Hume Region Significant Tracks and Trails Strategy Appendix 2014-2023 Disclaimer The information contained in this report is intended for the specific use of the within named party to which it is addressed ("the communityvibe client") only. All recommendations by communityvibe are based on information provided by or on behalf of the communityvibe client and communityvibe has relied on such information being correct at the time this report is prepared. communityvibe shall take no responsibility for any loss or damage caused to the communityvibe client or to any third party whether direct or consequential as a result of or in any way arising from any unauthorised use of this report or any recommendations contained within. Report Date and Version: Final. July 2014 Endorsed by the Hume Region Local Government Network Images Front cover photos courtesy of Mt Buller-Mt Stirling Resort (horse riding) and Finish Line Events (mountain bike riding). All other photos courtesy of communityvibe unless otherwise stated. Prepared By Wendy Holland, Shaun Quayle and Stephen Trompp 5 Allison St, BENDIGO VIC 3550. Ph: 0438 433 555. E: [email protected] W: www.communityvibe.com.au Contents 1.0 Definitions ................................................................................................................................... 1 2.0 Geographic and Cultural Review .................................................................................................. 3 3.0 Policy Context ............................................................................................................................ 10 3.1 Victorian Government............................................................................................................ 10 3.2 Hume Region ......................................................................................................................... 21 3.3 Other Locations ..................................................................................................................... 44 4.0 Benchmarking ............................................................................................................................ 46 Milford Track (New Zealand)........................................................................................................ 46 Overland Track, Cradle Mountain (Tasmania) .............................................................................. 47 Lilydale to Warburton (‘Warby’) Rail Trail (Victoria) ..................................................................... 50 Otago Rail Trail (New Zealand) ..................................................................................................... 51 Mule Trail, Grand Canyon (USA) .................................................................................................. 54 Valmont Bike Park, Boulder, Colorado, USA ................................................................................. 57 The Whole Enchilada (MTB), Moab, Utah, USA ............................................................................ 58 5.0 Survey Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 61 6.0 Consultations ............................................................................................................................. 79 7.0 Written Submissions ................................................................................................................ 131 8.0 Funding Opportunities ............................................................................................................. 143 9.0 Track / Trail Development Profiles ........................................................................................... 154 1.0 Definitions Regionally Significant A track or trail that is sustainably designed and constructed to a high Track or Trail standard (mostly off-road where possible); has a high level of appeal to local residents and visitors; highlights and links the unique features of the region; has some length to it, but also options for smaller loops or varying experiences; is supported by appropriate infrastructure; is well promoted and supported by local communities and businesses; and offers a range of benefits to the region. Municipal Trail A trail that may provide linkages to key attractions in a municipality such as waterways, parks, etc and which may attract both locals and visitors to use the trail. Local Trail A trail that primarily links local facilities such as shops, schools, sports centres, etc to residential areas. These trails are usually off-road and are used by people within the neighbourhoods in which they exist. Commuter Trail A trail that provides a fairly direct route for cyclists from residential areas to the business area of a town or city, usually located on road. Track The word track can be used interchangeably with trail, and can refer to anything from a dirt road to a pedestrian walkway (generally also unpaved). Trail A defined path, route or track which often traverses natural areas and is used by people for non-motorised recreation such as walking, cycling, mountain biking and horse riding.1 Cyclist A person who rides a bicycle (road, hybrid or mountain bike) or a human powered vehicle. Cycle Tourist A person who undertakes a recreational visit, either overnight or a day away from home, which involves cycling as a significant part of the visit2. Walker / Bushwalker A person who walks along a trail through urban parks or forest; or undertakes a full day walk in a national park or reserve; or takes part in a multi-day trip where they are self-sufficient carrying everything in a backpack.3 Recreational Cyclist A person who rides a bicycle primarily for enjoyment. These cyclists generally tend to use off road paths where possible and travel at lower speeds than commuter or competitive cyclists. 1 Victorian Government (2004) Victorian Trails Strategy 2005-2010 2 Munda Biddi Trail Foundation (2005). Cycle Tourism: A New Tourism Market Emerges in Western Australia: www.mundabiddi.org.au/cycle_tourism/images/cthires.pdf 3 Bushwalking Victoria website: http://bushwalkingvictoria.org.au/ Page | 1 Mountain Bike Rider A person who rides a mountain bike or hybrid bike on designated mountain bike trails or off-road riding on private or public land.4 Competitive Cyclist Competitive cyclists are those who generally take part in cycling events or competitions. These cyclists often undertake medium to long distance rides and travel at fairly high speeds. They tend to share carriageway of roads with motorists or use on road cycling paths or shoulders. Road Riders Road riders are cyclists who either share the carriageway of a road with motorists, or use on road cycling paths or shoulders to travel to their destination. Horse Riding Trail A trail designed for people riding horses. These trails may also allow shared use with other forms of non-vehicular transportation. Shared Path A shared path is one which is designed to be used by a variety of different user groups such as cyclists and walkers at the same time. On Road Path Sealed path joined to a road and predominantly used by road bikes Off Road Path Path constructed a short distance away from a road – may be asphalt, concrete, crushed rock, granitic sand, gravel, or unmade dirt track – predominantly used by walkers, hybrid bikes or mountain bikes. Rail Trail Cycling / walking and sometimes horse riding trail built along a disused railway line. Rails with Trails Trails located alongside operating railway lines. Sealed Shoulder A section of sealed road outside the usual carriageway for motorised vehicles, which is often used by cyclists. Single Track A trail that is wide enough for one user only. Single Use Trail A trail that is only designed for one type of user group, e.g. horse riders or mountain bike riders. Trail Head Specific points at which trails start or end. These locations may incorporate information signage and other facilities such as car parking and toilets. Training Route A specified medium to long distance on road route used by cyclists to improve their fitness levels and / or to train for competitive cycling events. 4 Faulks, P. Ritchie, B. Fluker, M. (2006) Cycle Tourism in Australia: An Investigation of its Size and Scope, Sustainable Tourism CRC Page | 2 2.0 Geographic and Cultural Review The following table provides an overview of key geographic and cultural features of each of the Local Government areas that make up the Hume region: LGA Natural Indigenous Cultural Man-made Food & Wine Alpine Shire Mount Buffalo High country huts Falls Creek Alpine Wineries National Park Goldfield diggings Resort Breweries Mount Beauty Chinese Swing Bridge Mount Hotham Producers of nuts, Kiewa Valley (Wandiligong) Alpine Resort honey, lavender, Bogong High Plains Tobacco sheds Dinner Plain Alpine olives, berries, hops, Mount Bogong Bright Art Gallery Village butter, flowers, Mount Feathertop Various markets and Murray to Mountains apples, fudge, Falls Creek festivals Rail Trail mustard, specialty Mt Hotham Great Alpine Road breads, lamb, farmed trout, farmed salmon, farmed Murray Cod, herbs, jams, pickles, preserves, pesto, sauces, chutney, cordial Benalla Lake Benalla Benalla Art Gallery Winton Motor Wineries Rural City Mount Samaria State Benalla Museum Raceway Brewery Park Ned Kelly Touring State Gliding Club Bakery products, Reef Hills State Park Route (Benalla) honey, flowers, fruit, Benalla