Potential connection/s to other route: Routes ■ Potential connection/s to other route: Routes F, H, I and N D, E, G, I, L and M ■ Current status: the Yarrawonga to Bundalong ■ Current status: various tracks within along Foreshore Master Plan was completed in Murray River; potentially part of proposed 2008; provision of public land along lake / Murray Valley Trail river and trail being assessed as part of ■ Likely works required: upgrading of existing relevant developments; potentially part of trails and mid-trip facilities as required, and proposed Murray Valley Trail signage ■ Likely works required: upgrading of existing ■ Ecological sensitivity: moderate trails and mid-trip facilities as required, and ■ Other comments: if land along rail corridor signage cannot be secured, use road corridors ■ Ecological sensitivity: moderate ■ Other comments: if land along river corridor cannot be secured, use road corridors

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 15 16/08/13 Route H: Bundalong to Wangaratta (Rural City Route I: Yarrawonga to Benalla (Rural City of of Wangaratta) Benalla) via Tungamah Route J: Katamatite to Dookie (City of Greater Shepparton) ■ Type: River trail ■ Type: Rail trail ■ Route: along Ovens River corridor and/or ■ Route: along railway corridor ■ Type: Rail trail Yarrawonga-Wangaratta Road reserve (or ■ Approximate length: 56km (one-way) ■ Route: along disused railway corridor alternative roads if more suitable) (if required) ■ Degree of difficulty: Challenging ■ Approximate length: 32km (one-way) ■ Approximate length: 45km (one-way) ■ Potential activities: cycling, equestrian ■ Degree of difficulty: moderate ■ Degree of difficulty: moderately challenging (possibly) ■ Potential activities: cycling, equestrian ■ Potential activities: walking (all or part, ■ Visitor attractions: Yarrawonga township, (possibly) depending on provision of overnight facilities Tungamah township and historic buildings, ■ Visitor attractions: Dookie township en route), cycling, equestrian (possibly in Benalla township ■ Potential user services: Katamatite, Dookie some sections) ■ Potential user services: Yarrawonga, ■ Potential mid-trip nodes: , Yabba ■ Visitor attractions: Ovens River (including Tungamah, Devenish, Goorambat, Benalla North, confluence with Murray River), Warby Ovens ■ Potential mid-trip nodes: Telford, Tungamah, ■ Potential connections outside Shire: Dookie National Park, Wangaratta township St James, Devenish, Goorambat Rail Trail (City of Greater Shepparton) ■ Potential user services: Bundalong, ■ Potential connections outside Shire: Benalla ■ Potential connection/s to other route: Routes Wangaratta (Rural City of Benalla) K and L ■ Potential mid-trip nodes: several stops on ■ Potential connection/s to other route: Routes ■ Current status: Dookie Rail Trail extends to the Ovens River, such as Warby-Ovens National F and G boundary of Moira Shire; rail corridor may be Park (near Peechelba) ■ Current status: minimal investigation leased to adjoining landholders ■ Potential connections outside Shire: ■ Likely works required: Full construction of ■ Likely works required: full construction of trail, Wangaratta (Rural City of Wangaratta) trail, including minor earthworks and including minor earthworks and drainage, ■ Potential connection/s to other route: Routes drainage, fencing, possible road / waterway fencing, possible road / waterway crossings, F, G and N crossings, mid-trip facilities and signage mid-trip facilities and signage ■ Current status: minimal investigation ■ Ecological sensitivity: Low ■ Ecological sensitivity: low ■ Likely works required: full construction of trail, including minor earthworks and drainage, fencing, possible road / waterway crossings, mid-trip facilities and signage ■ Ecological sensitivity: moderate ■ Other comments: if land along river corridor cannot be secured, use road corridors

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 16 16/08/13

Route K: Numurkah to Katamatite Route L: Cobram to Katamatite Route M: Cobram to Koonoomoo to Tocumwal (Berrigan Shire) ■ Type: Creek trail ■ Type: Roadside trail ■ Route: along Broken Creek corridor and/or ■ Route: along Cobram South Road and Benalla- ■ Type: Roadside / river trail adjoining road reserves (if required) Tocumwal Road reserves, or alternative roads ■ Route: along Torgannah Road reserve and ■ Approximate length: 25km (one-way) if more suitable Murray River corridor. An alternative route ■ Degree of difficulty: moderate ■ Approximate length: 20km (one-way) (or circuit) could be along Koonoomoo- ■ Potential activities: walking, cycling, ■ Potential activities: cycling, equestrian Cobram Road and Goulburn Valley Highway equestrian (possibly in some sections) (possibly) ■ Approximate length: 19km (one-way) ■ Visitor attractions: Broken Creek, Broken- ■ Degree of difficulty: moderately easy ■ Degree of difficulty: moderately easy Boosey State Park, Kinnairds Wetland, Lake ■ Visitor attractions: Cobram township ■ Potential activities: walking (all or part, Numurkah, Numurkah township ■ Potential user services: Cobram, Katamatite depending on provision of overnight facilities ■ Potential user services: Numurkah, Katamatite ■ Potential mid-trip nodes: none en route), cycling, mountain biking, equestrian ■ Potential mid-trip nodes: several stops on ■ Potential connections outside Shire: none (possibly in some sections) Broken Creek ■ Potential connection/s to other route: Routes ■ Visitor attractions: Cobram township, The Big ■ Potential connections outside Shire: none D, E, F, J, K, L and M Strawberry, Koonoomoo Nature Reserve, ■ Potential connection/s to other route: Routes ■ Current status: some road cycling around Murray River, Tocumwal township, old bridge A, B, J and L Cobram ■ Potential user services: Cobram, Koonoomoo, ■ Current status: community interest – ■ Likely works required: full construction of trail, Tocumwal ‘Wilderness Walk' along Broken Creek including minor earthworks and drainage, ■ Potential mid-trip nodes: Koonoomoo ■ Likely works required: full construction of trail, fencing, possible road / waterway crossings, ■ Potential connections outside Shire: including minor earthworks and drainage, mid-trip facilities and signage Tocumwal (Berrigan Shire) fencing, possible road / waterway crossings, ■ Ecological sensitivity: low ■ Potential connection/s to other route: Routes mid-trip facilities and signage ■ Other comments: mainly to provide linkage / D, E, F and L ■ Ecological sensitivity: low circuit between other trails (e.g. routes along ■ Current status: existing informal trail; ■ Other comments: if land along river corridor Murray River and Broken Creek) community interest to upgrade cannot be secured, use road corridors ■ Likely works required: full construction of trails and/or upgrading of existing informal trails, including minor earthworks and drainage, fencing, possible road / waterway crossings, mid-trip facilities and signage ■ Ecological sensitivity: low

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 17 16/08/13 Route N: Bundalong to Rutherglen (Indigo Shire) ■ Likely works required: full construction of trail, including minor earthworks and drainage, ■ Type: River trail fencing, possible road / waterway crossings, ■ Route: along Ovens River corridor, Murray mid-trip facilities and signage River corridor and Corowa (Corowa Shire) / ■ Ecological sensitivity: moderate-high Wahgunyah (Indigo Shire) then Wangaratta to ■ Other comments: if land along river corridor Wahgunyah section of Murray to Mountains cannot be secured, use road corridors Rail Trail. Alternative routes could be along Murray Valley Highway (Indigo Shire) or along Spring Drive reserve (Corowa Shire) to Corowa ■ Approximate length: 30km (one-way) ■ Degree of difficulty: moderate ■ Potential activities: walking (all or part, depending on provision of overnight facilities en route), mountain biking, equestrian (possibly in some sections) ■ Visitor attractions: Murray River, Lake Mulwala, Ovens River, Lake Moodemere, Corowa township, Rutherglen township and surrounds ■ Potential user services: Bundalong, Corowa, Wahgunyah, Rutherglen ■ Potential mid-trip nodes: Several stops on Ovens River, Corowa, Wahgunyah ■ Potential connections outside Shire: Rutherglen / Wahgunyah (Indigo Shire), Corowa (Corowa Shire), Wangaratta (Rural City of Wangaratta) ■ Potential connection/s to other route: Routes G and H ■ Current status: identified connection with Rutherglen-Wahgunyah section of Murray to Mountains Rail Trail; potentially part of proposed Murray Valley Trail

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 18

16/08/13 4.2 Methods for determining b) Cycling (40km; based on minimum 2 8. Does the route reinforce and connect with the hour ride at average speed of 20km/hr) tourism theme of the region, 'Sun Country of regional significance of a trail c) Equestrian activities (20km; based on the Murray'? and priorities for construction minimum 2 hour ride at average speed This assessment found that Routes D, F, G, H, M of 10km/hr) and N had potential to be regionally significant. 5. Does the route have opportunities for trail A two-stage approach was used to assess These followed the course of the primary head and potential mid-trip facilities that potential trails. Stage 1 determined the regional attraction in the area, being the Murray River, would be suitable for intended users, for the provided connections to the service centres of significance of a potential trail and Stage 2 following activities: determined its priority for construction. Cobram and Yarrawonga, and provided a) Walking (e.g. vehicle access, car parking, connections to other attractions in the region, public amenities, seating, shade / such as the Barmah Forest, Lake Mulwala, Ovens Stage 1: Determining regional shelter, water) River, Rutherglen, Wangaratta and the Murray to significance b) Cycling (e.g. vehicle access, car parking, Mountain Rail Trail. public amenities, seating, shade / The following criteria were used to determine shelter, water, area for storing bicycles) Refer to Appendix 1 for more details on this whether potential trails were of regional c) Equestrian activities (e.g. vehicle access, assessment. significance: car and float parking, public amenities, 1. Is the landscape or natural environment that seating, shade / shelter, water, rail or the route passes through of regional or higher yards for tying up horses) significance, has iconic status or is unique in 6. Does the route have ease of access to regular Victoria or the wider region? passenger rail and bus services? 2. Does the route connect with another 7. Are there a significant number of existing regionally significant destination / attraction? businesses along or in proximity of the route 3. Does the route provide an opportunity to associated with tourism that could lever off a extend an existing or planned regional trail regional trail? This would be for the following (e.g. Murray to Mountain Rail Trail, Murray sectors: Valley Trail)? a) Information 4. Does the route have an appropriate length to b) Accommodation attract regional use? This would be for the c) Food and beverage following activities:

a) Walking (8km minimum; based on d) Transport minimum 2 hour walk at average speed e) Events and attractions of 4km/hr)

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 20 16/08/13 8. Adds value to, extends length (or width) of, access, sensitivity of environment, potential Stage 2: Criteria for prioritisation of connects, create a circuit from, or fills known for flooding, etc.) trails gaps in existing trails or routes 20. Evidence that resources will be committed 9. Provides a circuit trail or enables informal from the community, user or peak bodies to The following criteria were used to prioritise ones to be created using connections with contribute to planning, design and manage potential trails that were deemed to be of other public land (e.g. road corridors, local / the resource regional significance: district trails) 21. Evidence the trail can be managed and 1. Likely proportion of residents served by the 10. Provides linkages to existing district / local constructed in partnership with another route trails agency, user group, the landowner, or an 2. Likely to provide economic benefit through 11. Number and spacing of mid-point connections entity established for their provision and serving tourists, and or ability to be packaged required for the intended activities management or located to create business opportunities 12. Ease of providing / improving trail head (end- 22. Meets a direction in an existing regional, (cycle services, cafes, accommodation, of-trail) and mid-point facilities to the Council and / or Community Plan attractions, events) required standard for the intended activities 23. Likelihood that the local community, local 3. Likely number of visitors to use the trail 13. Existing legibility of route (e.g. accessibility, businesses and champions of outdoor 4. Increases the number of localities in the Shire general knowledge of area, signage) and ease recreation are / will be involved to support / region served by trails of improving to required standard and promote the trail 5. Meets the following criteria: (a) increases 14. Adds to a range of trails accessible to people 24. The proposal builds on or links to existing range of trail types in the area; (b) increases regardless of age or ability marketing and communication programs / the range of users in the area; (c) supports 15. Doesn’t create major environmental impacts strategies different types of activities and experiences in 16. Ease of planning / extent of previous 25. Information about the route exists (on- and the area; and (d) increases the range of investigations off-site) in relation to suitability for use by difficulty of trails in the area 17. Ease of securing land (e.g. current land people of different abilities nature of the trail, 6. Route provides a diversity of stimuli and ownership) gradients, distance, surface and degree of experiences along it, including settings (e.g. 18. Extent of works required to provide fit-for- difficulty, etc. high quality scenery, natural environment, purpose trail (e.g. extent of cut / fill, towns, cultural heritage, rural landscape), construction of appropriate surface, changing topography, meandering / straight requirement for boardwalks and bridges, trail, location of trail (road corridor / rail vegetation clearing, road crossings, fencing) corridor / river corridor) 19. Relative ease of ongoing maintenance 7. Increases access to a diversity of settings, e.g. required (e.g. coordination of multiple land urban locations, peri-urban or coastal, or managers, land management (e.g. mowing, bushland trails vegetation pruning), amount of facilities / infrastructure requiring maintenance, ease of

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 21 16/08/13 4.3 Priority trails

This analysis of potential regional trails determined the following priorities.

Priority 1: Route F (Cobram to Yarrawonga) (score of 4.85 out of 5)

Priority 2: Route G (Yarrawonga to Bundalong) (score: 4.50 out of 5)

Priority 3: Route D (Cobram to Barmah / Barmah National Park (Dharnya Interpretation Centre) via Tocumwal / Murray River) (score: 4.43 out of 5)

Priority 4: Route M (Cobram to Koonoomoo to Tocumwal) (score: 4.23 out of 5)

Priority 5: Route N (Bundalong to Rutherglen) (score: 3.82 out of 5)

Priority 6: Route H (Bundalong to Wangaratta) (score: 3.71 out of 5)

Details of these trails are shown on Maps 3-5. Refer to Appendix 2 for more details on this assessment.

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 22

16/08/13 General Types of Trails 5. General issues relating to It is proposed that three general types of trails Trails generally need to have the following trails (or sections of longer trails) be developed characteristics: depending on the intended users and to provide ■ Easily accessible and suited for the intended different user experiences: user groups, including treadway and 5.1 Trail design ■ Type A Trail – largely accessible township corridor width, surface material, gradient trail. Where possible these would be7 and cross-fall The potential for the identified priority trail suitable for people using a mobility aid, or ■ Adequate separation from roads and other routes to become regionally significant will wheeled recreational toys or vehicles, as trafficable areas depend of provision of substantial infrastructure well as young children. These sections of that has the ability to support their potential use. ■ Require minimal maintenance trail would be close to towns and have Trails must be well-designed, constructed and ■ Minimises impacts on environmentally shorter lengths. The trail would generally maintained, and adequate facilities provided to sensitive areas such as waterways, riparian be formed and mostly sealed (in specific support users at trail heads and along the route. zones and floodways situations) or consolidated pavement or compacted well-graded materials, with be ■ Sited to maximise casual surveillance from The success of the Murray to Mountain Rail Trail designed with a high level of supports (user public areas and with adequate clearance is evidence of this. Research of this trail has facilities and signage). found that recreational cyclists are a high yield, and buffers on either side of the treadway ■ Type B Trail – riverside or countryside hike high spending market, and one that is ■ Includes fencing or bollards as required near 6 and bike trail. These would be largely predominantly highly educated . This segment hazards or to prevent animals wandering through the natural environment and be needs to be well serviced. onto the trail suitable for a wide range of riders and ■ Have connections to towns, user facilities walkers seeking a longer and more and services, and the local trail network. challenging experience with fewer comforts. A standard specification for trails will be This type of trail would generally be formed prepared and used. There are several technical but unsealed, with some level of user guidelines for the design of trails to assist, support facilities and signage. including Austroads and the VicRoads Cycle Notes. The following are the key matters that should be 6 Cycling in Regional Communities: A Longitudinal Study of considered in the design of trails. the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, Victoria, Australia (S. 7 Defined as ‘accessible paths of travel’, as outlined in Beeton; 2009) Australian Standard 1428: Design for Access and Mobility

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 26 16/08/13 ■ Type C Trail – bushland trail. These would ■ The buffer or protection zone is either side Unsealed trails be suitable for more experienced riders who of the right of way, and is used to separate seek a more physical challenge and nature- trail users from environmentally sensitive As many trails in the Shire are likely to be based experience (generally mountain areas (such as waterways) or potentially unsealed, there are some key issues that should biking) and bushwalkers. The trail would be dangerous areas (such as roads), provide be addressed in planning. These are briefly more remote and generally be an unsealed amenity, shade and shelter for users, and discussed here. reinforced single track (where screen from surrounding land uses. This Unsealed trails are likely to be appropriate environmental degradation is likely to be zone is generally vegetated. where: minimal), with a low level of user support ■ The area is of high environmental quality facilities and signage. ■ A seal would be inconsistent with a natural Corridor design and dimensions setting ■ The topography is suitable to minimize An off-road trail corridor for Type A and B trails erosion includes the tread, right of way and a buffer or ■ The use is high enough to keep the tread protection zone on either side of the tread, as 8 material relatively compacted shown in the following image : ■ Accessibility, e.g. use by people with ■ The tread (or treadway) is the surface on mobility aids or prams is not a high priority which the user walks / rides. ■ Paths are not likely to be regularly wet or ■ The right of way is the cleared space either inundated. side of the treadway. This is provided for Image 1. Anatomy of an off-road trail corridor alternative passage of trail users, such as for There are some key requirements when passing, short rest stops and walking dogs. There are considerable risks associated with providing unsealed trails. These include: developing trails where there are inadequate ■ Using a colour of surface material that is widths and buffers around a trail when it is likely sympathetic to the colours in the to be used by a range of different users such as surrounding landscape cyclists, groups of walkers, and horse riders. These groups have different requirements, ■ Ensuring surface material is stable, firm, behaviours and travel at different speeds. relatively smooth and slip resistant in both wet and dry conditions

■ 8 Ensuring surface material brought in from Trail Building and Maintenance (Robert Proudman and other places is free from weeds and Reuben Rajala, Appalachian Mountain Club; 1981; 2nd Edition) pathogens

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 27 16/08/13 ■ Using tread material that is well graded with Mid-trip facilities should be provided at regular Trail head and mid-trip facilities 9 different particle sizes that fit together to intervals, at least every 8km . Lesser intervals form a tight, dense mass. Material must be Trail head facilities should include the following: should be provided closer to key towns, such as stable and relatively firm, quick draining and Cobram and Yarrawonga, to cater for older adults, not boggy in the wet, or sharp on bicycle ■ Vehicle access and car parking children and people with a disability. tyres or feet ■ Public amenities (which may include Where possible, mid-trip facilities should be ■ Ensuring fines do not easy wash away to showers) located at or close to attractions along the route. leave sharp and loose aggregate ■ Constructed shelter, picnic tables and/or They may coincide with visitor attractions ■ Using reinforcing or sealed surfaces in trails BBQs provided by private operators. sections where erosion or inundation is ■ Shade trees and seating Mid-trip facilities may include: likely to occur ■ Water suitable for drinking and washing ■ Break out spaces to stop and relax off the ■ Where sealed and unsealed surfaces are ■ Bicycle parking – rails are generally trail, including shade trees and seating used together, ensuring loose materials do satisfactory, however lockers may be ■ Side trails / circuits to local attractions, such not migrate onto the sealed surfaces and appropriate where trail heads are as river viewing platforms and bird hides cause slip and trip hazards associated with public transport ■ Water suitable for drinking. ■ Where equestrian activities are permitted, ■ Access to public transport, such as a bus sealed surfaces should not be used. These stop on a local road The standards of user facilities will vary are not suitable for horses as they are hard, depending on the type of trail (or sections of ■ Formal or informal camping area (where and not slip resistant for shod horses. longer trails) be used depending on the intended overnight camping is appropriate and users. allowed) Some mid-trip facilities could be enhanced, with ■ Horse float parking and rail or yards for provision of constructed shelters, picnic tables, tying up horses (where equestrian activities public amenities and camping. to be to be encouraged). These facilities could have vehicle access and Mid-trip facilities should be provided along trails small car parking areas (generally unsealed) so to provide opportunities for users to rest and enable people to enter and exit the trail at enjoy the environment. various points (if this is unlikely to impact on environmental integrity), as well as allow access for emergency and maintenance vehicles.

9 The approximate distance that could be walked in two hours

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 28 16/08/13 Visitor services and facilities There are a significant number and variety of Signage business associated with tourism and recreation Visitor facilities and services are desirable to Clear and consistent signage needs to provided that can lever off a regional trail. support the use and development of a regional along trails to define the route, provide Regional trails can support the establishment of trail, or the trail route may be defined by the directions, warnings and information for users. new businesses. Examples are the Bike Cog Café location of existing services. Signage is most important at trail heads, mid-trip at Mt Evelyn that fronts the Warburton Rail A high quality visitor experience will help assure 10 facilities and in any other locations adjacent to Trail , the general store in Tallarook and bike- return visits and longer stays. This in turn will intersections, hazards, and attractions. Signage carrying bus services in a number of places. contribute more to the local economy. could include: Visitor services could address one or more of the ■ Directional, routeway and location signage, following sectors: including that to adjacent facilities, service centres, attractions and points of interest ■ Information ■ Distance markers ■ Accommodation ■ Interpretive elements, such as information ■ Food and beverage about flora and fauna, geography and ■ Transport (including transfers) indigenous and European heritage ■ Events, tours and attractions. ■ Regulatory signage (e.g. related to fire, Existing businesses can support the growth of camping and acceptable activities) cycle tourism and trail use through: welcoming ■ Warning signage, such as road and signage, offering simple add-ons such as water, waterway crossings, overhanging vegetation, information, snacks, bike hire, access to repairs dangerous corners and areas to avoid when and pumps, first aid, covered bicycle parking and flooding shelter, and flexibility in relation to trail user’s ■ Accessibility signage assisting users make dress. choices about alternative routes, and about A number of areas in Australia, including the high the presence of sand, stairs, steep sections country in Victoria, have successfully marketed etc. themselves to cycle tourists and walkers using ■ Promotional signage at key nodes – to trails. An example of this is the Victoria High associated services for example, Country Cycle Guide. appropriate to the desired trail experience. ■ Consistent trail branding 10 http://cogbikecafe.com.au

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 29 16/08/13 ■ Investigate the use of ‘transferable In some situations, a preferred trail route may be 5.2 Land ownership development rights’ to secure the land for proposed over land controlled by State agencies public purposes by allowing increased or authorities. In particular, this includes rail The majority of the preferred trail routes can be development yields in other portions of the corridors owned by VicTrack, frontage to Lake located on existing public land, such as foreshore land Mulwala owned by Goulburn-Murray Water, and areas, road reserves and railway corridors. In ■ Facilitate public access over the private land road reserves managed by VicRoads. Public use some sections, however, the preferred routes through agreement with the landowner, of this land has traditionally not been a priority. pass through private land. There are several and formalised with establishment of an There are, however, successful examples of trails strategies to overcome this issue, including: easement. being located on this land with minimal conflicts with the primary infrastructure or designated ■ Lease or purchase the relevant portion of ■ Seek alternative public land to divert the functions. trail for this section, such as along an the private land for public purposes Shared use of public land is likely to become adjacent road reserve, drainage reserve, or Where private properties abut foreshore areas, more important to help achieve community infrastructure / utility corridor. current delineation of public and private land, outcomes, and strategic approaches to the use to In a foreshore area, a boardwalk could be makes public access difficult. This is a particular this land are needed. There are also provided. These alternative sections of the issue along Lake Mulwala at Yarrawonga and at opportunities to develop relationships with the route may also provide variety in landscape Bundalong. There are often no property fences, relevant stakeholders and to streamline the settings and could provide mid-point access and private infrastructure and improvements approval process to access this land. points to the trail have encroached over the public land, such as ■ Seek contribution of the relevant portion of lawns and gardens, and jetties and pontoons. In the long term, any Council open space strategy should identify gaps in public ownership along land should the private land have This problem is made worse in some areas where corridors suitable for regional trails and seek to development potential. In some the public corridor is already narrow. This has acquire these as resources allow and/or circumstances, this land would be resulted in lack of clarity of public access along development occurs. encumbered by constraints such as flooding the foreshore. or remnant vegetation, so loss of Goulburn-Murray Water is currently liaising with development potential could be minimal landowners in these areas to clarify land and could be secured for environmental or ownership boundaries, remove inappropriate drainage purposes as well as for public infrastructure and to ensure public accessibility access along the lakefront.

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 30 16/08/13 The great value of community volunteers in the 5.3 Partnerships success and ongoing viability of trails needs to be 5.4 Information and promotion recognised. Community members need to be The success of a regional trail in Moira Shire will involved in all aspects of establishing and Regional trails need to be supported by quality depend of the establishment of ongoing managing a regional trail. on-site and off-site information about trails and partnerships between relevant stakeholders to A stakeholder group, such as a committee of suitable use. This is required for strategic coordinate trail related activities and ensure management, should oversee the ongoing planning, asset management, promotion, and trails can be funded, promoted, serviced and management of a regional trail. This would be in user choice and safety. maintained. Key stakeholders are: accordance with relevant plans such as a trail Information should be provided using a variety of management plan and/or memorandum of ■ Moira Shire Council methods, including hardcopy brochures, understanding, and can represent a wide range ■ Land managers, such as the Department of websites and social media. Accurate maps are of interests including adjacent landholders, land important. the Environment and Primary Industries, management agencies and user groups. Parks Victoria, Goulburn Broken Catchment There are opportunities to utilise the existing Management Authority, Goulburn-Murray profile of the Sun County on the Murray and the Water, VicRoads Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Programs such ■ Adjoining Councils as the Victoria High Country Cycle Guide and North East Valleys Pedal-to-Produce could also ■ Murray Darling Basin Commission be partnered with. ■ User groups, such as walking and cycling and equestrian clubs The ‘cycle friendly business’ system developed with the Victoria High Country Cycle Guide could ■ Community groups, such as Friends groups, be used for a regional trail in Moira Shire as a and Landcare and other conservation way of providing information to potential users. groups Businesses would also benefit from increased ■ Tourism and business groups and trade. associations ■ Local indigenous community. Stakeholders can also work together to share knowledge and information, promote walking and cycling, seek external funding, and contribute towards the construction, mapping, promotion, and maintenance of trails.

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 31 16/08/13 ■ From Mookarii Street along River Road 6. The way forward High priority trail to the northern end of McClusky Road, The highest priority trail should be Cobram to Cobram (approximately 2km long). Yarrawonga. This would be approximately 40km Connect with the existing trails within Analysis has found a number of potential cycling in length. It is proposed that different reaches of Cobram Regional Park (including to and walking trail routes in Moira Shire that could the trail be developed to provide for a range of Quinn Island; be regionally significant. These largely follow the users and user experiences (as discussed in ■ Upgrading an existing track (to be course of the Murray River, which is the primary Section 5.1). determined) within Cobram Regional attraction in the area. Park from McClusky Road to the The main works required to complete this trail The long-term desirable outcome is a continuous northern end of Cemetery Road, are outlined below. Appendix 3 provides high cycle and walking trail along the Murray River (approximately 4km indicative probable costings. from Wahgunyah (Indigo Shire) to Echuca long); and (Campaspe Shire). This 200km trail would a) Establishing trail head facilities at: ■ From Yarrawonga Regional Park to the constitute one of the most important sections of ■ Cobram Tourist Information Centre (or Yarrawonga Tourist Information the Murray Valley Trail that was proposed in the a more suitable location if Centre (approximately 2km long). Victorian Trails Strategy 2005-2010. It would determined); and Connect with existing pathway to connect the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail and ■ Yarrawonga Tourist Information Mulwala, along the Lake Mulwala Rutherglen tourism area with the Murray River Centre or at the Lake Mulwala foreshore. and the tourism area of Echuca. foreshore. d) Formalising an existing track (to be This route also provides connections to the major b) Construct an off-road shared pathway from determined) within Cobram Regional Park attractions in Moira Shire, being Lake Mulwala, the Cobram trail head facility (Cobram from the northern end of Cemetery Road to the Barmah Forest and the confluence of the Tourist Information Centre or otherwise) the northern end of Brears Road, Ovens River with the Murray River. Access is also along Mookarii Street to Thompsons Beach. Yarrawonga (Type C Trail). Connect with provided to Cobram and Yarrawonga, which This would be approximately 2km long and existing trails within Cobram Regional Park provide the majority of visitor services in the be a Type A Trail. Connect with the existing and Yarrawonga Regional Park. This would Shire. pathway to Barooga. be approximately 28km long. e) Providing enhanced mid-trip facilities at: This trail should be established in sections as c) Constructing trails (Type B Trail): opportunities for funding and contributions arise. ■ Thompsons Beach (by upgrading existing visitor facilities); ■ The northern end of McClusky Road; ■ The existing parking area at the northern end of Cemetery Road;

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 32 16/08/13 ■ Byramine Homestead; and b) Formalising and upgrading the existing trail f) Barmah to Echuca (approximately 30km) – ■ The northern end of Brears Road. from Cobram to Tocumwal. This would be seek partnership with Campaspe Shire f) Providing basic mid-trip facilities at the approximately 19km long. A side loop to Council and Parks Victoria (and other eastern end of Poplars Track, Cobram East Koonoomoo could also be investigated. relevant stakeholders) to establish this trail and the northern end of Bruces Road, along the Murray River. Burramine. Low priority trails There are opportunities to create circuit trails and different user experiences both within the A detailed cost benefit analysis of the potential The low priority trails would be to complete the Shire and connecting with adjoining trail (or priority sections) may be beneficial to following sections of the Murray Valley Trail: assist securing funding and partners for the municipalities. These could also provide d) Bundalong to Wahgunyah (approximately project. connections to the other major visitor and 30km) – seek partnership with Indigo Shire service areas in the region. Potential trails Council (and other relevant stakeholders) to include: Medium priority trails establish this trail along the Murray River. d) Along the Ovens River from Bundalong to This would be a bushland walking and/or There are two medium priority trails. Wangaratta mountain biking track. This would then a) Constructing the trail from Yarrawonga to connect with the Murray to Mountains Rail e) Along Broken Creek from Barmah to Bundalong, which would be approximately Trail and Rutherglen. Tungamah (via Nathalia, Numurkah and 20km long. The following would be Katamatite) required: e) Tocumwal to Barmah (approximately 66km) – seek partnership with Parks f) Along rail corridors between Yarrawonga ■ Completion of the shared pathway along Victoria and Berrigan Shire Council (and and Benalla (via Tungamah), Katamatite and the Lake Mulwala foreshore from the other relevant stakeholders) to establish a Shepparton (via Dookie), and Numurkah Yarrawonga Tourist Information Centre to trail along the Murray River (including and Picola (via Nathalia). the northern end of Botts Road (via within Barmah National Park) from Chinamans Island). This is approximately Tocumwal to Barmah. This would be a 4km long. bushland walking and/or mountain biking ■ Construction of a trail from the northern track. Provide trail head facilities, and low end of Botts Road to Bundalong. This would level mid-trip facilities at appropriate be approximately 16km long. The foreshore locations (e.g. Tocumwal, Ulupna Island, reserve will need to be clearly delineated, Morgans Beach, The Gulf camping area and and if necessary additional land may need Dharnya Interpretation Centre). Connect to be secured to increase the width (as with existing trails within Barmah National discussed in Section 5.2). Park.

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 33 16/08/13 contribute towards the construction and contribution plans and negotiations with Other actions maintenance of trails. developers. Consider utilising land protected by overlays The following actions are also recommended to g) Continue to build relationships with user such as Floodway Overlay, Vegetation improve opportunities to establish regional and community groups, to share Protection Overlay, Erosion Management cycling and walking trails in the Shire and address information, assist in promoting walking Overlay or Significant Landscape Overlay. current issues. and cycling, seek external funding and contribute towards the construction and This may require amendment to the Moira a) Continue to promote the health and social maintenance of trails. Planning Scheme. benefits of walking and cycling. h) Develop consistent construction standards k) Continue to support businesses develop b) Continue to promote the attractions of for trails and support facilities. that can support trail tourism and Moira Shire in conjunction with trail use. i) Seek protection of land that could be used associated recreation activities. This should c) Continue to support the program by for a regional trail in the future. This include product and service development in Goulburn-Murray Water to remove (or includes disposal of land, as well as location the following sectors: consolidate) private infrastructure that has of new buildings, infrastructure and works. ■ Information been built on foreshore reserves, as well as This should be regardless of the priority of a ■ Accommodation education of landowners of their potential route. Such land includes responsibilities. This is to improve public ■ Food and beverage waterway corridors, foreshores, unformed access along these areas. road reserves, verges of constructed roads, ■ Transport d) Incorporate priority trails into relevant railway corridors, closed government roads ■ Events, tours and attractions. Council policies and strategies. and land for public utilities and Facilitation of business development could e) Seek external funding to contribute towards infrastructure. include training, as well as investigating the cost of constructing priority trails. j) Seek ways to secure development suitable locations for types of new f) Continue to build relationships with land contributions towards off-road trails, and businesses that could be established along managers, such as the Department of the ensure future structure / development or associated with potential trails. This may Environment and Primary Industries, Parks plans provide off-road routes and require rezoning of land to allow these uses. Victoria, Goulburn Broken Catchment connections to regional trails. Development l) Seek improved connections between Management Authority, Goulburn-Murray contributions could include provision of Cobram, Yarrawonga and other localities in Water, VicRoads and adjoining Councils, to land, contributed assets and/or monetary Moira Shire, and major visitor and service share information, assist in promoting trails, contributions towards future land areas in the region, either by motor vehicle, and walking and cycling related activities acquisition or works. public transport or on-road cycling, and businesses, seek external funding and Utilise available mechanisms, such as Public including Wangaratta, Benalla and Acquisition Overlay, development Shepparton.

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 34 16/08/13 7. Action Plan

The following table sets out identified actions to implement the findings of this report.

No. Action Project Type Priority Indicative Lead Department Probable Cost 1 Construct a cycling and walking trail along the Murray River from Cobram to Capital Works H $4,000,000 Shire Development Yarrawonga. and Liveability

2 Seek ways to secure development contributions towards off-road trails. Policy H $10,000 Shire Development and Liveability 3 Continue to support businesses associated with tourism and recreation. Operations H $20,000 Community 4 Seek external funding to contribute towards the cost of priority trails. Operations H Internal All 5 Seek protection of land that could be used for a regional trail in the future. Policy H Internal Shire Development and Liveability 6 Continue to promote the health and social benefits of walking and cycling. Operations M Internal Community 7 Continue to promote the attractions of Moira Shire. Operations M Internal Community 8 Continue to support the program by Goulburn-Murray Water to consolidate Operations M Internal Shire Development private infrastructure that has been built on foreshore reserves. and Liveability 9 Incorporate priority trails into relevant Council policies and strategies. Policy M Internal All 10 Continue to build relationships with land managers. Operations M Internal All 11 Continue to build relationships with user and community groups. Operations M Internal Community 12 Develop consistent construction standards for trails and support facilities. Policy M Internal Shire Development Any contractors and external providers will obtain Council’s approval of the and Liveability trail design and specification prior to commencement of works. 13 Seek improved connections between Cobram, Yarrawonga and other localities Capital Works M To be determined Shire Development in Moira Shire, and major visitor and service areas in the region. and Liveability 14 Complete the cycling and walking trail along the Murray River / Lake Mulwala Capital Works M To be determined Shire Development from Yarrawonga to Bundalong. and Liveability 15 Seek partnerships to construct a cycling and walking trail along the Murray Capital Works M To be determined Shire Development River from Cobram to Tocumwal. and Liveability

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 35 16/08/13

No. Action Project Type Priority Indicative Lead Department Probable Cost 16 Seek partnerships to construct a cycling and walking trail along the Murray Capital Works L To be determined Shire Development River from Bundalong to Wahgunyah. and Liveability 17 Seek partnerships to construct a cycling and walking trail along the Murray Capital Works L To be determined Shire Development River from Tocumwal to Barmah. and Liveability 18 Seek partnerships to construct a cycling and walking trail along the Murray Capital Works L To be determined Shire Development River from Barmah to Echuca. and Liveability 19 Seek partnerships to construct a cycling and walking trail along the Ovens Capital Works L To be determined Shire Development River from Bundalong to Wangaratta. and Liveability 20 Investigate construction of a cycling and walking trail along Broken Creek from Capital Works L To be determined Shire Development Barmah to Tungamah (via Nathalia, Numurkah and Katamatite). and Liveability 21 Investigate construction of a cycling and walking trail along rail corridor Capital Works L To be determined Shire Development between Yarrawonga and Benalla (via Tungamah). and Liveability 22 Investigate construction of a cycling and walking trail along rail corridor Capital Works L To be determined Shire Development between Katamatite and Shepparton (via Dookie). and Liveability 23 Investigate construction of a cycling and walking trail along rail corridor Capital Works L To be determined Shire Development between Numurkah and Picola (via Nathalia). and Liveability

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 36 16/08/13 8. Appendices

Appendix 1: Assessment of regional significance of potential trails

Potential Route Criteria No. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N Is the landscape or natural environment that the route passes through of regional or 1 ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ higher significance, has iconic status or is unique in Victoria or the wider region? 2 Does the route connect with another regionally significant destination / attraction? ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ Does the route provide an opportunity to extend an existing or planned regional trail 3 ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ (e.g. Murray to Mountain Rail Trail, Murray Valley Trail)? Does the route have an appropriate length to attract regional use? This would be for the following activities: (a) Walking (8km minimum; based on minimum 2 hour walk at average speed of ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 4km/hr) 4 (b) Cycling (40km; based on minimum 2 hour ride at average speed of 20km/hr) ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ (c) Equestrian activities (20km; based on minimum 2 hour ride at average speed of ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 10km/hr) Does the route have opportunities for trail head - and potential mid-trip facilities that would be suitable for intended users, for the following activities: (a) Walking (e.g. vehicle access, car parking, public amenities, seating, shade / shelter, ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ water) 5 (b) Cycling (e.g. vehicle access, car parking, public amenities, seating, shade / shelter, ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ water, area for storing bicycles) (c) Equestrian activities (e.g. vehicle access, car and float parking, public amenities, ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ seating, shade / shelter, water, rail or yards for tying up horses) 6 Does the route have ease of access to regular passenger rail and bus services? ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Are there a significant number of existing businesses along or in proximity of the route associated with tourism that could lever off a regional trail? This would be for the following sectors: (a) Information ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ (b) Accommodation ✓ ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 7 (c) Food and beverage ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ (d) Transport ✓ ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ (e) Events and attractions ✓ ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Does the route reinforce and connect with the tourism theme of the region, 'Sun 8 ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ Country of the Murray'? RESULT FAIL FAIL FAIL PASS FAIL PASS PASS PASS FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL PASS PASS PASS = meets the majority of criteria (those that may affect potential activities / users could be excepted)

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 37 16/08/13 Appendix 2: Prioritisation Matrix

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 38 18/04/13

No. Criteria Score Weighting POTENTIAL REGIONAL TRAIL (FROM SEPARATE SHEET) D F G H M N 5 4 3 2 1 Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Score Score Score Score Score Community Benefits A Likely proportion of residents Very high proportion of High proportion of residents Moderate proportion of Low proportion of residents Very low proportion of 0.07 4 0.28 5 0.35 4 0.28 2 0.14 4 0.28 2 0.14 served by the route residents residents residents B Likely to provide economic Likely to produce Likely to produce high Likely to produce moderate Likely to produce Not likely to produce 0.08 4 0.32 4 0.32 4 0.32 3 0.24 3 0.24 3 0.24 benefit through serving tourists, considerable economic economic benefit economic benefit insignificant economic economic benefit and or ability to be packaged or benefit benefit located to create business opportunities (cycle services, cafes, accommodation, attractions, events) C Likely number of visitors to use Very high number of visitors High number of visitors Moderate number of Low number of visitors No visitors 0.06 4 0.23 5 0.28 5 0.28 3 0.17 4 0.23 4 0.23 the trail visitors D Increases the number of localities Connects to two or more Connects to one larger Connects to one or more Connects to two or more Connects to one minor 0.06 4 0.25 5 0.32 4 0.25 5 0.32 5 0.32 3 0.19 in the Shire / region served by larger destination towns destination town (e.g. medium destination town minor destination towns destination town trails (e.g. Cobram, Yarrawonga, Cobram, Yarrawonga, (e.g. Barmah, Numurkah, Wangaratta, Rushworth, Wangaratta, Rushworth, Nathalia, Tocumwal) Benalla) Benalla) Diversity E Meets the following criteria: (a) Meets all 4 of these criteria Meets 3 of these criteria Meets 2 of these criteria Meets 1 of these criteria Doesn’t meet any of these 0.07 5 0.37 5 0.37 5 0.37 5 0.37 3 0.22 5 0.37 increases range of trail types in criteria the area, (b) increases the range of users in the area, (c) supports different types of activities and experiences in the area, (d) increases the range of difficulty of trails in the area F Route provides a diversity of Very high diversity of scenic High diversity and scenic Moderate diversity and Low diversity and scenic No scenic quality or 0.07 5 0.35 4 0.28 5 0.35 4 0.28 4 0.28 5 0.35 stimuli and experiences along it, quality and setting quality and setting scenic quality and setting quality and settings diversity along trail including settings (e.g. high quality scenery, natural environment, towns, cultural heritage, rural landscape), changing topography, meandering / straight trail, location of trail (road corridor / rail corridor / river corridor) G Increases access to a diversity of Significantly adds to Adds to diversity of settings Somewhat adds to diversity Adds little to diversity of Doesn’t add to diversity of 0.03 4 0.13 4 0.13 4 0.13 3 0.10 3 0.10 3 0.10 settings, e.g. urban locations, peri-diversity of settings trails trails are provided in (where of settings trails are settings trails are provided settings trails are provided urban or coastal, or bushland are provided in by providing major gaps) provided in in in trails a trails in the most important setting elsewhere is currently a gaps

Accessibility H Adds value to, extends length (or Fills an identified gap, Extends an existing trail into Extends and makes a Extends the length or width Does not fill gaps extend, 0.06 3 0.18 4 0.24 3 0.18 4 0.24 2 0.12 4 0.24 width) of, connects, create a extends width and length a circuit from existing trails connection from an existing of an existing trail only create a circuit or connects circuit from, or fills known gaps in and creates a circuit from trail existing trails existing trails or routes existing trails I Provides a circuit trail or enables Provides multiple circuit Provides one circuit trail Provides a point-to-point Provides a point-to-point Provides a point-to-point 0.03 3 0.10 3 0.10 3 0.10 3 0.10 3 0.10 3 0.10 informal ones to be created using trails trail with multiple trail with one connection to trail with no connections or connections with other public connections to create create an informal circuit opportunites for circuits land (e.g. road corridors, local / informal circuits district trails) J Provides linkages to existing Provides multiple linkages Provides one linkage to a Provides multiple linkages Provides one linkage to a Provides no linkages 0.02 5 0.08 4 0.07 4 0.07 2 0.03 4 0.07 2 0.03 district / local trails to district trails district trail to local trails local trail K Number and spacing of mid-point connections required for the intended activities: K1 Walking (4km; based on Accessible public land is Accessible public land is Public land is available Accessible public land is not No possibility to secure 0.03 4 0.13 5 0.17 5 0.17 3 0.10 5 0.17 4 0.13 distance likely covered in an available every 4km at the available generally every generally every 4km (some available generally every accessible public land for hour) most 4km (some spacings are spacings are greater) but 4km (some spacings are mid-point connections greater) access needs to be secured greater) but could be secured K2 Cycling (20km; based on Accessible public land is Accessible public land is Public land is available Accessible public land is not No possibility to secure 0.03 5 0.17 5 0.17 5 0.17 5 0.17 5 0.17 5 0.17 distance likely covered in an available every 20km at the available generally every generally every 20km (some available generally every accessible public land for hour) most 20km (some spacings are spacings are greater) but 20km (some spacings are mid-point connections greater) access needs to be secured greater) but could be secured

REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS - POTENTIAL TRAIL EVALUATION 4. Prioritisation Matrix 1 18/04/13

No. Criteria Score Weighting POTENTIAL REGIONAL TRAIL (FROM SEPARATE SHEET) D F G H M N 5 4 3 2 1 Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Score Score Score Score Score K3 Equestrian activities (8km; Accessible public land is Accessible public land is Public land is available Accessible public land is not No possibility to secure 0.03 4 0.13 5 0.17 5 0.17 4 0.13 5 0.17 5 0.17 based on a minimum section available every 8km at the available generally every generally every 8km (some available generally every accessible public land for length) most 8km (some spacings are spacings are greater) but 8km (some spacings are mid-point connections greater) access needs to be secured greater) but could be secured L Ease of providing / improving trail head (end-of-trail) and mid-point facilities to the required standard for the intended activities: L1 Walking (vehicle access, car Appropriate standard Below standard facilities Suitable land existing at Suitable land available, but None available 0.04 4 0.16 4 0.16 4 0.16 3 0.12 4 0.16 3 0.12 parking, public amenities, facilities already existing at already existing at appropriate distances, but separation between is too seating, shade / shelter, water) appropriate distances - appropriate distances - no facilities currently great and/or inadequate negligible upgrading of upgrading of facilities only provided - full construction facilities currently provided facilities required required of facilities required L2 Cycling / mountain biking Appropriate standard Below standard facilities Suitable land existing at Suitable land available, but None available 0.04 4 0.16 4 0.16 4 0.16 3 0.12 4 0.16 3 0.12 (vehicle access, car parking, facilities already existing at already existing at appropriate distances, but separation between is too public amenities, seating, shade appropriate distances - appropriate distances - no facilities currently great and/or inadequate / shelter, water, area for negligible upgrading of upgrading of facilities only provided - full construction facilities currently provided storing bicycles) facilities required required of facilities required L3 Equestrian activities (vehicle Appropriate standard Below standard facilities Suitable land existing at Suitable land available, but None available 0.04 3 0.12 3 0.12 3 0.12 3 0.12 4 0.16 3 0.12 access, car and float parking, facilities already existing at already existing at appropriate distances, but separation between is too public amenities, seating, shade appropriate distances - appropriate distances - no facilities currently great and/or inadequate / shelter, water, rail / yards for negligible upgrading of upgrading of facilities only provided - full construction facilities currently provided tying up horses) facilities required required of facilities required M Existing legibility of route (e.g. Very high High Moderate Low Very low 0.01 3 0.04 4 0.05 4 0.05 3 0.04 3 0.04 2 0.03 accessibility, general knowledge of area, signage) and ease of improving to required standard N Adds to a range of trails Accessible path of travel Path with high degree of Reasonable degree of Low degree of accessibility Not accessible at all for 0.03 2 0.06 4 0.12 3 0.09 2 0.06 3 0.09 2 0.06 accessible to people regardless of accessibility accessibility wheeled mobility devices age or ability Sustainability O Doesn’t create major No environmental impact Unlikely to cause any Possible environmental Some environmental Potential to cause 0.07 4 0.29 4 0.29 4 0.29 3 0.22 4 0.29 3 0.22 environmental impacts environmental impacts impacts impacts identified significant environmental impacts P Ease of planning / extent of Minor planning required / Strategic / conceptual Moderate planning required Comprehensive planning Complex planning required 0.01 2 0.02 5 0.05 3 0.03 1 0.01 3 0.03 1 0.01 previous investigations detailed investigation / investigation previously / previous high level / required / only informal / no previous investigations master planning previously undertaken - more detailed conceptual investigations, discussions / investigations undertaken planning required community plans, etc. previously undertaken

Q Ease of securing land (e.g. current Easy Moderately easy Moderately difficult Difficult Very difficult 0.05 4 0.19 4 0.19 3 0.14 3 0.14 4 0.19 3 0.14 land ownership) R Extent of works required to Insignificant works required Minor works required Moderate works required Comprehensive works Complex works required 0.05 3 0.15 4 0.20 2 0.10 2 0.10 3 0.15 2 0.10 provide fit-for-purpose trail (e.g. required extent of cut / fill, construction of appropriate surface, requirement for boardwalks and bridges, vegetation clearing, road crossings, fencing) S Relative ease of ongoing Easy Moderately easy Moderately difficult Difficult Very difficult 0.03 3 0.09 4 0.12 3 0.09 2 0.06 4 0.12 2 0.06 maintenance required (e.g. coordination of multiple land managers, land management (e.g. mowing, vegetation pruning), amount of facilities / infrastructure requiring maintenance, ease of access, sensitivity of environment, potential for flooding, etc.) Stakeholder ownership / stewardship T Evidence that resources will be High level of commitment High level of commitment Some level of commitment Some level of commitment No commitment likely 0.05 3 0.15 3 0.15 3 0.15 2 0.10 3 0.15 3 0.15 committed from the community, likely from multiple likely from one stakeholder likely from multiple likely user or peak bodies to contribute stakeholders stakeholders to planning, design and manage the resource

REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS - POTENTIAL TRAIL EVALUATION 4. Prioritisation Matrix 2 18/04/13

No. Criteria Score Weighting POTENTIAL REGIONAL TRAIL (FROM SEPARATE SHEET) D F G H M N 5 4 3 2 1 Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Weighted Score Score Score Score Score Score U Evidence the trail can be Strong evidence of support Evidence of support from Evidence of support from Evidence of support from a No evidence of support 0.03 3 0.08 3 0.08 3 0.08 3 0.08 3 0.08 3 0.08 managed and constructed in from landowner / other government agency multiple user groups or user group other entity from an agency, user group partnership with another agency, government agency other entity or other entity user group, the landowner, or an entity established for their provision and management V Meets a direction in an existing Meets direction in multiple Meets direction in multiple Meets direction in a Council Meets direction in a Does not meet any 0.02 5 0.08 5 0.08 5 0.08 4 0.07 4 0.07 4 0.07 regional, Council and / or strategies including strategies including Council strategy or plan Community plan direction in any plan Community Plan Regional plan or strategy strategy W Likelihood that the local A wide range of local and Both local and Shire-wide Local groups and Possibility of local groups Not likely to gain support 0.02 5 0.10 5 0.10 5 0.10 4 0.08 4 0.08 4 0.08 community, local businesses and Shire-wide groups and groups and organisations organisations will support and organisations will and promotion from local champions of outdoor recreation organisations will support will support and promote and promote support and promote groups and organisations are / will be involved to support and promote and promote the trail Marketing and communication X The proposal builds on or links to Aligns closely with an Aligns to a reasonable Aligns to an extent with an Aligns in small ways with an Does not align with an 0.00 4 0.01 5 0.02 4 0.01 2 0.01 3 0.01 3 0.01 existing marketing and existing marketing and degree with an existing existing marketing and existing marketing and existing marketing and communication programs / communication program / marketing and communication program / communication program / communication program / strategies strategy communication program / strategy strategy strategy strategy Y Information about the route Extensive off-site and on- High degree of off-site and Reasonable degree on-site Little on-site information No off-site and on-site 0.00 3 0.00 4 0.00 3 0.00 2 0.00 3 0.00 2 0.00 exists (on- and off-site) in relation site information on-site information information, little or no information to suitability for use by people of offsite information different abilities nature of the trail, gradients, distance, surface and degree of difficulty, etc.

TOTAL SCORE 109 4.43 123 4.85 112 4.50 88 3.71 106 4.23 91 3.82 RANK 3 1 2 6 4 5

REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS - POTENTIAL TRAIL EVALUATION 4. Prioritisation Matrix 3 16/08/13 Appendix 3: Indicative Probable Costs for the Priority Trail

The following are probable indicative costs of the main works likely to be required to establish a trail between Cobram and Yarrawonga (Route F). These costs have been provided by Council. Any requirements to secure additional land for the trail corridor would be subject to detailed assessment, including property valuation. No. Item Unit Unit Cost x No. Cost 1 3m wide concrete / asphalt trail (Type A Trail) $/m2 $80 3,000 2 $480,000 2 3m wide unsealed formed trail (Type B Trail) $/m2 $12 3,000 9 $324,000 3 1.8m wide unsealed reinforced track (Type C Trail) $/m2 $10 1,800 28 $504,000 4 Bollards $ $200 1 1,000 $200,000 5 Signage – standard $/km $50,000 1 12 $600,000 6 Signage – limited $/km $20,000 1 28 $560,000 7 Pedestrian / cyclist road crossing (if required, mainly in Cobram or Yarrawonga) $ $10,000 1 3 $30,000 8 Small bridge (waterway crossing) (if required) $ $50,000 1 1 $50,000 9 Small culvert (drainage line crossing) (if required) $ $10,000 1 4 $40,000 10 Sealed car parking area (e.g. 20 spaces) $/m2 $63 600 2 $75,600 11 Unsealed car parking area (e.g. 10 spaces) $/m2 $25 300 7 $52,500 12 Trail head facility, consisting of 4 x shelters, 4 x tables, 12 x seats, 2 x BBQs, 100m2 $ $81,800 1 1 turf & moderate landscaping (if new or improved facilities are required) $81,800 13 Mid-trip facility – enhanced, consisting of 2 x shelters, 4 x tables, 12 x seats, 20m2 turf $ $43,840 1 5 & minor landscaping (if new or improved facilities are required) $219,200 14 Mid-trip facility – basic, consisting of 1 x table, 3 x seats & minimal landscaping (if new $ $8,600 1 2 or improved facilities are required) $17,200 15 Small viewing platform $ $10,000 1 4 $40,000 16 Bicycle storage (e.g. 5 bicycles) $ $1,000 1 8 $8,000 17 Public amenities (if required at trail heads) $ $75,000 1 2 $150,000 Contingency (20%) $674,460 TOTAL $4,106,760

POTENTIAL REGIONAL CYCLING AND WALKING TRAILS IN MOIRA SHIRE 42