Heysen Trail Strategic Plan 2007-2017

Department for Envi ronment and Heri tage Heysen Trail Strategic Plan 2007-2017

www.environment.sa.gov.au A Vision for the Heysen Trail

The Heysen Trai l is internati ona ll y recogn i sed as a premi er long d i stance walki ng tra il , offer i ng a d i verse range of walki ng opportuniti es and experi ences.

Foreword

From the rugged coastline of The South Australian Strategic Plan (007) sets objectives the Fleurieu Peninsula that include growing the prosperity of South Australia to the dramatic landscapes and improving the wellbeing of its citizens. The of the Flinders Ranges, the Government’s commitment to the development and Heysen Trail is South Australia’s maintenance of the Heysen Trail will contribute to the premier long distance walking delivery of these objectives through growth in tourism trail. Taking in some of and by increasing the health and wellbeing of South Australia’s most diverse and Australians and others using the trail. breathtaking landscapes, After more than 5 years, the Trail has gained significant the 100 kilometre Trail recognition amongst bushwalkers, offering a diversity of traverses coastal areas, native walking experiences at a range of levels. This Strategic bushland, vineyards, rugged gorges, rich farmland and Plan sets out a direction for the revitalisation of the Trail historic country towns. to ensure that it continues to provide enjoyment to South The inspiration for this spectacular trail can be traced Australians and National and International visitors as part back to 1969 when Warren Bonython AO suggested of a State Trails Network. a long distance trail extending from Cape Jervis in the south to the Flinders Ranges. Commenced in the 1970’s, the development of the trail was a significant achievement for South Australia. The Trail relies on the ongoing partnerships, cooperation and support from a number of State Government departments, Councils, numerous volunteers, schools and other education institutions, and more than 500 individual landowners, The Hon. Gail Gago, MLC to remain in existence. Minister for Environment and Conservation

Heysen Trail Strategic Plan Heysen Trail Strategic Plan Location

Heysen Trail Strategic Plan Heysen Trail Strategic Plan Profile of the Heysen Trail

Along its 100 km length, the Heysen Trail traverses: Management of the Heysen Trail • public roads and unmade road reserves Since 1999, the Department for Environment and managed by 15 different local councils Heritage (DEH) has coordinated the management (8% of its length) of the Heysen Trail, in particular: • private property subject to access • allocation of annual Heysen Trail maintenance agreements (0%) and development funds across all land tenures; • 5 national parks, conservation parks and other • negotiation of re-routes and access agreements; DEH managed reserves (16%) • promotion of the Heysen Trail; and • 5 forest reserves (native vegetation or pine • coordination of the maintenance input of the plantations) managed by ForestrySA (10%) Friends of the Heysen Trail. • major roads managed by Transport SA, and On-ground land managers (in particular smaller areas managed by other government DEH and ForestrySA regional staff) provide the agencies such as SA Water (6%). in-field management of the Heysen Trail within their The cooperation of local government, State designated reserves and in conjunction with Friends government and private land owners and lease groups and other volunteers. holders is therefore crucial to the ongoing success On the remainder of the Trail, DEH is responsible for of this extensive Trail. the trail marking, development and maintenance of facilities, risk assessments and landowner liaison, with Heysen Trail Land Tenure substantial input from the Friends of the Heysen Trail in Other Govt. terms of basic maintenance and upkeep. agencies DEH Reserves Private Landowners ForestrySA

Road Reserves

Heysen Trail Strategic Plan Heysen Trail Strategic Plan 5 Usage and Major User Groups

Surveys that have been conducted along the Trail It is also known that school groups appear to be indicate that: the most significant users of the Trail where it passes • the South Australian community has excellent through parks and reserves established under the awareness of the Heysen Trail (8%), with % National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 and under the having used the trail in the 1 months prior to the Forestry Act 1950. survey (Recreational Trail Usage in South Australia, Nature-based tourism is one of the fastest growing ORS, 1999); sectors of the tourism industry and in 00/0, % • the age profile of users varies with different of international visitors to Australia participated sections of the Trail; and in at least one nature-based experience. Tourism Australia’s branding focuses on Australia’s great • local residents (accompanied by family or friends) outdoors and a sense of freedom. South Australia use the Trail for recreational walking where it is is not as well recognised as other Australian nature- located near suburban areas or townships. based destinations, and the Heysen Trail provides In 005 DEH commissioned a new and more extensive a unique opportunity to highlight such nature- study of user groups of the Heysen Trail, which was based experiences. completed in June 006. This research focused on The ‘Baby Boomer’ market (people born between community use and awareness of the Heysen Trail 196 and 1965) has also been identified as a major and the results will guide future development and emerging market. This group is retiring early, fit marketing directions. and financially independent and looking for high The study found that there is a very high awareness quality, soft adventure experiences in the natural of the Heysen Trail among South Australians, interstate environment. The proposed improvements to the and overseas visitors. However, it also suggests that Heysen Trail, with the upgrade of strategic sections there is little understanding of what the Trail has to and stronger linkages with the tourism industry, will offer from a tourism perspective, indicating there provide a significant opportunity for South Australia to are significant gaps in the information available attract this market. to the public. The interviewees also indicated a In addition to tourism markets, there is a great strong preference towards regional-based walking opportunity for South Australians to utilise the Trail experiences or loop trails, rather than a linear long- more for health benefits. To this end, the Trail will be distance trek. a major part of the Healthy Parks Healthy People The study also found that amongst people surveyed initiative aimed at getting people to use the South who have not walked the Trail previously, almost half Australian natural environment for recreation. indicated that they would be interested in doing so in the future, and that 9% of people surveyed indicated that the length of the Trail would not deter them from walking the Trail (Heysen Trail Research, Project Overview and Executive Summaries, McGregor Tan Research, 006).

Heysen Trail Strategic Plan Heysen Trail Strategic Plan 5 Goals

The foll ow i ng goa l s have been i dent ifi ed to g i ve . Ensure a hi gh standard of management for effect to the visi on for the peri od 007 - 017: the Heysen Trail; 1. Promote the Heysen Trail as offer i ng South . I ncrease the support base and i nvo l vement Australi a’s prem i er l ong d i stance walki ng with the Heysen Trail ; and experi ence; 5. Pursue resources and ensure thei r effect i ve use . Broaden the vari ety of experi ences and in the devel opment, management and promoti on opportuniti es ava il ab l e on the Heysen Trail of the Heysen Trail. to encourage i ts i ncreased use by a wi der range of peopl e;

Challenges Vision for The Heysen Trail differs from other high profile Heysen Trail long-distance walking trails in a number of ways. In particular, the Trail: • is considerably longer than most high profile The Heysen Trail is internationally recognised walking trails; as a premier long distance walking trail, offering a diverse range of walking • is located on land managed by many different opportunities and experiences. organisations and individuals; This vision will be pursued by: • is supported by a large volunteer workforce for basic maintenance; • improving the range and diversity of walking experiences; • commences and finishes in locations remote from services and regular transport; • ensuring a high standard of management; • is closed across private land during the fire danger • creating links to regional accommodation season from 1 November until 0 April; and and tourism opportunities; and • is difficult to experience in many areas without • promoting the Heysen Trail, associated considerable organisation, planning, skill experiences and spectacular landscapes and experience. and environments. This Heysen Trail Strategic Plan seeks to build on the strengths of the system supporting the existing Trail while addressing some of the recognised challenges.

6 Heysen Trail Strategic Plan Heysen Trail Strategic Plan 7 Achieving the Goals Goal 1 Goal 4 Promote the Heysen Trail as offering Increase the support base and involvement South Australia’s premier long distance with the Heysen Trail walking experience Strategy .1 Strengthen partnerships between Strategy 1.1 Develop, implement and monitor private land owners and managers a marketing plan linked to the whose properties are traversed by DEH Healthy Parks Healthy the Heysen Trail, the Friends of the People initiative. Heysen Trail and relevant Friends of Strategy 1. Incorporate the Heysen Trail Parks groups. into state, national and international Strategy . Improve the engagement of state tourism promotions and publications. and local government and regional Strategy 1. Ensure strategic sections of the communities in the development Heysen Trail are highlighted in and promotion of the Heysen Trail. promotional activities. Strategy . Explore options for a high level stakeholder group to guide the management of the Heysen Trail. Goal 2 Broaden the variety of experiences and opportunities available on the Heysen Trail Goal 5 to encourage its increased use by a wider Pursue resources and ensure their effective range of people use in the development, management and Strategy .1 Develop strategic sections of the promotion of the Heysen Trail Heysen Trail to provide opportunities Strategy 5.1 Expand the range of funding sources for use by a wider range of people. for priority works on the Heysen Trail. Strategy . Develop trail links between the Heysen Trail and nearby towns to boost regional tourism opportunities. Monitoring and Review Strategy . Encourage tourism operators to This Strategic Plan will be monitored on an ongoing develop packages for walkers by basis and will be reviewed no later than 011. providing accommodation, transfers and other services.

Goal 3 Ensure a high standard of management for the Heysen Trail Strategy .1 Develop a Management Plan for the Heysen Trail that addresses route, character, standards and facilities. Strategy . Develop annual operational plans for maintenance works with input from the Friends of the Heysen Trail and others. Strategy . Enhance the interpretation of Aboriginal and European culture along the Heysen Trail where appropriate.

6 Heysen Trail Strategic Plan Heysen Trail Strategic Plan 7 For further information please contact: Department for Environment and Heritage Telephone: (08) 80 1910, or see SA White Pages for your local Department for Environment and Heritage office. Online information available at: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au

Acknowledgments: The Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) would like to acknowledge the input and assistance of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee members: Emeritus Professor Cliff Walsh (Friends of the Heysen Trail), Michael Geddes (South Australian Tourism Commission [SATC]), Kieron Barnes (local government), Anthea Shem (Office of Recreation and Sport), Rob Robinson (ForestrySA), Claire Savage (Chairperson DEH), Dr Laurence Haegi (DEH), Tim Collins (DEH), Neville Byrne (DEH), Bronte Leak (DEH) and John Wilkinson (DEH).

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