BULLETIN #5 — J U L Y 2 0 1 4 HUME REGION SIGNIFIC A N T TRACKS & TRAILS S T R A T E G Y FINAL STRATEGY RELEA S E D After significant consultation with key stakeholders, organisations and individuals, the Hume Region Significant Tracks and Trails Strategy has now been completed and endorsed. The document is an important strategic plan that will inform further infrastructure development and identifies specific areas to be addressed to create an improved visitor experience, and provide opportunities for business development and partnerships to deliver economic, tourism, environmental, health and lifestyle benefits to the region. KEY TRACK / TRAIL DE VELOPMENTS PROPOSED The following 23 track / trail developments have been identified as key priorities in the Hume region (in no particular order): Winton Wetlands Wodonga to Tallangatta Sealing Bright to Harrietville Alexandra to Eildon Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing Yackandandah to Huon Beechworth to Yackandandah Bonegilla to Lake Hume Oxley to Whitfield Barmah Canoe Trail Wandong to Heathcote Tallarook to Seymour Wandiligong HVP MTB Trail Network Chiltern to Rutherglen Falls Creek to Mt Beauty MTB Trail Yarrawonga to Echuca High Country Rail Trail Wodonga CBD Alexandra to Rubicon Mt Stirling Horse Trail Shepparton to Seymour River Trail Wahgunyah to Lake Moodemere Old Tallangatta to Corryong Lake Mountain to Marysville MTB QUICK SUMMARY OF REC OMMENDATIONS In addition to identifying 23 new tracks / trails or upgrades to existing tracks / trails, the strategy also identified some key areas that need to be addressed in order to improve the quality of the experience for track / trail users and the overall planning, design and management of tracks / trails in the Hume region. These issues include: Governance and communication Business / private sector development Management and maintenance Planning Communication structures Trail design and planning Resources Visitor experience Marketing Events Signage and wayfinding Public transport access Risk management Universal design Research and data collection New opportunities WHERE TO GET A COPY O F T H E THANK YOU TO ALL STRATEGY INVOLVED A copy of the Final Strategy, along with an executive On behalf of the Hume Region Significant summary, maps and appendices can be found on the Tracks and Trails Steering Committee, we Regional Development Victoria website: would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Strategy in some way, http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au and on individual Local i.e. by attending meetings, attending Government Authority and Alpine Resort Management workshops, filling out surveys, preparing websites throughout the Hume region. written submissions and providing Hard copies of the Strategy may be available at Regional feedback and information to support the Development Victoria, Local Government and Alpine recommendations. Resort Management offices for viewing. PROJECT PARTNERS Hume Regional Develop- ment Australia Regional Development Victoria Alpine Shire Council Benalla Rural City Council Greater Shepparton City Council WHERE TO FROM HERE? Indigo Shire Council Mansfield Shire Council The first action within the Strategy involves the establishment of a Hume Mitchell Shire Council Region Significant Tracks and Trails Committee to oversee the Moira Shire Council implementation of the recommendations. This committee will include Murrindindi Shire Council representation from the following organisations: Local Government, Alpine Resort Management Boards, State Government, Tourism Bodies and the Strathbogie Shire Council community. Towong Shire Council Meeting annually, the Hume Region Significant Tracks and Trails Strategy Rural City of Wangaratta Committee will use the strategy to support land managers (Local Government Council Authorities, State Government Agencies, and other key stakeholders) to seek Wodonga City Council funding and resources to develop, enhance, and upgrade regionally Mt Buller & Mt Stirling, significant tracks and trails in accordance with the recommendations Falls Creek, Mt Hotham contained within the Strategy. The Committee will also review the Hume and Lake Mountain Alpine Region Significant Tracks and Trails Strategy every three years. Resorts. Parks Victoria Department of Environ- ment & Primary Industries .