Maranoa Regional Council Trails Strategy. Prepared for

Transcription

1 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Prepared fr Nvember 2009

2 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Prepared by Nvember 2009 Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 2

3 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6 BACKGROUND 6 THE BRIEF 6 THE ROLE OF TRAILS 6 WHAT ARE PEOPLE SEEKING FROM TRAILS? (TRAIL DEMAND) 7 PRINCIPLES FOR SELECTION OF TRAIL PROJECTS 8 THE EXISTING TRAIL SUPPLY SITUATION 8 RECOMMENDED TRAIL PROJECTS 10 COSTS 14 FUNDING 15 IMPLEMENTATION 15 SUMMARY 16 RECOMMENDATIONS 17 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THIS TRAILS STRATEGY SCOPE OF THE TRAILS STRATEGY THE PROJECT BRIEF TRAILS MASTER PLANNING METHODOLOGY DEFINITION OF A TRAIL SOME UNDERLYING PHILOSOPHIES THE BENEFITS OF TRAILS LOCAL USE OF TRAILS DEMAND FOR TRAILS 26 SECTION 2: CONSULTATION INTRODUCTION MARANOA REGIONAL COUNCIL STAFF QUEENSLAND PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ACTIVE ROMA MARANOA REGIONAL COUNCIL TRAIL USER SURVEY PUBLIC COMMENTS ON DRAFT REPORT 35 SECTION 3: MARANOA REGIONAL COUNCIL TRAIL SUPPLY ANALYSIS OVERVIEW INVENTORY OF EXISTING (RECOGNISED) TRAILS CONDITION OF EXISTING TRAILS TRAILS NETWORK STRENGTHS AND OPPORTUNITIES 43 Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 3

4 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy 3.5 RECOMMENDED FUTURE TRAILS MAPPING EXISTING & FUTURE TRAILS 44 SECTION 4: LINKS BETWEEN TRAILS DRIVE TRAILS DRIVE TRAILS AND HERITAGE TOURISM BENEFITS OF A DRIVE TRAIL THE NEED FOR A DRIVE TRAIL PLAN DEVELOPING THE DRIVE TRAIL ROUTE(S) PLANNING THE ROUTES THE POTENTIAL IN MARANOA REGIONAL COUNCIL 48 SECTION 5: PROPOSED TRAILS AND COSTS REVIEW OF KEY OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT CRITERIA THE PROPOSED TRAIL PROJECTS THE TRAIL PROJECTS IN DETAIL SUMMARY OF PROJECT COSTS 83 SECTION 6: IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM INTRODUCTION TIMEFRAME FOR IMPLEMENTATION AVAILABILITY OF TRAIL INFORMATION AND PROMOTION MAPPING OF TRAILS 87 SECTION 7 - GENERAL TRAIL DESIGN ISSUES INTRODUCTION GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS SIGNAGE BOARDWALKS TRAIL FURNITURE TRAILHEADS AND PARKING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES 97 SECTION 8: INTERPRETATION AND INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE INTRODUCTION WHAT IS INTERPRETATION? PLANNING INTERPRETATION DELIVERING INTERPRETATION 100 Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 4

5 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy SECTION 9: TRAIL MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE TRAIL MANAGEMENT GROUP TRAIL MANAGEMENT PLANS BUSH FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT PLANNING PREPARATION OF TRAIL MAINTENANCE PLANS 110 SECTION 10: RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES INTRODUCTION COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT STATE GOVERNMENT DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS OTHER COUNCIL-BASED FUNDING MECHANISMS PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP OTHER TRAIL RESOURCING OPPORTUNITIES 123 BIBLIOGRAPHY 126 APPENDIX 1 TRAIL MAINTENANCE PLAN PRO-FORMA CHECKLIST 127 APPENDIX 2 MARANOA REGIONAL COUNCIL TRAIL USER SURVEY 131 APPENDIX 3 TRAIL PLANS 137 Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 5

6 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Backgrund Marana Reginal Cuncil has an area f 58,830 square kilmetres. The Cuncil s ppulatin is 12,648 ( Reginal Destinatin Marketing Plan 2009). The twn f Rma, the dminant urban centre f the Cuncil, has the biggest single cncentratin f peple (apprximately 6,950). Other majr twns are Mitchell, Injune, Yuleba, Surat and Wallumbilla, with a number f smaller twns spread acrss the regin. The Brief Marana Reginal Cuncil cmmissined ROSS Planning t prepare a Sprt and Recreatin Plan fr the Cuncil in May As part f that prject, Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd are preparing a Recreatin Trails Plan. The main aim f the trails cmpnent is a strategy fr the future develpment and maintenance f an integrated netwrk f multi-use recreatin trails thrughut the Marana Reginal Cuncil area that prvide quality recreatinal experiences and access t pen space destinatins. This Trails Strategy des nt encmpass the preparatin f specific and detailed trail develpment plans fr each selected trail setting ut exactly the trail upgrading and/r develpment wrks required. That level f detail is nt usually included in a Trails Master Plan r Reginal Trails Strategy. Fr the purpses f this Plan, a recreatin trail is any crridr, rute r pathway fr recreatinal purpses such as walking, muntain biking r recreatinal hrse riding - and which passes thrugh r has a strng cnnectin with the natural envirnment, pen spaces and cultural heritage. The Rle f Trails Trails have much t ffer a lcal gvernment area such as the Marana Reginal Cuncil. Right acrss Australia the many benefits f well-planned and prmted trails are being recgnised by a range f agencies frm Natinal Park services t turism departments, and frm lcal gvernment authrities t a hst f health and physical activity rganisatins. It is nw well recgnised that recreatin trails perfrm a number f highly beneficial rles in the brader cmmunity: They prvide pprtunities fr lw-key unstructured passive recreatin fr lcal residents and visitrs alike; They enable users t gain fitness and they fster general well-being; They yield significant health benefits bth t the individual and sciety. In the USA, a cmprehensive health ecnmics study shwed every $US1.00 invested in recreatinal trails fr physical activity yielded a direct medical benefit f $US2.94 (Wang et al 2005); They prvide a significant ecnmic benefit t cmmunities where they are lcated. Users f the Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia s lng distance walk trail, inject $21 millin/year in the Western Australian ecnmy, a very gd return n an initial ne-ff $5 millin investment fr cnstructin by the WA Gvernment. The Riesling Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 6

7 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Trail (a 27 kilmetre shared use rail-trail in Suth Australia) injects $1.08 millin per year int the Clare regin (Market Equity 2004). Visiting trail users n the Mundaring trails netwrk (a Lcal Gvernment n the utskirts f Perth) spend a ttal f $10.39 millin annually in the lcal ecnmy (Jessp and Bruce 2001). They are a valuable turism attractin, especially when marketed well; They can help instil a cnservatin ethic amngst users; and They can be a means f educating users abut the attributes f an area, especially when gd interpretatin is a feature f the trail. What Are Peple Seeking frm Trails? (Trail Demand) In preparing a dcument such as the Marana Reginal Cuncil Recreatin Trails Strategy and in recmmending the investment f scarce public resurces t maximise the return n investment, it is critical t cnsider trail demand. There is a significant bdy f wrk nw that tells us what peple are lking fr frm trails. Walking (and bushwalking) is the mst ppular utdr recreatin activity acrss Australia and is likely t remain s as the ppulatin ages. Limited survey wrk dne fr this prject indicates that walking is the mst ppular activity in the Marana Reginal Cuncil area. Cycling (n and ff-rad) is als very ppular and is grwing in ppularity. Hrse riding is an activity by a relatively small number f participants; hwever, park management prcesses in Queensland are increasingly clsing ff hrse riding pprtunities. The Adungad Pathway in Rma is very ppular with lcal peple and with visitrs. Cmpletin and extensin f the path is a high pririty prject in this trails strategy. Walking and cycling in particular is likely t cntinue t be in significant demand within the Cuncil frm bth residents (as the ppulatin ages) and visitrs. Generally speaking, there is a clear preference fr shrter jurneys but peple are prepared t travel t take advantage f lnger trail pprtunities. Visitrs are seeking similar trail experiences t residents. Visitrs are particularly seeking t experience authentic and lcal culture and the natural envirnment. Turism statistics in general indicate the grwing ppularity f the shrt break market with bushwalking and hiking featuring high n the list f activities (undertaken by sme 48% f peple). The experience f many twns acrss the USA is that develpment f trails can stimulate visitatin t an area because f the existence f the trails. Experience frm Australia (Bibbulmun Track, Mundaring Trails Netwrk, and Riesling Trail) and New Zealand (Central Otag Rail Trail) supprts the ntin f build it and they will cme. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 7

8 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Part f prviding a return n the investment made in trail prjects shuld be the prvisin and uptake f cmplementary ecnmic develpment pprtunities. Trail prjects selected as pririty prjects need t reflect this utcme as well as ther utcmes such as getting peple ut and abut and active. Critically, trails have t prvide a high quality user experience r else peple will nt use them r will nt cme back wrd f muth is a much strnger advcacy tl than marketing strategies. The pririty prjects need t ensure a high level user experience. Principles fr Selectin f Trail Prjects Candidate trails and sites were assessed against a number f imprtant criteria: Trail demand - the majrity f users are seeking shrt trail pprtunities; Cmmunity input; Value fr mney (recgnising that there will be limited budget). Trail prjects shuld lk t prvide value fr mney and a gd return n the investment made by the Cuncil and ther land managers. A few high quality, well built, well maintained and well prmted trails highlighting the best features f the Marana Reginal Cuncil area is preferable t a large number f pr quality trails badly cnstructed and nt maintained; Practicalities f trail develpment csts, land tenure and access, envirnmental issues, cultural issues, funding pssibilities, pssible (n-ging) cmmunity supprt and the pssibility f ppsitin, and the safety f users; and User experience. Trails have t prvide a high quality user experience r else peple will nt use them r will nt cme back. It is makes mre sense t have a few QUALITY trails rather than a vast QUANTITY f prly cnstructed, prly maintained and little used trails. When prpsing a trails netwrk, three fundamental questins must be answered: Wh is ging t use the trail? Wh is ging t maintain the trail? Where is the mney ging t cme frm? Prpsing a lng list f trails prjects can be cunter-prductive. When faced with a daunting (and expensive) list f trail develpment (r upgrading) prjects, a cmmunity can ften abandn plans fr the trails netwrk as it all becmes t hard. It is therefre far mre preferable t embark n a well-reasned (small) suite f trail prjects a prgram that can be accmplished ver a 10-year implementatin perid. Cmbined with the field assessment, cnsideratin f these elements allws the determinatin f pririty prjects. The Existing Trail Supply Situatin The Marana Reginal Cuncil already has a small supply f trails and pathways, mstly in/near urban areas, such as the Adungad Pathway in Rma, the Hspital Hill Walk in Rma, the Rma Histric Walk, Mitchell s Marana River Walk, Surat s River Walk, the Lagn Walk in Injune and a number f trails in natural areas f the Cuncil area such as Mt Mffat. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 8

9 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Mst f the existing walk trails are scattered thrughut the Marana Reginal Cuncil area, with little r n prmtin f sme f them. It is likely that mst residents f the Marana Reginal Cuncil wuld be unaware f the existence f sme f these trail and pathway pprtunities and therefre the level f use is prbably lw (certainly a lt lwer than it culd be if they were well prmted). In fact, anecdtal evidence suggests that many residents f Rma have n knwledge f the Adungad Pathway despite its high appeal and scenic lcatin. The existing trails analysis is presented in Sectin 3. The key pints frm this analysis are: Cmpared with many ther lcal gvernments thrughut Australia, the Marana Reginal Cuncil des nt have many trails and des nt have an abundance f pprtunities fr the develpment f trails. There are several walk trails (sealed pathways) available, f varying quality, in twns in the regin, thugh n frmal muntain biking and hrse riding trails. Shrt pathways (arund 1.0km) dminate. The Carnarvn Natinal Park des prvide walk trails in natural areas, thugh the varius parts f the Natinal Park are fairly remte frm mst twns in the Cuncil area. The regin des have an array f heritage buildings and heritage sites in the main twns (Rma, Mitchell, Surat and Injune) and thrughut the Cuncil area. These heritage sites prvide pprtunities fr in-twn heritage (walk) trails and heritage drive trails thrughut the regin (centred n the twns). The shrt (1km) path arund the Lagn in Injune is well used by visitrs frm the nearby caravan park. Enhancements t the path are recmmended. The Marana Reginal Cuncil area has a rich explratin, settlement and farming histry and therefre numerus histric sites capable f frming the fundatin f a number f heritage drive trails. The regin has a rich indigenus histry, as well as mre recent nn-indigenus histry enabling many stries t be tld. There is a general lack f available infrmatin abut the trails and pathways. The lack f infrmatin abut the existence f these trails and pathways wuld bviusly result in lwer usage levels. The availability f interpretatin n the trails varies. The Rma Histric Walk and Hspital Hill Walk have numerus n-site interpretive panels. The Adungad Pathway des have several interpretive panels. Other trails and pathways have limited r n interpretive signs. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 9

10 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Recmmended Trail Prjects The Trails Plan is shaped specifically t fit Marana Reginal Cuncil area s unique parameters. It prpses nt a lng list f high-level actins attributed t varius agencies wh may have little incentive t fulfil them, but rather a limited number f specific prjects which have the ptential t deliver slid and real benefits t the cmmunities f the municipality. It recgnises the needs and demands f lcal residents (in particular) and visitrs, and it takes advantage f the diverse range f attractive landscapes n ffer. In prpsing a ttal f 15 trail prjects, this Trails Strategy recgnises the limited capacity f the Marana Reginal Cuncil. It has been felt mre apprpriate t embark upn a restricted prgram f activity but ne that is achievable rather than a pie in the sky list f prjects that culd well seem t daunting t even attempt. Prject a) Adungad Pathway Extensins Prject The Adungad Pathway is 2.1 km lng, starting at the Big Rig in the east (adjacent t the Bungil Creek) and extends as far west as Apex Park (at Nrthern Rd). The 2.4m wide cncrete pathway generally fllws the Bungil Creek and the Lng Drain, changing frm ne side t the ther side via small bridges. It utilises underpasses t crss majr rads. Althugh the length is stated as being 2.1 km, there are sme missing links where the path rute fllws rads instead f the drain/creek. It is assumed that private wnership f the land alng the creek has prevented the path frm being cmpleted in these sectins. This prject invlves imprvements and extensins t the existing Adungad Pathway. A number f imprvements are suggested which wuld make the Adungad Pathway an even mre accessible and enjyable experience. A The Lng Drain thrugh Rma presents pprtunities fr extensins t the Adungad Pathway. When cmplete, the extended pathway wuld be a crucial element f the prpsed Rma Circuit Trail. number f pssible extensins/additins t the pathway are pssible depending n land wnership and future develpment. Prject b): Rma Circuit Trail Design Prject The purpse f this prject is t undertake detailed investigatins t establish whether a circumferential pathway circumnavigating Rma is pssible and, if s, the preferred alignment fr such a pathway. The trail/pathway wuld build n existing pathways (such as the Adungad Pathway) and take advantage f pen spaces (such as Rma Bush Gardens) and linear crridrs where available (including the railway reserve). This is a design prject nly. Prject c): Rma Bush Gardens Enhancements Prject The pathways and trail(s) arund the Rma Bush Gardens attract numerus users, including peple walking, yung children learning t ride a bicycle, parents with prams and peple walking dgs. Thugh the cncrete pathway is incmplete, a Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 10

11 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy circumnavigatin f the frmer railway dam is pssible by fllwing well-used ftpads acrss sme grassed areas. A number f imprvements are suggested which wuld make the Rma Bush Gardens Walk a mre accessible and enjyable experience. Prject d): Lake Neverfill Trail Design and Develpment Prject Lake Neverfill is a natural area n the utskirts f Rma with the ptential fr prviding an utstanding walk trail. The lake attracts a wide range f birds and wuld prvide great interest fr thse keen n bserving birds. A trail arund the lake wuld als attract thers wh are keen n bserving nature and thse interested in health and fitness. The prject invlves determining the design, lcatin and cnstructin requirements fr a circumferential walk trail arund the lake a trail that wuld be apprximately 1.4 km lng. Prject e): Rma Histric Walk Design and Develpment Prject The Rma Histric Walk in the twn centre f Rma cnsists f 25 sites f histric interest, linked nly by means f a map shwing their lcatins. If a user was t visit all 25 sites, the length f trail wuld be apprximately 3.5 km lng depending n the actual rute taken. This prject prpses a revamp f the existing Histric Walk (using much f the existing infrmatin), and the pssible creatin f tw new heritage trails based n the existing infrastructure. At least ne f the prpsed (new) heritage trail(s) wuld cmmence frm the Big Rig, and use existing ftpaths where available. Prject f) Mitchell Heritage Walk Design and Develpment Prject The existing River Walk in Mitchell fllws clsely alngside the Marana River fr much f its length. As it currently stands, the river walk is apprximately 7.0 kilmetres lng thugh a cnsiderable amunt is away frm the river s edge fllwing rads. The main trail cmmences at the bridge ver the Warreg Highway in Mitchell and terminates at Rtary Park near Neil Turner Weir. This trail is 4.2 km. A secnd part f the trail cmmences at Rtary Park and finishes at Fisherman s Rest (2.8 km). This prject invlves making use f a prtin f the existing walk trail alng the Marana River, creating a circuit trail by ruting the return lp thrugh the twn and past a number f heritage buildings and sites. These imprvements wuld make the Marana River Walk in Mitchell a mre accessible and enjyable experience. Prject g) Weir Walk Enhancements Prject The Weir Walk is a 3.0km walk trail that extends westward frm Neil Turner Weir (at Rtary Park) t Fisherman s Rest. It is currently designated as Leg 2 f the Mitchell River Walk (Fisherman s Rest t Neil Turner Weir). As a stand-alne trail, the Weir Walk has much t ffer. It cmmences at a ppular camping and visitr lcatin (Rtary Park near Neil Turner Weir) and terminates at an existing parking area (Fisherman s Rest). It is lcated immediately alngside the river. This prject invlves an upgrade f a sectin f the existing River Walk in Mitchell t create a high quality stand-alne walk trail. Prject h) Surat Heritage Trail Design and Develpment Prject The Surat River Walk is a high quality cncrete pathway that is 1.8m wide and 760 metres lng, lcated within the Riverside Parklands f Surat. It extends frm the Balnne River trailhead at Marcus St t the bwls club at the nrthern end f Alice Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 11

12 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Street. An uncnstructed dirt trail extends even further westward t the Surat Weir parking area (a ptential trailhead). The pathway, thugh f high quality, is limited in its usefulness as it des nt extend as far west as the Surat Weir (and existing trailhead parking area at the weir) and it des nt prvide an uninterrupted cnnectin t the caravan park. This prject invlves making use f a prtin f the existing walk trail alng the Balnne River, creating a circuit trail by ruting the return lp thrugh the twn and past a number f heritage buildings and sites. It invlves a number f ther imprvements and extensins which wuld make the River Walk in Surat a mre accessible and enjyable experience. Prject i) Injune Lagn Walk Enhancements Prject The Lagn Walk in Injune is a 1,230 metre black bitumen pathway, 1.8 metres wide, arund a lagn. The lagn is situated apprximately 100 metres frm the Injune Caravan Park and 380 metres frm the twn centre. This prject invlves enhancing the existing walk trail arund the Lagn. Prject j) Injune Heritage Trail Design and Develpment Prject This prject invlves develping a new in-twn heritage trail in Injune. The prpsed heritage trail wuld cmmence frm the new Visitr Infrmatin Centre, and use existing ftpaths where available. Intwn heritage trails prvide a signpsted and interpreted rute t the mst significant sites within a twn, thereby infrming lcal peple abut their histry as well as being an interesting activity fr visitrs t a twn t enjy. Prject k) Injune Lp Trail Design and Develpment Prject This prject invlves develping a new circuit r lp trail arund the perimeter f the Injune twnsite. The prpsed heritage trail culd cmmence frm the new Visitr Infrmatin Centre, r frm the existing Injune Lagn Trail - and use existing ftpaths where available. A cyclist and pedestrian bridge ver the Wallumbilla Creek and a segregated pathway are recmmended, t enable lcal peple and visitrs t Wallumbilla t avid the busy and smetimes dangerus cnditins n the Warreg Hwy. This lp trail wuld prvide a signpsted and interpreted rute t the mst significant sites arund the utskirts f twn, thereby infrming lcal peple abut their histry as well as being an interesting activity fr visitrs t Injune t enjy. Prject l) Wallumbilla Pathway Develpment Prject This prject invlves the cnstructin f a pathway linking the shwgrunds (and caravan park) with the Calic Cttage (Visitr Centre) in Wallumbilla, with a spur trail cnnecting with the existing pedestrian crssing ver the railway. This pathway was verwhelmingly the number ne pririty as discussed at the cmmunity meeting held during the curse f the prject. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 12

13 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Prject m) Yuleba Passprt Prject The small size f the Yuleba twnsite, the lw traffic vlumes and the wide verges indicates the apparent lack f a need fr any new recreatinal pathways and/r recreatinal trails. Hwever, the twnsite has character and an ample prvisin f heritage buildings and a rich histry assciated with Cbb and C. The Yuleba Passprt prject is intended t fcus n these rich histric elements and attract visitrs t twn fr the purpse f discvering the twn s histry. The idea is t place (r hide ) a series f heritage artefacts arund twn that visitrs must lcate. Sme f these items will be immediately bvius; thers will require sme searching. It culd be regarded as a treasure hunt. Prject n) Judds Lagn Trail Design and Develpment Prject This prject invlves determining the mst apprpriate lcatin fr a shrt walk trail arund the freshre f Judd s Lagn. The Lagn is already a ppular picnic and camping area, with varius facilities already in place. The purpse f establishing a walk trail is t prvide visitrs with a pleasant recreatinal experience in an area already ppular. The prpsed new trail will include several new, shrt bardwalks and/r bridges t enable trail users t crss wetland and pen water sectins f the lagn. Prject ) Drive Trails Prject Recgnising the gegraphically dispersed nature f the attractins f the Marana Reginal Cuncil area, this Trails Strategy prpses a series f shrt drive trails that will take future visitrs t a wide range f attractins thrughut the Marana Reginal Cuncil and in particular t the existing and prpsed (nn-mtrised) trails f the Cuncil. Lay-bys n the side f the nearest rad culd be develped, with ld phtgraphs used n the interpretive panel t explain the significance f the site/place. The range f ptential sites fr inclusin n these drive trails are: Abriginal histry sites. Early explratin and explrers (eg. Sir Thmas Mitchell; Ludwig Leichhardt; Alan MacPhersn). Pineers f settlement. Cbb and C changing statins. Crdury rads. Drving (and the myriad f stck rutes). Railway histry sites. Old schl sites. Natural histry sites. The rich explratin, bushranger and pineering Mining and mineral explratin sites. Gas explratin sites. histry f the regin culd be captured in a series f lcal drive trails recmmended as a high pririty prject in this plan. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 13

14 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy In additin t the trails develpment/upgrading prjects listed abve, anther imprtant task (r trails-related prject) fr the Marana Reginal Cuncil is a Marketing and Prmtin Prgram (the 16 th prject). A series f walk, cycle and drive trails will be develped r upgraded thrugh the prgrams set ut abve. When in place, they will need t be better prmted. This is best achieved thrugh a cncerted effrt at cmpiling infrmatin, and publishing it in the frm f simple but aesthetically pleasing brchures/maps. This prject will fcus n cllating, prducing and disseminating infrmatin regarding the range f trail pprtunities within the Marana Reginal Cuncil area. Csts The wrks lists and csts fr trail upgrades are fully discussed in this reprt. Different trails require different wrks t be carried ut sme require very little wrk; thers require a greater scpe f wrk; while sme require mre detailed planning. In summary, indicative csts f planning and develping and/r upgrading each trail fllws. It is wrth reiterating that this Trails Strategy des nt encmpass the preparatin f specific trail develpment plans fr each selected trail detailing exactly the trail upgrading and/r develpment wrks required. The csts belw shuld therefre be taken as indicative nly. Rma Trail Csts (including 10% cntingency and 10% GST) Adungad Pathway Extensins Prject (Prject a) $651,200 Rma Circuit Trail Design Prject (Prject b) $20,690 (plan nly) Rma Bush Gardens Enhancements Prject (Prject c) $235,570 Lake Neverfill Trail Design and Develpment Prject (Prject d) Rma Histric Walk Design and Develpment Prject (Prject e) $168,700 $91,720 Mitchell Mitchell Heritage Walk Design and Develpment Prject (Prject f) $82,100 Weir Walk Enhancements Prject (Prject g) $38,660 Surat Surat Heritage Trail Design and Develpment Prject (Prject h) $246,540 Injune Injune Lagn Walk enhancements Prject (Prject i) $63,950 Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 14

15 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Injune Heritage Trail Design and Develpment Prject (Prject j) Injune Lp Trail Design and Develpment Prject (Prject k) $71,210 $56,750 Wallumbilla Wallumbilla Pathway develpment Prject (Prject l) $189,670 Yuleba Yuleba Passprt Prject (Prject m) Judds Lagn Trail Design and Develpment Prject (Prject n) $22,000 (plan nly) $82,230 General prjects Drive Trails Prject (Prject ) $389,380 Trails marketing prgram (Prject p) $60,500 TOTAL TRAIL COSTS $2,470,870 Funding Facing an ambitius prject that encmpasses significant trail develpment can be daunting indeed. Prpnents may well ask: Where are these funds ging t cme frm fr trail develpment, prmtin and the range f ther matters necessary fr the creatin and upgrade f this trail? Resurcing trail cnstructin and prmtin prgrams can certainly be challenging, as can resurcing nging maintenance. It must be recgnised that prjects such as these are an investment fr the future. Well-planned and built, well interpreted and apprpriately prmted, the trails will benefit lcal cmmunities thrugh the prvisin f high quality recreatin pprtunities and they will bring visitrs int the Regin (and encurage them t stay lnger). They will create emplyment, and all will significantly assist in the cnservatin and preservatin f heritage sites alng their rutes. A range f funding surces and ther resurces are currently available. The Cuncil (and ratepayers f the Cuncil) shuld nt have t pay the entire csts f any trail package. Mst f the pririty prjects will result in the need fr substantial implementatin and marketing funding surcing these funds shuld be a pririty actin fr the Marana Reginal Cuncil. Implementatin This Recreatin Trails Strategy suggests a ten-year initial implementatin prgram fr the 16 prjects. Many f the trail prjects are spread ver a number f years in recgnitin f their cmpnents (plan and cnstruct) and their csts. The fllwing table shws a recmmended expenditure prgram fr future trail develpment. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 15

16 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Year Prpsed expenditure 1 $75,265 2 $425,245 3 $314,850 4 $370,600 5 $209,595 6 $220,205 7 $365,235 8 $161,565 9 $108, $220,125 $2,470,870 Summary Attracting users t trails is a cmpetitive business. Numerus lcal gvernments, and nt-fr-prfit rganisatins, are nw beginning t realise the tremendus benefits that trails can bring t a cmmunity. Acrss Queensland there are a large number f trails, mst f which are prly built, prly signpsted, prly maintained and prly prmted. With this in mind, this Recreatin Trails Strategy strngly recmmends that the Marana Reginal Cuncil strive t attain a cmpetitive edge in its supply and marketing f its trails. T this end, the prvisin f a small suite f quality trails, rather than numerus rdinary trails, is the primary bjective. With the implementatin f the trails prjects develped in this Trails Strategy, the Cuncil will be able t attract visitrs t the Regin and be able t keep them in the regin fr a full weekend r lnger. This Recreatin Trails Strategy sets ut a simple prject-fcussed prgram f activity designed t deliver the maximum benefits t the widest crss-sectin f the cmmunity. It des nt fcus slely n develping new trails, but recgnises the existence f a number f trails already in the regin. It will supprt the upgrading f a number f these, and enshrines the requirement fr quality (and carefully targeted) marketing and prmtin. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 16

17 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy RECOMMENDATIONS It is recmmended that the Marana Reginal Cuncil: Reslve t endrse the Marana Reginal Cuncil Recreatin Trails Strategy and seek t implement the recmmendatins cntained therein. Cnsider an annual allcatin t supplement grants frm ther surces t implement the prjects cntained within the Recreatin Trails Strategy. Establish a Trails Management Grup t versee the implementatin f this Recreatin Trails Strategy. Seek funds frm ther surces and funding prgrams fr the prjects cntained within the Marana Reginal Cuncil Recreatin Trails Strategy. If external funding can be surced, make arrangements fr a prtin f the wrk time f an fficer f the Marana Reginal Cuncil t be dedicated t trails and implementatin f this Recreatin Trails Strategy. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 17

18 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Backgrund Marana Reginal Cuncil has an area f 58,830 square kilmetres. The Cuncil area ppulatin is 12,648 ( Reginal Destinatin Marketing Plan 2009). The twn f Rma, the dminant urban centre f the Cuncil, has the biggest single cncentratin f peple (apprximately 6,950). Other majr twns are Mitchell, Injune, Yuleba, Surat and Wallumbilla, with a number f smaller twns and lcatins spread acrss the regin. The turism sectr is a small but significant industry within the Cuncil area and ne that is likely t grw in years t cme. A recently prepared Destinatin Marketing Plan includes the bjectives f attracting additinal numbers f the senirs market t the regin, extending the duratin f their stay and encuraging their turing within the regin, and increasing the visitatin and duratin f stay by families, particularly during nn peak visitr seasn. Marana Reginal Cuncil cmmissined ROSS Planning t prepare a Sprt and Recreatin Plan fr the Cuncil in May As part f that prject, Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd are preparing a Recreatin Trails Strategy. The main aim f the trails cmpnent a strategy fr the future develpment and maintenance f an integrated netwrk f multi-use recreatin trails thrughut Marana Reginal Cuncil area that prvides quality recreatinal experiences and access t pen space destinatins. 1.2 Purpse and Need fr this Trails Strategy Recreatinal trails are nt an islated prduct they link with a whle range f ther planning prcesses turism, pen space planning, reginal planning, ecnmic develpment, and natural resurce management planning. Trails need t be placed in a wider cntext f ther issues. Experience elsewhere indicates that recreatinal trails can indeed be a fcal pint fr quality turism with the right infrastructure and the right packaging. Recreatinal trails can be a significant cmpnent f a sustainable turism industry capitalising n significant natural assets. The area ffers a brad spectrum f pssible trail types and standards and the develpment f a Trails Strategy will allw the varius gvernments, private and cmmunity rganisatins t effectively, cperatively and apprpriately plan fr the future. A series f recreatin trails wuld serve the fllwing purpses. 1. Enable cnvenient and safe access t the varius twnsites fr residents, children and turists. 2. Prvide a safe recreatinal asset fr the twns. 3. Prvide an attractin t turists that wuld educate them f the eclgical, scial, and cultural significance f the area t the cmmunities f the Rma Regin. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 18

19 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy 4. Prvide an pprtunity fr an integrated cmmunity prject; i.e. cmmunity invlvement in all aspects f the trail frm track alignment t design t signage and rehabilitatin f the area s vegetatin. 5. Incrprate indigenus heritage int the trail system (especially in interpretive signage). 6. Supprt the histrical significance and status f the majr twns f the regin. 1.3 Scpe f the Trails Strategy the Prject Brief The Trails Strategy is a cmpnent f a wider Marana Reginal Cuncil Sprt and Recreatin Plan. The recreatin trails cmpnent is aimed at develping a strategy fr the future develpment and maintenance f an integrated netwrk f multi-use recreatin trails thrughut Marana Reginal Cuncil area, that prvide quality recreatinal experiences and access t pen space destinatins. 1.4 Trails Master Planning There are fur basic elements t trail planning and develpment prir t actual cnstructin f a trail: State r Reginal Trails Master Plan identifies strategic trail initiatives at a state r reginal level; identifies trends in recreatin and recmmends range f trails t satisfy demands; recmmends key prjects fr implementatin. Lcal Gvernment Trails Master Plan identifies existing range f trails; identifies gaps and missing links in the supply f trails; identifies pririty trail prjects (including repairs, upgrades and extensins t existing trails, signage requirements and marketing and prmtinal materials); identifies key stakehlders; identifies ptential trail crridrs. Individual Trail Feasibility Study refines ptential trail rutes; identifies issues/challenges t trail develpment; identifies the pssible market fr the trail; bradly identifies csts; prvides feasibility statement n the practicalities f develping the trail. Trail Develpment Plan identifies precise rute f prpsed trail; identifies cnstructin techniques and materials; prvides reliable csts estimates and detailed wrks lists; identifies signage requirements and csts; prvides trail inspectin and maintenance schedules. The Trails Strategy is at the earliest stage f the trail planning and develpment spectrum. Further detailed trail planning will be required fr trail prjects t prceed successfully. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 19

20 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Once planning is cmpleted at the apprpriate level, trail cnstructin can then begin. This prcess ensures a maximum return n the investment f Lcal Gvernments and ther grups (State Gvernment departments, cmmunity grups) in trail develpment wrk. Far t ften, peple leap t cnstruct trails withut any idea f wh uses them, why, when, hw much it is ging t cst, hw t market a trail etc. The result is ften trails that are underused and eventually return t the bush. The apprach has been recgnised in Nrth America (thrugh wrk by the wellrespected Rails-t-Trails Cnservancy) and Western Australia (thrugh its trail funding under the Ltterywest prgram verseen by the Department f Sprt and Recreatin) as ne that ensures that trails are well designed and supprtive f relevant trails master plans. This apprach is becming accepted as gd practice in ther states. 1.5 Methdlgy In cmmn with ther Trails Master Plans, this prject fllwed a similar methdlgy t establish the desired utcmes. Backgrund Research the first stage f the preparatin f this Trails Strategy was t review backgrund material that may influence the supply f, r demand fr, trails within the Marana Reginal Cuncil area. In particular, any infrmatin pertaining t existing trails, r prpsed trail prjects, within the Cuncil area was cllected and reviewed. The intentin was t cmpile a list f existing trails, their user grup, cnditin and as many pertinent facts abut thse existing trails. During this stage, digital mapping data was btained in preparatin fr the fieldwrk. Initial Discussins with client t cnfirm requirements f brief it was imperative t establish the desired utcmes sught by the Client, and t clarify the requirements f the Brief. Initial discussins revealed the intentins f the Client, the prevailing attitudes twards trails develpment, the rle f trails within the lcal cmmunities, and imprtantly sme lcal insight int the availability f, and scpe fr, trails within the Marana Reginal Cuncil area. Meeting with key stakehlders the input frm interested lcal peple and key stakehlders (such as the Department f Envirnment and Resurce Management and the Active Rma Cmmittee) was crucial t the successful preparatin and implementatin f this Trails Strategy. In any cmmunity, there are numerus peple with a direct interest and invlvement in trails develpment whether it be frm a btanical perspective, a turism viewpint, an histrical interest r any number f ther interests. Each has a vital rle t play in shaping the Plan. Field wrk there is n substitute fr actually walking (r cycling) existing trails, and assessing areas fr pssible new trails develpment. Traversing existing trails enables a cmprehensive accunt f the cnditin f each existing trail t be cmpiled, including such matters as signage, trail surface, maintenance requirements, interpretatin needs, etc. The in-the-field assessment f natural areas and ther trail pprtunities prvided ideas abut future trail develpment pssibilities. Reprt writing fllwing backgrund research, cnsultatin and in-the-field assessment f existing and future trail pprtunities, all relevant infrmatin was cmpiled and distilled dwn int a reprt that dealt with all matters set ut in the Brief. The essential tasks were t cmpile an accunt f the nature and cnditin f all existing trails, make recmmendatins abut the need fr additinal trails (i.e. a gap Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 20

21 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy analysis) and trail prjects, and t prvide csts and recmmended pririties fr the enhancement f the trails netwrk within the Marana Reginal Cuncil area. Further discussins and cnsultatin upn cmpletin f the fieldwrk, and during the preparatin f the draft plan, it was necessary t fllw up with varius stakehlders t clarify matters. This ften invlves additinal meetings and/r discussins with key stakehlders t clarify regulatins and requirements, r t elicit initial feedback n ideas and draft prpsals. Mapping an essential element f all Trails Master Plans is the mapping f the trails netwrk. Mapping f the trails netwrk within the Marana Reginal Cuncil area invlved a series f individual plans (n aerial phtgraphy) fr each prpsed new trail (nting that the existing trail netwrk is als shwn n these aerial phts as apprpriate). Submissin f Draft Reprt t Client fr review upn cmpletin f the draft reprt and mapping, the reprt was submitted t the Client fr initial review and feedback. Cmments received n the Draft Reprt will be incrprated int the final versin f the Trails Strategy. Public Review f Draft Reprt the cmmunity had tw weeks t review the prpsals cntained within the Draft Reprt. Their cmments were cllated by the Client, and passed n t the Cnsultant. Receipt and cnsideratin f submissin frm the cmmunity interested stakehlders and persns in the cmmunity were invited t prvide feedback n the Draft Plan t the Marana Reginal Cuncil, which was then be passed n t the Cnsultant. All cmments received n the Draft Plan were taken int cnsideratin in the preparatin f the final Trails Strategy. Preparatin f final Trails Strategy fllwing receipt f cmments frm the Client, stakehlders and interested cmmunity members, the final Trails Strategy was prepared and submitted t the Client fr cnsideratin and adptin by the Cuncil. Shuld the Trails Strategy be adpted, actin shuld cmmence sn after, with funding t be sught fr the immediate implementatin f highest pririty tasks identified in the Strategy. 1.6 Definitin f a Trail Frm extensive discussins ver many years in many states f Australia (and verseas) it is clear that numerus peple have differing perspectives f what is and what isn t a Trail. Fr this prject t functin effectively it is imprtant t clarify the definitin f a Trail, and t clarify what this definitin includes - and excludes - in the specific lcal cntext. Sme states and studies have develped clear and categrical definitins, as fllws: Western Australia: a trail is any crridr, rute r pathway which has as its primary land usage any ne f - r cmbinatin f - recreatinal walking, muntain biking r hrse riding - and which passes thrugh r has a strng cnnectin t the natural envirnment." Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 21

22 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Suth Australia: A trail can be a crridr, rute r pathway, and will have strng linkages with the natural envirnment, pen spaces and cultural heritage. Queensland (Gld Cast / Beaudesert): A recreatin trail is a crridr, rute r pathway used fr recreatinal walking, cycling, r hrse riding that passes thrugh r cnnects natural envirnments and/r human cmmunities. It is a rute frmally designated by the land manager and may take a variety f frms including fully develped trails, rad reserves (frmed and unfrmed) r signed rutes thrugh the landscape. Queensland (Cablture Trails Strategy Brief and Calundra Links and Trails Strategy): A trail is a crridr, rute r pathway used by peple with a range f abilities fr recreatinal walking, cycling, caneing r hrse riding that passes thrugh r cnnects natural envirnments and cmmunities. Clearly these definitins have a number f aspects in cmmn and when read tgether they g a significant way twards clarifying this entity. Hwever, what nne f these definitins d is draw the line between a trail and a pathway (cycle path/ shared path) and in the cntext f prjects that may be relevant t Marana Reginal Cuncil, particularly in the urbanised areas, this is a crucial delineatin t make. The Nrth American experience indicates that even sealed pathways can be cnsidered as trails, particularly where they run thrugh natural areas, alng castlines r river freshres. All trails and trail-like recreatin resurces can be placed n a spectrum, with highlydevelped hard-surfaced and ften urban r semi-urban pathways at ne end, and unmarked wilderness rutes at the ther. Defining a 'trail' is simply a matter f picking the pint n that spectrum which marks the divisin f what's 'in' and what's 'ut'. Histrically, Australia has cmmnly chsen a psitin nticeably further tward the wilderness end f the spectrum than has America r Britain. Thse cuntries - and the USA in particular - include many pathway resurces in their data-base f trails that wuld be cnsidered 'shared paths' r urban ftpaths here in Australia. Australians tend t have a strnger link t things 'natural' - bth the natural envirnment and natural trail surfaces - in their instinctive definitins f what is a trail. Bearing all f this in mind, and recgnising that sme pathways in the Cuncil area (such as the Adungad Pathway) are sealed, and are prvided fr multi-purpses (including recreatinal walking, jgging, transprt etc), it has been decided that hardsurfaced paths wuld be cnsidered trails in this prject as lng as they are within a natural crridr (eg. river valley, etc). Hwever, this definitin is nt steadfast in its applicatin many f the in-twn heritage trails cnsidered, fr example, include bth natural envirnments and built envirnments. This shifts the pint f delineatin substantially twards the American mdel, and is a vital factr that must be brne in mind when reading this dcument. With all this in mind, the definitin used in the Trail User Survey was as fllws: Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 22

23 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy a recreatin trail is any crridr, rute r pathway fr recreatinal purpses such as walking, muntain biking r recreatinal hrse riding - and which passes thrugh r has a strng cnnectin with the natural envirnment, pen spaces and cultural heritage. This then is the definitin that will be used thrughut this Trails Strategy. The ther key definitinal pint fr this study is that many f the trails in the final list may nt be cnsidered bush trails in the truest sense (i.e. at the wilderness end f the spectrum). These trails are aimed at the bulk f the ppulatin wh are seeking shrt recreatinal activities (walk, cycle, hrse ride). The tremendus success f the Great Shrt Walks f Tasmania prgram is testimny t the fact that there is a huge market fr this type f shrt activity. It is als imprtant t bear in mind many f the trails develped and upgraded will be fr lcal residents seeking a trail experience fr exercise, as well as fr ther recreatinal purpses. Residents ften seek trail experiences clse t hme, and ften accept less naturalness as a trade-ff fr prximity. 1.7 Sme Underlying Philsphies Cnstructing and maintaining trails can be an expensive undertaking. The histry f the develpment f trails in Australia has demnstrated that there are limited funds available fr the cnstructin f trails and few, if any, funding prgrams prvide mney fr the maintenance f trails. The lack f maintenance has plagued the trails wrld in Australia. All t ften the maintenance f a trail is left in the hands f sme willing, enthusiastic (and capable) vlunteer grup, but ver time persnnel in the vlunteer grup changes (r leaves the area), enthusiasm wanes, fcus changes. When that happens, the trail surface deterirates badly thrugh ersin, vegetatin becmes vergrwn, trail signage disappears and brchures/leaflets becme nn-existent. The trail then is n lnger suitable fr use. The riginal expense and effrt in develping the trail has been wasted. It is imperative therefre that the prpnents f trail prjects be aware that verambitius trail develpment prgrams may fail due t limited availability f funds and ther resurces. Care must therefre be taken t ensure the prpsed trails netwrk be thughtfully put tgether. In this regard, it is makes mre sense t have a few QUALITY trails rather than a vast QUANTITY f prly cnstructed, prly maintained and little used trails. When prpsing a trails netwrk, there fundamental questins must be answered: Wh is ging t use the trail? Wh is ging t maintain the trail? Where is the mney ging t cme frm? Prpsing a lng list f trails prjects can be cunter-prductive. When faced with a daunting (and expensive) list f trail develpment (r upgrading) prjects, a cmmunity can ften abandn plans fr the trails netwrk as it all becmes t hard. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 23

24 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy It is therefre far mre preferable t embark n a well-reasned (small) suite f trails a prgram that can be accmplished ver a 5-year (r perhaps 10-year) implementatin perid. This Trails Strategy therefre prpses a number f specific prjects that have the ptential t deliver slid and real benefits t the Rma Regin. It recgnises the needs and demands f lcal residents (in particular) and visitrs, and it takes advantage f the diverse range f attractive landscapes n ffer. This Trails Strategy recgnises the limited capacity f the Cuncil. It is mre apprpriate t embark upn a restricted prgram f activity but ne that is achievable rather than a pie in the sky list f prjects that culd well seem t daunting t even attempt. 1.8 The Benefits f Trails Right acrss Australia the many benefits f well-planned and prmted trails are being recgnised by a range f agencies frm Natinal Park services t turism departments, and frm Lcal Gvernments t a hst f health rganisatins. It is nw well recgnised that recreatin trails perfrm a number f highly beneficial rles in the brader cmmunity. The Recreatinal Trails Strategy fr Suth Australia (SA Office f Sprt and Recreatin 2002) prvides a succinct summary f these. The authrs f this reprt state that scial health, physical fitness, envirnmental prtectin, cultural preservatin and the ecnmy can all imprve frm the effects and experiences ffered by recreatinal trails Scial and Physical Health Benefits Trails prvide cmmunities with a diverse, free pprtunity t explre and enjy healthy recreatinal pursuits. Active recreatin, in any frm, will imprve health. Peple can use trails in a variety f ways, depending n their abilities and preferences. Scial and physical health benefits include: Participatin in trail activities can imprve physical and mental health. Obesity, particularly childhd besity, cnsistently features in the press as ne f the majr issues facing Australians. While a particular piece f recent research suggests that children are exercising as much tday as in previus times and it is diet that is the majr cntributing factr, this cnclusin is yet t be fully tested. Regardless f this research, besity amngst adults and children is increasing. Increased physical activity will make a difference. The besity epidemic is nw estimated t cst Australia $1.3 billin/year (Australian Bicycle Cuncil). Participatin in trail activities imprves cmmunity health and reduces health expenditure. In the USA, a cmprehensive health ecnmics study shwed every $US1.00 invested in recreatinal trails fr physical activity yielded a direct medical benefit f $US2.94 (Wang et al 2005) Trail activities facilitate participatin and scial interactin between a diversity f cmmunity members, age grups, individuals and families e.g. cmmunity walking grups, vluntary trail maintenance and cnservatin wrk; Trails can ffer a wide range f pprtunities t a diverse grup f peple. Depending upn design, trails can accmmdate the elderly, peple with Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 24

25 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy disabilities r satisfy thse seeking challenging adventures and a sense f achievement; Participatin in trail activities has a relatively lw cst t participants; Trails can intrduce participants t ther recreatinal and participatin fferings in the cmmunity; and Trails help t cnnect peple and places they can help bring tgether disparate grups within the cmmunity by prviding nn-threatening cmmn grund. Trails can develp cmmunity pride by prmpting the cmmunity t recgnise and recrd its human and natural heritage in ding s, the cmmunity recgnises what is gd and rich and f value t the cmmunity Envirnmental and Cultural Benefits Trails prvide a number f envirnmental and cultural benefits. These include: Opprtunities fr the cmmunity t experience natural and cultural envirnments; Prtectin f the adjacent envirnments by lcalising impacts and facilitating management f visitatin effects; Trails can be a means f educating users abut the attributes f an area, especially when gd interpretatin is a feature f the trail. High quality trailside interpretatin can shwcase the attributes f an area, prviding educatinal and interpretive pprtunities and increased envirnmental and cultural awareness and appreciatin; Prvisin f green cmmuter jurneys leading t a decrease in the use f mtrised vehicles fr transprtatin and recreatin. This helps reduce the prductin f emissins that cause glbal warming and respiratry prblems; Increased cmmunity wnership which helps t preserve natural and cultural values; and Opprtunities fr cmmunity participatin in cnservatin and revegetatin wrk Ecnmic Benefits Trail visitrs spend mney in twns and cmmunities alng trails. Trails generate intrastate, interstate and verseas turism spending. Trails inject mney int lcal ecnmies. Users f the Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia s lng distance walk trail, inject $21 millin/year int the Western Australian ecnmy, a very gd return n an initial ne-ff $5 millin investment fr cnstructin by the WA Gvernment (Clmar Bruntn 2004). The Riesling Trail (a 27 kilmetre shared use rail-trail in Suth Australia) injects $1.08 millin per year int the Clare regin (Market Equity 2004). Visiting trail users n the Mundaring trails netwrk inject a ttal f $10.39 millin annually int the lcal ecnmy (Jessp and Bruce 2001). Alng the Murray t the Muntains Rail Trail in nrth eastern Victria, ne f the better knwn rail-trails in Australia, average daily expenditure was $258/user (Beetn 2006). Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 25

26 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Trails supprt and enhance lcal business pprtunities. Fr example, many lcal businesses alng the Bibbulmun Track are nw able t identify a turning pint in their frtunes relating directly t the ppularity f the track (DNRM and EPA 2002), Alng New Zealand s Central Otag Rail Trail, 64% f accmmdatin prviders in the vicinity f the rail-trail prir t the trail s pening nw attribute a substantial prtin (>20%) f their turnver t the trail (Otag Central Rail-Trail Trust 2005). On Suth Australia s Riesling Trail, lcal businesses were passinate abut the trail and believed it cntributed t their businesses as well as helping t psitin the area as an authentic leisure hliday destinatin; the trail has cntributed t business frmatin as well as business grwth (Market Equity 2004). Trail users spend mney preparing fr their trail jurneys r recreatin activities; and Trail cnstructin and maintenance can generate emplyment pprtunities. 1.9 Lcal Use f Trails Develpment f a trail netwrk will nt nly benefit visitrs (and thse that depend n the turism industry). There will als be benefits t lcal residents. Develpment f a trail netwrk will allw use by lcal peple t recreate in an utdr setting, delivering significant health benefits and develping the cmmunity s appreciatin f this high quality natural resurce n their drstep. In particular, this Trails Strategy prpses several prjects f direct benefit t lcal peple, such as the varius extensins t existing waterside trails in Rma, Injune, Surat and Mitchell (t incrprate in-twn heritage elements), and a new pathway at Wallumbilla Demand fr Trails What D Peple D? The latest Exercise, Recreatin and Sprt Survey (2007) reprts n the prpensity f Australians t participate in trail-related activities at a general level: 33% f survey respndents acrss Australia participated in walking, making it the mst ppular frm f activity. This figure marks an increase f 24% since the first survey in % f survey respndents acrss Australia participated in cycling, making it the furth mst ppular frm f activity. This figure marks an increase f 11% since the first survey in % f survey respndents acrss Australia participated in bushwalking, making it the seventh mst ppular frm f activity. This figure marks an increase f 17% since the first survey in Regular participatin in nn-rganised physical activities (such as walking, bushwalking and cycling) was highest amng peple with university degrees (39.4%) r diplmas (37.8%). The difference between walking and bushwalking is interesting. Trails are nw seen t be a resurce fr the larger grup (walkers), as much r mre than they are fr the smaller, mre traditinal bushwalking set. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 26

27 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy This usage by peple wh wuld nt have cnsidered themselves bushwalkers drives much f tday s trail develpment acrss Australia. A number f survey-based studies are available which tgether give a cnsistent indicatin f participatin levels relevant t trails-related utdr recreatin activities. These studies cme frm Suth East Queensland (1998, 2001 and 2006) and Suth Australia (Market Equity 2004). These studies clearly establish that walking is the mst ppular trail-related activity, and is ne f the mst ppular utdr activities amngst all Australians. Table 1.1 shws the results f these studies. Table 1.1 Participatin Rates in Outdr Recreatin Activities Study Walking Cycling Hrse riding SE Qld (1998) 60% 25% 7% SE Qld (2001) 50% 26% 7% SE Qld (2007) 35% 29% 7% SA Market Equity 69% 29% * * n hrse riding trails were cnsidered in this survey f five trails Walking is likely t remain the mst ppular activity as the ppulatin ages a phenmena ccurring acrss Australia and in Marana Reginal Cuncil (Marana Reginal Cuncil 2009). The SEQ Reginal Trails Strategy (2006) cnfirms this cnclusin, and ntes that walking is the mst ppular activity fr lder peple. Walking is als a ppular activity fr yung parents. In cmmunity discussins fr this prject, it appears there is demand fr places fr yung families t walk in a relatively natural setting in the majr twns within Marana Reginal Cuncil. The varius rivers, creeks and lakes within sme f the majr twns (ntably Rma, Mitchell, Surat Injune and Yuleba) prvide a ptential setting fr this in the heart f the twn, parts f the river freshre are easily accessible and have established trails. In May 2004, the City f Geelng released its reprt n the City s activity prfile. Entitled Walking Mre: Walking Safely, the prject fcussed n walking generally rather than trail walking; its findings hwever add a significant dimensin t the figures discussed abve. Whilst it is nt suggested that the recreatin patterns fr peple in Marana Reginal Cuncil is similar t Geelng, it is wrth nting the key findings (which add t the ther studies nted abve): Over 70% f respndents t the survey reprted that they had walked in the previus tw-week perid. Geelng residents are mre likely t walk than take part in any ther sprt, recreatin r fitness activity. A quarter f thse wh had walked d s n a daily basis. Nearly 60% f thse walking did s fr fitness, exercise r health, with anther 20% walking fr enjyment r leisure. It is wrth nting that cycling (n and ff-rad) is als very ppular and is grwing in ppularity. The SEQ Reginal Trails Strategy (2006) nted a strng demand fr cycling in yunger age grups (less than 30 years). This activity has grwn dramatically in the last 20 years and nw regularly accunts fr between 15 and 30% f utdr activities in the range f surveys undertaken. At a general level, bikes have utsld cars ver the last nine years- last year, bikes utsld cars by a healthy 38 per cent (this margin has increased every year since 2001). Mst husehlds wn a bike. Over 1.2 millin Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 27

28 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy bikes were sld in 2005; mst f these were hybrid and muntain bikes (Australian Bicycle Cuncil). Bth walking and cycling have a cre f participants wh engage in their activity very frequently e.g. at least nce r mre per week. A survey f trail users within the Marana Reginal Cuncil was undertaken fr this prject (and reprted n in detail in Sectin 2). The majrity f respndents (56%) walked alng the existing trails. Cycling was als a ppular activity (undertaken by 22% f respndents). The majrity f survey respndents used existing trails nce r twice a week. Hrse riding is an activity by a relatively small number f participants (arund 7% f utdr recreatin activities); hwever, natinal park management prcesses in Queensland are increasingly clsing ff hrse riding pprtunities. Hrse riding demand can als be highly lcalised certain lcalities attract residents wh are hrse riders. There were n hrse riding issues raised in public cnsultatin it may be that mst riders have sufficient pprtunities n their wn prperties r are catered fr by existing club facilities What are turists lking fr? It is als critical t cnsider the needs f visitrs as they prvide much f the ecnmic benefits assciated with trail develpment. Recreatin trails prvide an imprtant piece f turism infrastructure and prvide experiences in the ecturism market. Visitrs are interested in what is lcal and authentic. Successful turism destinatins are built n factrs that give a place its wn distinctive character. These factrs are lifestyle, heritage, cultural activities, landscape, flra and fauna; characteristics f the basic turism prduct f any destinatin. Recreatin trails prvide pprtunities t highlight many f these characteristics. It als seems frm bservatins that many visitrs t the regin driving caravans and mtrhmes n (presumably) extended trips are lking t undertake shrt walks and rides frm their campsites (ften in twns at shwgrunds) nce they arrive. This activity was particularly nticeable in Surat, Mitchell, Injune and Wallumbilla and frmed an imprtant input int the recmmended trail prjects Hw lng d peple spend n trails? A Victrian study (prepared fr the Victrian Trails Strategy ) fund that there is a clear preference fr shrter walks (up t 6 kilmetres and taking between 30 minutes and 2 hurs t walk), n bth metrplitan and remte trails. The Market Equity wrk in Suth Australia supprts this cnclusin with 76% f walkers using trails fr less than 2 hurs. The Geelng prject fund that the average duratin f a walk is 50 minutes (with the highest numbers walking between minutes and minutes) What srt f persn is a trail user? Unfrtunately, there is limited Australian research n wh uses trails. The limited research that has been dne shws sme interesting attributes f trail users acrss Australia: Almst half f the trail users f the Murray t the Muntains Rail Trail listed their emplyment status as prfessinal (e.g. dctrs, lawyers, managers) (Beetn 2006) Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 28

29 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy The majrity f peple (53%) wh participate in utdr recreatin are aged between 25 and 54 (Qld Outdr Recreatin Federatin et al 2007). 80% f users f the Bibbulmun Track are aged between 25 and 60 (Clmar Bruntn 2004). 62% f users f the Murray t the Muntains Rail Trail were aged between 31 and 60, while 28% were aged between 9 and 20 (Beetn 2006). The City f Greater Geelng study shwed that 82.9% f survey respndents wh had a degree r pst-graduate qualificatins had walked fr exercise r pleasure in the last 2 weeks, while nly 62.9% f thse wh had left schl in Year 10 r earlier had walked fr exercise r pleasure in the last 2 weeks. The authrs f this survey cncluded that walking participatin increases with educatinal achievement. Peple using a series f walk and cycle trails in SA are mtivated by a desire t attain a sense f well-being (95% f users listed this as a mtivatin), t unwind and relax (91%), t be clse t nature (87%), and t be clse t family and friends (70%) (Market Equity 2004) Supply Generated Demand (Speculative) There is strng anecdtal evidence frm arund Australia that a large part f the demand fr trails is supply driven, meaning trail users are attracted t develped trails that are bth knwn r advertised in sme way, and ffer a range f facilities such as signage and interpretatin, parking, tilets and water. Data t verify the prpsitin that if yu build it they will cme (induced demand) is rare in trails research. Hwever evidence f usage n tw recently develped trails in Western Australia, the Mundaring trails netwrk and the Bibbulmun Track, shw steadily grwing usage. The Bibbulmun Track increased in usage frm 10,000 in 1998 t 35,000 in t 137,500 in 2003 (Bibbulmun Track Fundatin 2004). In 2001, the Mundaring Shire trail netwrk was used by ver 200,000 peple (Jessp and Bruce 2001), having grwn frm a lw base when the netwrk was first fully pened. Only 10% f these users were lcals (residents f Mundaring Shire) with many ther users drawn frm the Perth metrplitan area. Hwever, the 20,000 lcal users represented sme 63% f Shire residents. The experience f many twns acrss the USA als supprts the ntin that develpment f trails can stimulate visitatin t an area because f the existence f the trails. There are many stries f twns in decline that reversed that trend by develping a trail (ften a trail alng an abandned railway line) and the frtunes and ecnmic prsperity f that twn turned arund. Summarising the knwn research data indicates the need t develp a trails netwrk based primarily n shrt walks and prviding cycling pprtunities. This prvisin will respnd t a cntinuing demand fr such facilities frm bth residents and new residents and will imprtantly add a new element t the attractiveness f the regin fr visitrs. Australians are increasingly lking fr passive, nn-rganised recreatin pprtunities, ften in natural r near-natural settings. Demand fr this type f pprtunity will nly increase as the ppulatin ages. Residents f Marana Reginal Cuncil are likely t have similar desires the success f the varius trails in Rma, Mitchell, Injune and Surat stand as testimny t this desire. It is als reasnable t assume that visitrs t the regin have similar desires. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 29

30 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy SECTION 2: CONSULTATION 2.1 Intrductin Cnsultatin with lcal peple is extremely imprtant in building cmmunity understanding, supprt and use, all vital elements in the successful delivery f these prjects. The success f the Bibbulmun Track (Western Australia s premier lng distance walking track) has been marked by the psitive partnerships built between the WA Gvernment and the Bibbulmun Track Fundatin, primarily in marketing and maintenance. The Munda Biddi Trail (WA s lng distance ff-rad cycle turing trail) is als well supprted by the Munda Biddi Trail Fundatin. Whilst it wuld be difficult t replicate the strength f these particular partnerships, the develpment f cmmunity partnerships is vitally imprtant t ensure favurable trail utcmes. 2.2 Marana Reginal Cuncil Staff Infrmal meetings were cnducted with the Reginal Sprt and Recreatin Crdinatr (the Prject Manager) and the Manager f Cmmunity Develpment at the utset f the prject and cncentrated n the intentins f the Cuncil, the prevailing attitudes twards trails develpment, the rle f trails within the lcal cmmunities, and imprtantly sme lcal insight int the availability f, and scpe fr, trails within the Marana Reginal Cuncil area. The meetings als discussed the attractins f the regin that a trail netwrk culd highlight and the target market fr the trails netwrk. It emerged frm these discussins that visitrs t the regin were a target (particularly certain grups f visitrs) and there was a strng desire t see trail develpment service each f the majr twns in the cuncil area. Discussins als cvered previus cnsideratins f particular trails in the regin including sme themed drive trails. 2.3 Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Bill Stanfrd prvided advice n the fllwing matters: Nuga Nuga Natinal Park (thugh ut f the Marana Reginal Cuncil area) has great ptential. It is a RAMSAR wetland, and QPWS is prpsing t develp sme shrt walks and bird hides. Advised that a Great Walk is being built. It will link Mt Mffat with Carnarvn Grge - apprximately 86km. QPWS als prpses t develp sme shrt walks at Lnesme and Beilba Natinal Parks. Lnesme Natinal Park currently has a picnic shelter, a viewing platfrm and a campgrund ( 2400 campers / year). Lnesme Natinal Park is easy t access as peple d nt need a 4WD. Mt Mffat has abut 3500 campers / year, plus an unknwn number f day visitrs. Pressure needs t be diverted nt ther areas. 2.4 Cmmunity Cnsultatin In June 2009, invitatins were sent t cmmunity stakehlders inviting them t attend public meetings t discuss the trails plan. The meetings were cnducted in cnjunctin Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 30

31 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy with meetings fr the brader Sprt and Recreatin Plan cnsequently, participatin at the meetings was drawn extensively frm peple with a brad interest in sprt and recreatin. Five meetings were held in Rma, Surat, Injune, Mitchell and Wallumbilla t seek the cmmunity s views n what trails they wuld like t see develped. Cmments made and infrmatin gathered thrugh this prcess has cntributed substantially t the shaping f the draft utcmes f this study. The cnsultants prvided infrmatin n what the study wuld cver and imprtantly what the study wuld nt cver where the Trails Strategy sat n the spectrum f trail planning (as discussed in Sectin 1.4). The cnsultants talked abut the types f trails and indicated that, while this prject was nt abut drive trails, these were emerging as a key utcme f the wrk. The cnsultants emphasised that their apprach t trail planning was abut quality, nt quantity and that attendees needed t be cnscius f wh wuld pay fr trails t be built and maintained when indicating what trails they wuld like t see in and arund their area. The cnsultants prvided the wrking definitin f a trail (as discussed in Sectin 1.6). Meeting attendees were asked t identify the features f their area that they wuld like t see highlighted by trails. These features are discussed belw by meeting lcatin. Attendees als described r inscribed n maps new rutes n which they wuld like t undertake walking, cycling and/r hrse riding. The wrd pictures f new rutes are included belw fr each lcatin. Attendees als raised sme issues with trail develpment these are als recrded belw Rma Cmmunity Meeting - 9 th June 2009 Fllwing a presentatin by the cnsultant t the Rma cmmunity, members f the audience raised the fllwing matters: There is interest in the develpment f muntain biking pprtunities, perhaps in State frest areas. Sand (as lng as it is cmpacted) is OK. Stck Rutes prvide gd pprtunities, as lng as 4WD s haven t used them in the wet and left ruts. There are safety issues fr cyclists and triathletes in Rma. Blurred definitin between sprt and recreatin (particularly in cycling and triathlns). Need fr cnnecting paths frm residential areas t parks/paths. The develpment f a website fr trails acrss the Cuncil area is needed. Adungad Pathway shuld be extended. A Greater Rma circuit trail has previusly been prpsed - t help guide develpment f paths frm pathway plan. Lake Neverfill and Campbell s Park have sme ptential fr trails. The area is evidently run dwn. Grass Tree Drive, n Graftn Tce, perhaps shuld be included n a trail. Avenue f Heres culd be included as a trail, r included in the existing heritage trail in Rma. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 31

32 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Surat Cmmunity Meeting - 9 th June 2009 Fllwing a presentatin by the cnsultant t the Surat cmmunity, members f the audience raised the fllwing matters: Attractins The river and the weir The Abriginal shanty and interpretive shelter (different lcatins) The Museum/Art Gallery The ld buildings the theatre The cemetery Mile Park (utside Rma Cuncil area) The water lilies alng the Old Cach Rad (thugh there is n signage nce yu get near the site) The Old Cach Rad (Yuleba-Surat-St Gerge) Fishing Varius camping areas within the regin Green Timbers reserve New trails The key new element that peple were lking fr was smewhere ff-rad fr children t ride their bikes (as there are n/limited ftpaths in twn). A link arund the utside f twn was suggested incrprating the Abriginal Interpretive shelter, the airprt and the cemetery. This is a circuit that is used nw by a few peple fr exercise (bth frmal and infrmal). A pssible link back t the fur Peace Ples at the Duck Pnd n the edge f twn was discussed. Use f public reserves such as the racecurse was identified as a new resurce. An in-twn heritage trail was seen t be a gd idea Injune Cmmunity Meeting - 10 th June 2009 Fllwing a presentatin by the cnsultant t the Injune cmmunity, members f the audience raised the fllwing matters: Trails are imprtant fr the well being f the cmmunity. Injune has a very supprtive cmmunity everyne knws everyne, and help each ther. They embrace the sprting lifestyle. There is a Cultural Heritage Injune Preservatin Sciety. The existing Lagn Walk in Injune is well used by peple camping vernight in the caravan park. An ld in-twn heritage trail exists thugh is nt well knwn even by lcal peple. Upgrading f the Lagn Walk supprted there is a need fr a cnnectin int twn (t the Visitrs Centre). The cmmunity is supprtive f an in-twn heritage trail. Attendees were familiar with Rma interpretive panels. There are in Injune numerus histrical sites; even lcal peple have little knwledge abut sme f the ld buildings. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 32

33 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Stck rutes are a great resurce can they be utilised mre? Perhaps 4WD rutes. A cmment that SR s in Injune area are mre difficult than thse dwn in the flatter areas near Rma/Surat. Suggestin fr circular trail arund Injune thrugh bushland area a big lp, arund cemetery, and arund back f racecurse. Lcal drive trails are supprted there are lts f sites with cnsiderable histry: bushrangers, murders, saw mills, mine sites. Previus effrt t develp a lcal drive trail failed due t lack f cnsultatin. Peple cme int Visitrs Centre and ask what they can d and where they can g. A Rail Trail n the disused railway between Injune and Gunnewin is a pssibility. Frmatin appears t be in rad reserve s there are n bvius land tenure issues. Issues are the ptentially dangerus mining areas that the railway passes, and the numerus missing bridges at creek crssings Mitchell Cmmunity Meeting - 10 th June 2009 Fllwing a presentatin by the cnsultant t the Mitchell cmmunity, members f the audience raised the fllwing matters: Mitchell has lts f gd stries arund the twn that culd be tld n a trail. The questin was asked hw d yu preserve these stries and get them tld. Peple lve t tell the stries hw can they be captured. The existing River Walk was identified as a majr attractin fr the twn. One persn indicated that it had been an interpreted trail at sme pint previusly. Mre culd be made f Majr Mitchell s expeditin in the area. Mitchell has plenty f green space. The twn and its streetscape are very attractive mre culd be made f this feature. Lts f residents walk in the twn, but surfacing is an issue which limits the capacity f peple with strllers in particular. Children riding safely t schl were raised in cntext as well. Peple are lking fr circuits rather than ut and back trails. There was discussin abut prviding trails fr lcals versus prviding trails fr turists hw d yu pitch (sell) the trails, hw d yu deliver the trails recgnising that these tw grups may have different requirements. Mungallala was a Cbb and C changing statin while Amby was a rail twn bth themes culd be further develped. Any trails shuld link t ther material available at libraries (including available audi histries), Visitr Infrmatin Centres and the new museum. There was discussin abut prviding hp n and hp ff pints fr all trails and prviding easy access pints as part f rad imprvements. Dgs n any trail were raised as a ptential issue Wallumbilla/Yuleba Cmmunity Meeting - 12 th June 2009 Fllwing a presentatin by the cnsultant t the Wallumbilla and Yuleba cmmunities, members f the audience raised the fllwing matters: Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 33

34 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Attractins Calic Cttage sme anecdtal evidence f visitrs spending dllars in the Calic Cttage and elsewhere in twn. Twn Park Federal Htel Native wells n the Old Cach Rad (Yuleba-Surat-St Gerge) The twn has a strng heritage. Linking heritage sites is a gd idea sites includes the ld icewrks, where the ld pub burnt dwn, the riginal nnindigenus settlers (much f this is represented in the Calic Cttage cmplex), Steve Hart s ld territry, train crash f The lcal heritage infrmatin is in peple s heads but has yet t be dcumented. New trails A number f the ld ne teacher schls have plaques in place n-site; these have been dcumented. #1 pririty frm meeting develp a link frm shwgrund t Calic Cttage and rest f twn. There is a desperate need fr this and it assists bth lcals and visitrs. Mst peple (lcals and visitrs) are walking at 6.30 in the mrning. They are walking n-rad as there is nwhere else t walk. There is als nwhere t ride bikes. A trail alng the creek was suggested it might fld frm time t time but it presents an pprtunity as it is publicly wned and culd be used by visitrs and fr bird watching. Crssing the highway is an bstacle but it culd be crssed under the bridge. There is undergrwth that culd be cleared. 2.5 Active Rma Representatives f the Active Rma grup prvided the fllwing infrmatin: Overall visin is t link majr walking areas/generatrs f twn t the Adungad Pathway. Generatrs include schls, aged peple s hmes. Majr reprt (Prject Briefing reprt) cvers the visin. Cnstructin f Adungad Pathway began at end f 2005 and was pened in mid Many lcal peple still dn t knw it is there. Signage is an issue peple dn t knw abut the Pathway. Rad crssings (particularly Charles St) signage and safety are issues. Ppulatin prfile higher prprtin f 5-14 years than the State average, but yr lds leaving. Number f new graduates and rig wrkers in twn. #1 pririty fr the grup finishing all that was prpsed fr Stage 1 f the Adungad Pathway (as prpsed in the Prject Briefing reprt). Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 34

35 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Prject funded t date by a cmbinatin f Sprt and Recreatin Qld majr Facilities Prgram, CDEP funding (shelters) and a small Qld Health Ppulatin prgram fund (Outback and Invlved). Pathway and name is f significant t lcal indigenus peple but n ne knws what the name means (nt in the brchure). Extensins f the Adungad alng the Lng Drain are recmmended. 2.6 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trail User Survey A survey f trail users within the Marana Reginal Cuncil was undertaken. The survey frm was sent t a number f interest grups within the Cuncil area and handed ut at the public meetings. 21 respnses were received; nt all by existing trail users. The survey indicated strng supprt fr new trails. Key results are as fllws: The majrity f respndents (56%) walked alng the existing trails. This is cnsistent with survey data frm acrss Australia. Cycling is als ppular (22%) The river walks in Mitchell and Surat were relatively ppular. The majrity f users used existing trails nce r twice a week. Fitness and health was the main mtivatr f use (33%). Exercising a dg (22%) and enjying natural surrundings (19%) als ranked highly Mre respndents (62%) were unsatisfied with existing trail prvisin. Respndents were almst evenly split between being satisfied and being unsatisfied with existing trail cnditins. Respndents suggested a number f new trails and trail imprvements. These infrmed cnsideratin f the pririty trail prjects. Many f the suggested imprvements need t be picked up as part f detailed trail develpment planning. Mre detailed results are included in this Trails Strategy as an appendix (Appendix 2). 2.7 Public cmments n draft reprt The draft Trails Strategy was placed n public display fr tw weeks at the beginning f Nvember The fllwing is a summary f cmments received and the cnsultants respnses. Cmment Cnsultants respnse Changes t reprt There shuld be a trail lp that extends t Charles St Suth, Baker Finch, Fairway Drive, Crfe Rad and Tiffin Street. This is really part f the urban ftpath netwrk as it uses a number f streets withut an bvius destinatin. A trail was investigated n the suthern and western sides f Rma using sme f these rads and stck rutes but it N change t reprt. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 35

36 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Plan 6 Mitchell Heritage Walk was fund t be very unappealing with little f merit ther than ne r tw small stretches alng creek lines. Cncerns regarding real danger and nuisance caused by dgs in the twn area. This may hinder track use by lcals. All sectins f the trail shuld be cncrete and 2 lanes wide. Unstable walking surface is a big prblem fr peple with prams, cyclists, and the aged. Dgs culd be prhibited frm the trail; hwever there is evidence that dg walking is a psitive activity in terms f peple s health. The trail (r sectins f it alng the river fr example) culd be declared as a dgs n lead nly trail. The issue with either f these decisins is the plicing f this plicy. This is a decisin fr the Cuncil t make based n the cmmunity views as a trail management issue, it may be best pursued in the detailed trail planning phase, thugh it is still ultimately a decisin fr Cuncil based n cmmunity input and resurcing implicatins (i.e. enfrcement capacity) The existing River Walk is a natural surface and it was judged that this was satisfactry; the wrks lists allws fr sme earthwrks and levelling f difficult sectins. It is acknwledged that sealing the surface wuld make it ptentially mre attractive t a wider range f peple but this wuld cme at a cnsiderable cst (a sealed surface csts arund $180/lineal metre fr a 2.5 m wide trail whereas a natural surface f the same dimensins is arund $20/lineal metre). This prject is a design and N change t reprt. Amendment made t trail descriptin t allw fr the pssibility f a hardened surface t be cnsidered in detailed trail planning wrk. N changes made t maps r wrks lists r csts. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 36

37 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy develp prject, meaning that Cuncil can determine prir t undertaking detailed trail planning that the trail shuld be sealed. The sectin f this trail frm the bridge t the end f Etn Street shuld be clser t the river. When yu walk and can t see the river, but knw it s there, it is very disappinting it s like the walk is nt all it culd be. This is acknwledged the decisin made in the Trails Master Plan was t build n what was already in place i.e. the trail rute as it currently stands. This prject is a design and develp prject; detailed trail planning (the next lgical phase f wrk) shuld give detailed cnsideratin t siting the trail clser t the river taking int accunt factrs such as ptential fld damage, tpgraphy, and surfacing (a sealed trail ging under at time f fld may be less likely t sustain significant damage than a natural trail). Amendment made t trail descriptin t allw fr the pssibility f a realigned trail rute t be cnsidered in detailed trail planning wrk. N changes made t maps r wrks lists r csts. Plan 7 Weir Walk (Mitchell) All sectins f the trail shuld be cncrete and 2 lanes wide. Unstable walking surfaces is a big prblem fr peple with prams, cyclists, and the elderly Lcals want a safe lp this trail des nt meet this need because it is nt a lp. The 2 prpsed trails shuld be linked - the River Rad sectin f the existing River Walk (which the draft reprt recmmends be abandned) culd be included in this trail and the sectin f the Heritage Walk be cntinued The cmments abve apply; in additin, this is a mre natural area and a sealed path may be ut f character with the envirnment. A gd quality well built natural surface trail in this lcatin wuld address many f these cncerns withut detracting frm the naturalness f the landscape. This was investigated during fieldwrk. The cnsultants were keen t develp a lp trail if at all pssible as the submissin nted, this makes the trail experience mre interesting. Hwever, it was determined that the creatin f any lp trail did nt prvide a high quality trail experience. The River Rad N changes made t reprt the trail shuld be develped as a natural surface. N changes made t reprt. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 37

38 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy dwn Alice Street s that the 2 trails are linked. There are many campers at the Weir wh walk int twn fr supplies, and a frmal trail wuld encurage this. sectin was highly unattractive (as indicated in discussin f this trail in Sectin 8) and there was little f significance and interest n ther ptential links. The submissin indicates that campers currently walk int twn t get supplies this can still happen withut the creatin f a dedicated trail. This is particularly imprtant when trail resurces are limited there are simply ther higher trail pririties in the Cuncil area. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 38

39 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy SECTION 3: MARANOA REGIONAL COUNCIL TRAIL SUPPLY ANALYSIS 3.1 Overview The Marana Reginal Cuncil already has a small supply f trails and pathways, mstly in/near urban areas, such as the Adungad Pathway in Rma, the Hspital Hill Walk in Rma, the Rma Histric Walk, Mitchell s Marana River Walk, Surat s River Walk, the Lagn Walk in Injune and a number f trails in natural areas f the Cuncil such as Mt Mffat. Mst f the existing walk trails are scattered thrughut the Marana Reginal Cuncil area, with little r n prmtin f sme f them. It is likely that mst residents f the Marana Reginal Cuncil wuld be unaware f the existence f sme f these trail and pathway pprtunities and therefre the level f use is prbably lw (certainly a lt lwer than it culd be if they were well prmted). In fact, anecdtal evidence suggests that many residents f Rma have n knwledge f the Adungad Pathway despite its high appeal and scenic lcatin. It is evident that lcal residents d walk and ride muntain bikes (r ride hrses) in bushland areas, thugh these infrmal trails are nt recgnised in the table belw. Only trails that are regarded as being recgnised are included in the table that fllws. Recgnised means that the trail has sme r all f the fllwing characteristics: Recgnised by the land manager (eg. Marana Reginal Cuncil, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, etc); The Rma Bush Gardens trail is extremely ppular with lcal peple. A number f enhancements, and cmpletin f the paths and bardwalk, are strngly recmmended. Signpsting (trail directinal markers; trailhead signage; interpretive signage); and Mapping (such as a map cntained within a trail brchure). 3.2 Inventry f Existing (Recgnised) Trails The list f existing trails is based n infrmatin frm a number f surces: Infrmatin supplied by varius stakehlders; Infrmatin brchures, trail maps and bks; Trails bserved during field wrk; Infrmatin prvided by members f the cmmunity; and Input frm Marana Reginal Cuncil staff. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 39

40 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Table Existing Trails Marana Reginal Cuncil Trail Name Lcatin User grup Land tenure Trail Manager Cmments (brchure, interpretatin, etc) Cnditin (standard f cnstructin, level f maintenance) Length Difficulty (grades, etc) 1 Adungad Pathway (Rma) Alng Bungil Creek and the Lng Drain in Rma (frm the Big Rig t Apex Park) Walkers and cyclists Public pen space (thugh sme sectins alng rad reserves). Marana Reginal Cuncil Separate (prly prduced) brchure. Als included in Walks f Rma bklet. Several (ld) interpretive panels alng pathway. New picnic shelters and new interpretive panels. Trail directinal signpsting at several lcatins. Imprved Trailhead and prmtinal signage required (especially at Big Rig). Infrmatin abut pathway ccurs in 2 brchures. Imprved mapping warranted. Land tenure will need reslutin prir t any extensins t pathway. Cncrete path is well cnstructed and in excellent cnditin apprximately 2.4m wide. Path travels thrugh well maintained parklands and gardens, with ample trailside facilities (such as seats, picnic shelters, and parking). 2.1km (including n-rad sectins) Mstly flat. Sme gentle inclines. Path includes sme nrad sectins (i.e. missing links ). 2 Rma Histric Walk City Centre streets f Rma Walkers Rad reserves Marana Reginal Cuncil Separate (gd quality) brchure. Als included in Walks f Rma bklet. 25 histric sites f Rma are included in the brchure. Interpretive panels are lcated at each site. Trail brchure is widely available. Ftpaths are well maintained. Interpretive panels are shwing signs f deteriratin. Nt stated n brchure, but is apprx. 3.5km lng. Flat. Easy. Uses existing ftpaths. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 40

41 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Trail warrants revamping and the inclusin f trail directinal markers. N cherent r lgical rute marked n trail map. 3 Rma s Histrical Hspital Hill Walk 1.2km west f twn centre at Hspital Hill. Trailhead n Whip Street, Rma. Walkers Rad reserves and pen space Marana Reginal Cuncil Separate brchure. Als included in Walks f Rma bklet. 12 histric sites assciated with Rma s il and gas histry. Interpretive panels at each site, all relating t il and gas industry. Trail brchure indicates sites. Trailhead infrmatin is cmprehensive. Trailhead in gd cnditin. Sme new paths have recently been cnstructed. Directinal signpsting is pr. Nt stated n brchure, but is apprx. 1.5km lng. Mderately flat. Easy. Uses mstly existing ftpaths. Crsses Dean O Day Oval. 4 Rma Bush Gardens Railway Dam, Mayne Street, Rma. Walkers (pssibly cyclists) Open space reserve Marana Reginal Cuncil N separate brchure. Included in Walks f Rma bklet. N n-site interpretive signage. Interpretatin included in bklet. Narrw cncrete paths fr mst f trail. Sme missing lengths f path and a significant missing length f bardwalks. Cnnectins t nearby residential areas planned but nt cnstructed. Nt stated n brchure, but main circuit is apprx. 1.0km lng Mderately flat. Easy. Uses mstly existing paths. 5 River Walk (Mitchell) Alng Marana River between Warreg Hwy bridge and Neil Turner Weir, and between Rtary Park and Fisherman s Rest. Walkers Open space alng river, and rad reserves Marana Reginal Cuncil N separate brchure. Shwn n map in Mitchell gateway t the utback bklet. N n-site interpretive signage. Murals underneath bridge n Warreg Hwy. Trail utilises mwn/slashed grassland beside river, as well as rad reserves and vehicle tracks. Directinal signpsting is pr. 4.2km (Highway t Rtary Park); 2.8km frm Rtary Park t Fisherman s Rest. Mderately flat. Easy walking. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 41

42 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Existing rute fllws a cnsiderable length f uninteresting rad reserves, well remved frm the river. 6 River Walk (Surat) Balnne River trailhead at Marcus St t Surat Weir trailhead. Walkers and cyclists (n cncrete sectin) Open space alng river Marana Reginal Cuncil N brchure. Nt shwn n any map. N interpretatin alng pathway. High quality cncrete path. Numerus fitness facilities, picnic tables and shelters alng pathway. Majr trailhead at eastern end. Opprtunity fr cntinuatin f pathway t bridge ver river, and t trailhead near weir. 780m cncrete path; 250m gravel ft pad Mderately flat. Easy walking. 7 Lagn Walk (Injune) Injune Lagn Walkers Open space arund lagn Marana Reginal Cuncil N brchure. Nt shwn n any map. N interpretatin alng pathway. 1.8m wide bitumen path arund lagn. N signpsting. N interpretatin. One picnic table. Appears well maintained. Grassland alngside path has been mwed. 1.23km Flat. Easy walking. 8 Mt Mffat Carnarvn Natinal Park Walkers Varius lcatins within the Natinal Park Queensla nd Parks and Wildlife Service Brchure exists. Leaflets exist fr varius cmpnents f the Carnarvn Natinal Park. Trails nt assessed (as utside jurisdictin f Marana Reginal Cuncil). Varius walk trails within the Natinal Park, including a 5.8km circuit walk (t sites such as The Lking Glass, The Chimneys and The Tmbs Rck Art Site). Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 42

43 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy 3.3 Cnditin f Existing Trails Trails vary in cnditin, depending n the level f maintenance they receive, the amunt f use they get, the envirnment in which they are lcated, the prevailing climatic cnditins and a hst f ther reasns. Sme f the trails f the Marana Reginal Cuncil were cnstructed sme years ag and are shwing signs f deteriratin (fr example, the River Walk in Mitchell). On the ther hand, sme are relatively new and enjying cnsiderable usage by lcal peple (such as the Adungad Pathway in Rma, the Rma Bush Gardens Path and the Surat River Walk). Regardless f their age and use, all trails and paths require maintenance and cntinual upgrading t make them mre appealing. Directinal signage that cnfrms t Australian Standards is cmmnly lacking n trails. Trailhead signage (with mapping f the trail rute) wuld benefit all trail users. This signage shuld indicate length f trail, duratin (at a mderate pace), difficulty level, pints f interest alng the trail rute, lcal access pints and cnnectins t nearby residential areas, a cde f cnduct fr permitted user grups, safety infrmatin, etc. Interpretive signage is ften missing frm a trail. Interpretatin enriches the user s experience. Attentin t trail surfaces, structures (including steps and water bars t prevent ersin) and trailside furniture shuld be an integral cmpnent f an upgrading prgram. Remval f verhanging and side vegetatin (and weeds) shuld als be regularly undertaken. Finally, all trails shuld have infrmatin readily available and a trail brchure is an easy and cheap means f prviding infrmatin. 3.4 Trails Netwrk Strengths and Opprtunities Frm the infrmatin btained and the list f trails currently existing in the Marana Reginal Cuncil, sme cnclusins can be drawn: Cmpared with many ther lcal gvernments thrughut Australia, the Marana Reginal Cuncil des nt have many trails and des nt have an abundance f pprtunities fr the develpment f trails. There are several walk trails (sealed pathways) available, f varying quality, in twns in the regin, thugh n frmal muntain biking and hrse riding trails. Shrt pathways (arund 1.0km) dminate. The Carnarvn Natinal Park des prvide walk trails in natural areas, thugh the varius parts f the Natinal Park are fairly remte frm mst twns in the Reginal Cuncil. It des have an array f heritage buildings and heritage sites in the main twns (Rma, Mitchell, Surat and Injune) and thrughut the Reginal Cuncil. These heritage sites prvide pprtunities fr in-twn heritage (walk) trails and heritage drive trails thrughut the regin (centred n the twns). The Reginal Cuncil has a rich explratin, settlement and farming histry and therefre numerus histric sites capable f frming the fundatin f a number f heritage drive trails. The regin has a rich indigenus histry, as well as mre recent Eurpean histry enabling many stries t be tld. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 43

44 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy There is a general lack f available infrmatin abut the trails and pathways. The lack f infrmatin abut the existence f these trails and pathways wuld bviusly result in lwer usage levels. The availability f interpretatin n the trails varies. The Rma Histric Walk and Hspital Hill Walk have numerus n-site interpretive panels. The Adungad Pathway des have several interpretive panels. Other trails and pathways have limited r n interpretive signage. 3.5 Recmmended Future Trails As part f the preparatin f this Trails Strategy, a wide range f pssible / ptential trail prjects were evaluated. The prcess included a review f: existing trails in the Marana Reginal Cuncil area, and elsewhere in the regin including neighburing lcal gvernments (i.e. trail supply). visitr expectatins and lcal needs (i.e. demand fr trails). Lcal demand was partly established thrugh questins asked in the Marana Reginal Cuncil Trail User Survey, and thrugh cmment prvided by thse attending the cmmunity meetings held during the preparatin f the plan. Lcal demand was als gauged thrugh input prvided randmly by the cmmunity thrugh s and phne calls, etc. ppulatin characteristics, trends and prjectins. successful trail prjects elsewhere in Queensland, Australia and the rest f the wrld. In the curse f investigating ptential trails in the Marana Reginal Cuncil an inspectin was made f the ptential fr in-twn Heritage Walk Trails, trails alng the varius rivers, the ptential fr trails in the Natinal Parks, Cuncil reserves and natural areas, and the State Frests. Given that it is preferable t have a small set f quality trails, rather than a large quantity f trails f pr quality, the set f recmmended new trails is reasnably shrt (given the number there culd ptentially be). There are several lcatins with the Marana Reginal Cuncil that wuld prvide gd sites fr new trails. Additinally, the recmmended trail prjects (as set ut later in this Trails Strategy) cntains tasks that are mre t d with upgrading, extending and prmting the existing trails, rather than new trail cnstructin. 3.6 Mapping Existing & Future Trails The accmpanying plans illustrate the range f existing and prpsed nn-mtrised trails: Plan 1: Adungad Pathway Plan 8: Surat Heritage Trail Plan 2: Rma Circuit Plan 9: Injune Heritage Trail Plan 3: Rma Bush Gardens Plan 10: Injune Lp Trail Plan 4: Lake Neverfill Plan 11: Yuleba Plan 5: Rma Twn Heritage Walk Plan 12: Judds Lagn Plan 6: Mitchell Heritage Walk Plan 13: Wallumbilla Pathway Plan 7: Weir Walk (Mitchell) Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 44

45 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy SECTION 4: LINKS BETWEEN TRAILS DRIVE TRAILS 4.1 Drive Trails and Heritage Turism Turist drive trails are nw being recgnised as an excellent means f addressing the needs f remte and rural cmmunities. They can generate significantly increased visitr flws (with cnsequent ecnmic and business stimulatin utcmes) and can serve a strng rle in managing apprpriate access t natural places, thereby reducing envirnmental impacts accruing frm increased visitr numbers. Drive trails are als a key initiative in develping heritage and cultural turism. Interpretatin is critical n drive trails in turning the appeal f cultural histry int increased visitr numbers. The recently develped The Lng Paddck drive trail in utback NSW (between Mama and Wilcannia) is an excellent example f a prject fcussing n the histry f a regin. In Western Australia, tw ther prjects are the Glden Pipeline Heritage Trail and the Glden Quest Discvery Trail. These trails, heavily interpreted n site, thrugh CDs, and cffee table publicatins - fcus n the scial histry f the develpment f parts f Western Australia. Fr example, the Glden Pipeline Trail has many stries t tell, frm the tragic tale f CY O'Cnnr, the designer f the pipeline, t glimpses f what life was like "n the line" fr wrkers and their families. These trails, in particular the Glden Pipeline Trail, prvide an example f the very high quality prmtin that can be develped as part f drive trail packages. Queensland has a number f heritage drive trails, criss-crssing the state. Many f these relate t histric mining areas f the state. A number f turing rutes have als been designated, taking users acrss many hundreds f kilmetres, smetimes thusands f kilmetres. Mst f these majr drive trails fcus n significant sites f a state r natinal imprtance. What is missing frm this suite f drive trail pprtunities are lcal drive trails that take visitrs t a number f lcally histric sites in the hinterland f small twns. Cmmn features f these drive trails include: Well defined parking areas; Develped picnic sites, incrprating picnic tables and seats, interpretive panels, pssibly a shrt walk trail; Directinal signpsting; and Usually a guide bk r map. Plenty f interpretive material is supplied at a number f regularly spaced sites alng the 600km The Lng Paddck drive trail. AusIndustry prvided funding fr this prject. One f the main reasns why drive trails are develped is t fcus attentin n a regin, r a particular facet f the regin (eg. mining, pastralism, wdlands, etc), an histrical event r t cmmemrate a majr achievement in the discvery r develpment f an area (eg. water supply, explratin, etc). Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 45

46 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Fr the Marana Reginal Cuncil area, the fascinating and diverse histry f the regin prvides a wnderful pprtunity t fcus attentin n the many elements that put the area n the map. There are numerus matters that can be interpreted, and a drive trail can be the vehicle that enables the funds t be btained t keep alive the histry f the regin. The range f ptential subjects fr interpretatin n a drive trail (r series f lcal drive trails) in the Marana Reginal Cuncil area includes: Abriginal histry Early explratin and explrers (eg. Sir Thmas Mitchell; Ludwig Leichhardt; Alan MacPhersn) Pineers f settlement Drving (and the myriad f stck rutes) Cbb and C and crdury rads Natural histry Mining and mineral explratin Gas explratin Sme cmmn issues that will help t better understand the drive market are as fllws: Peple n turing hlidays drive because they like the sense f jurney and discvery, flexibility, meeting lcals and ther travellers, and spending time tgether ; Planning mst drive hlidays starts befre they leave hme where arund 60% f decisins are made, and this planning cntinues using maps, brchures, signage and infrmatin centres; and The majrity f lnger turing hlidays (ver three nights) are taken by lder middle-incme cuples wh are 50+, with n children. 4.2 Benefits f a Drive Trail A turism drive trail can prvide the fllwing benefits: Prvide an avenue fr better c-peratin between private and public stakehlders alng the rute; Grup attractins t create a critical mass f prduct in the mind f the cnsumer; Create better awareness f the attractins and experiences alng a stretch f rad prvided cmmunicatin with the target market is effective; and Imprve the experience alng a rad making the best path easier t find, thereby imprving the chances f encuraging visitrs t travel ff the main rad, t make mre frequent stps, and increase their spending. During recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the number f turism drive rutes. Sme have been successful, hwever, thers have failed t prvide the experiences sught by the drive market and have simply been a waste f resurces. These failures have primarily been caused by ne r mre f the fllwing reasns: Rutes develped fr plitical reasns withut regard fr the prduct and the market; Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 46

47 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Lack f effective planning; Limited prducts/experiences alng the rute; Lack f cmmitment t such issues as signage maintenance and nging prduct/experience quality mnitring and marketing; The absence f a dedicated nging management cmmittee fr the rute; and A visin fr the future. Sme questins that the Marana Reginal Cuncil will need t ask are: What is the target market?; Is a turism drive rute the best actin t take?; What type rute will be develped?; and Wh will be the prject partners? 4.3 The Need fr a Drive Trail Plan The fllwing infrmatin needs t be included in a Drive Trail Plan: A clearly defined and substantiated target market that can and wants t travel n the rute and supprting research; A map f the rute t shw it des nt clash with ther rutes; A marketing plan; A trail develpment plan including signage if required; An established cmmittee r grup f partners wrking tgether (i.e. a trail assciatin ); and An nging cmmitment t the marketing and infrastructure develpment f the rute. 4.4 Develping the Drive Trail Rute(s) Turing rutes are nt designed t be destinatins in their wn right. Rather, they create prduct and experience ptins that travellers can mix and match within their verall planned itinerary. The primary bjectives f turism rute develpment are t: Prvide a traveller with a reasn t travel yur rute and with a better experience; Assist in trip planning; Highlight attractins bth alng and ff the main rutes; Encurage dispersal f visitrs within the regin; and Fster alliances and partnerships fr further prduct develpment and fr a crdinated marketing effrt. Fr travellers unfamiliar with the regin r area, a turism rute takes much f the guesswrk ut f driving int the unknwn. Visitrs deciding t travel a turing rute expect that it will be clearly marked and encapsulate a range f interesting features and experiences that will justify taking that rute. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 47

48 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Turing rute develpment must therefre be well planned, resurced, maintained and marketed if the abve bjectives are t be achieved. A successful turism drive rute has: Industry as the driver, with public and private sectr invlvement; Unique drive experiences and attractins distinctive t the rute, OR A crridr that prvides a mix f prduct suited t the cnsumer s needs and creates a cmpetitive advantage fr the regin. e.g. landscapes, heritage features, sea/muntain/utback vistas; A safe and efficient rad netwrk; Clear directinal and turist signage (nt necessarily signage specific t the rute); Adequate service infrastructure including rest areas, driver-reviver stps, scenic lkuts, camping areas, etc.; Efficient user-friendly infrmatin netwrks underpinned by infrmatin centres and cmmunity services; Twns and visitr services linked and packaged fr the cnvenience f the drive market; A well-managed and cmmitted netwrk with sharehlder c-peratin and cnsensus; and An nging plan fr management fr the rute. 4.5 Planning the Rutes Planning the rutes must be undertaken in a systematic way and will take cnsiderable time. The variety, standard and lcatin f rest areas (i.e. sites ), lkuts, feature walks and ther facilities are imprtant t turist experience and cmfrt. Turing is enhanced by the prvisin f apprpriate infrastructure, such as picnic areas, lkuts, turist infrmatin bays and tilet facilities. A cmprehensive audit f prducts, experiences and supprt facilities will need t be cnducted alng the prpsed rute and must include: Feature stps e.g. attractins, lkuts, nature and ther walks, cultural and heritage prduct, places prviding pprtunity t appreciate scenery and ther features f interest, and ptential lcatins fr turist infrmatin bays. Rest areas e.g. tilets, running water, seating and shaded areas prviding drivers with an pprtunity t stp, rest and refresh; and Picnic facilities e.g. barbecues, picnic areas and play equipment fr children 4.5 The Ptential in Marana Reginal Cuncil The research and investigatins carried ut in the preparatin f this Trails Strategy reveal that several mini-drive trails in the hinterland f the Marana Reginal Cuncil are feasible and justified, given the wealth f heritage (bth natural and built) that exist in the twns and thrughut the area. Furthermre, given the Marana Reginal Cuncil s rich and clurful histry, its imprtance in the il, gas and mining histry, the bvius cattle drving histry (and Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 48

49 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy the myriad f stck rutes), its agricultural industries, and its ppularity already with grey nmads and ther turists travelling thrugh the regin, the develpment f additinal attractins in Marana Reginal Cuncil will serve t attract and keep turists lnger. This Trails Strategy has cncluded that several shrt drive trails, linking existing and prpsed trails and ther attractins and heritage sites f the Cuncil, can be designed t deliver significant ecnmic and scial benefits t the cmmunities f the Marana Reginal Cuncil as well as delivering additinal turist attractins fr visitrs. It is recmmended that the Marana Reginal Cuncil prceed with the plan t put in place at least 4 mini drive trails, thereby shwcasing what the Cuncil area has t ffer in the way f built and natural heritage, especially the rich and diverse agricultural and mining histry. If prperly and thrughly planned, the drive trails will cater fr the majrity f visitrs with each (f the 4) recmmended drive trails being a quality 1/2 day experience. Sme visitrs may undertake nly ne f these trails; thers will enjy all fur. If mtrists chse t stp at each f the designated sites alng each drive trail, read the interpretatin which shuld be prvided, and experience each walk trail (when develped), visitrs culd easily fill in tw r even three days with interesting activities, thereby keeping visitrs in the twns and in the regin lnger. The suggested drive trails thrugh the hinterland f the Marana Reginal Cuncil shuld include interpretive panels at selected sites (similar t thse n WA s Glden Quest Discvery Trail left pht). Directinal signage will als be required such as alng the Glden Quest Discvery Trail (right pht). The drive trails, when cmpleted, will enable visitrs t the Marana Reginal Cuncil t discver the natural and human histry f the regin. The prject shuld als fcus n the natural envirnment. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 49

50 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy The prpsed drive trails are the perfect vehicle fr delivering interpretatin f the many facets f life and industry in the regin. Each f the stpping places alng each drive trail rute shuld have an interpretive panel, and all panels shuld include infrmatin relevant t, and cnsistent with, an verall theme. Thrughut the Marana Reginal Cuncil are numerus heritage sites including frmer schl sites, histric hmesteads, ld huses, buildings and sheds, histric bridges, ld mines, abandned railways and railway twns, rural halls (such as Eumamurrin Hall) and varius agricultural land uses. The task then will be t select the best f what the Marana Reginal Cuncil has t ffer visitrs. Additinally, it has been an bjective t try and keep the drive trails within the Marana Reginal Cuncil as much as pssible, rather than venturing t far int adjining lcal gvernment areas. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 50

51 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy SECTION 5: PROPOSED TRAILS AND COSTS 5.1 Review f Key Outcmes As set ut earlier, the Brief fr this Trails Strategy sught a number f utcmes, including: An inventry f existing nn-mtrised recreatin trails; Identificatin f future trail pprtunities (in particular, reginal links); and Determinatin f a csted, priritised and staged series f trails. 5.2 Assessment Criteria The key elements cnsidered in the determinatin f trail pprtunities were: Trail demand - the majrity f users are seeking shrt trail pprtunities (as discussed earlier). Thugh they are very difficult t quantify, the health benefits t be gained by increasing the prpensity f lcal peple t exercise and get fit n lcal trails and pathways shuld nt be underestimated as part f the demand cnsideratin. Cmmunity and Prject Management Cmmittee input. Value fr mney (recgnising that there will be limited budget). Trail prjects shuld lk t prvide value fr mney and a gd return n the investment made by the Cuncil and ther land managers. Several high quality, well built, well maintained and well prmted trails highlighting the best features f the Marana Reginal Cuncil is preferable t a large number f pr quality trails badly cnstructed and nt maintained. Where apprpriate, trail prjects shuld build n existing trails, and brader recreatin and ther cmmunity facility investments. Opprtunity fr linkages with ther trails, turism precincts, and prmtins within the Reginal Cuncil area. Practicalities f trail develpment csts, land tenure and access, envirnmental issues, cultural issues, funding pssibilities, pssible (n-ging) cmmunity supprt and the pssibility f ppsitin, and the safety f users. User experience. Trails have t prvide a high quality user experience r else peple will nt use them r will nt cme back wrd f muth is a much strnger advcacy tl than marketing strategies. The trail prjects need t ensure a high-level user experience. Key backgrund dcuments and already adpted strategies f the Marana Reginal Cuncil. Assessment f each f the candidate trails was dne in a brad sense against all these criteria, rather than assessing each trail against each individual criteria. Cmbined with the field assessment, cnsideratin f these elements allws the determinatin f trail prjects. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 51

52 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy 5.3 The Prpsed Trail Prjects Fllwing a review f all existing trails and ptential trail prjects in the Marana Reginal Cuncil, the fllwing list summarises the set f new trails (upgraded trails r trail prjects) being prpsed in this Trails Strategy: Rma Trails Prgram: Adungad Pathway Extensins Prject (Prject a) Rma Circuit Trail Design Prject (Prject b) Rma Bush Gardens Enhancements Prject (Prject c) Lake Neverfill Trail Design and Develpment Prject (Prject d) Rma Histric Walk Design and Develpment Prject (Prject e) Mitchell: Surat: Mitchell Heritage Walk Design and Develpment Prject (Prject f) Weir Walk Enhancements Prject (Prject g) Surat Heritage Trail Design and Develpment Prject (Prject h) Injune: Injune Lagn Walk enhancements Prject (Prject i) Injune Heritage Trail Design and Develpment Prject (Prject j) Injune Lp Trail Design and Develpment Prject (Prject k) Wallumbilla: Wallumbilla Pathway develpment Prject (Prject l) Yuleba: Yuleba Passprt Prject (Prject m) Judds Lagn Trail Design and Develpment Prject (Prject n) In additin t the upgrading/extensins/enhancements f several existing trails and develpment f several prpsed new trails, tw ther significant trail-related prjects are recmmended: Drive Trails Prject (Prject ) Trails marketing prgram (Prject p) 5.4 The Trail Prjects in Detail A number f prjects present themselves as capable f matching the utcmes sught by the Marana Reginal Cuncil, and making the mst f the pprtunities that are available in the Marana Reginal Cuncil. These prjects build n knwn successstries (well-packaged shrt walks), seize pprtunities (heritage) and ffer utcmes fr bth lcals and visitrs t the regin. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 52

53 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. The fllwing prjects have been identified as much needed in the cmmunity by residents and are nt listed in any particular rder. The priritisatin f the trails will be determined each year by staff and will be dependent n available resurces, funding pprtunities and hw they link with ther Cuncil prjects eg. twnscape strategies. It shuld be nted that it wuld be pssible t develp mre than ne trail at any given pint in time due t the variance in requirements and implementatin. Prject a) Adungad Pathway Extensins Prject This prject invlves extensins t the existing Adungad Pathway. The Adungad Pathway is 2.1 km lng, starting at the Big Rig in the east (adjacent t the Bungil Creek) and extends as far west as Apex Park (at Nrthern Rd). The 2.4m wide cncrete pathway generally fllws the Bungil Creek and the Lng Drain, changing frm ne side t the ther side via small bridges. It utilises underpasses t crss majr rads. Althugh the length is stated as being 2.1 km, there are sme missing links where the path rute fllws rads instead f the drain/creek. It is assumed that private wnership f the land alng the creek has prevented the path frm being cmpleted in these sectins. A number f interpretive panels are lcated alng the trail, including the fllwing tpics: The histry f the prject Rma s China Twn Water in Rma Bungil Creek A number f imprvements are suggested belw which wuld make the Adungad Pathway an even mre accessible and enjyable experience. These suggested imprvements are: Establish a frmal Trailhead at the Big Rig. Relcate existing (lder) interpretive panels clser t the path s that all are clearly legible frm the path. Alternatively (and preferably), write and install a cmplete new set f interpretive panels alng the pathway, t cmplement the interpretive panels installed at the new interpretive shelter. Extend the path frm Hawthrne Street alng the creek t the nrth-west t cnnect t Quintin St/Apex Park land wnership may be an issue. Use the drain reserve nrth-west f Nrthern Rd/Carnarvn Hwy t prvide an extended pathway. There may be land wnership issues. Rad crssings and creek crssings are als issues. Install imprved trail signage at parking areas such as Apex Park. Install trailhead signage at the nrth-western terminus f the pathway (public pen space/drain reserve at Bnd St/Miscamble St). Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 53

54 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy A number f pssible extensins/additins t the pathway are pssible depending n land wnership and future develpment: Western extensin f pathway between Charles St (parking area) and Wyndham St (land wnership appears nt t be an issue). Western extensin f pathway between Hawthrn St and Quintin St (land wnership is an issue). Pathway thrugh Apex Park t Lvell St and then t Nrthern Rd. Bridge required ver creek nrth f Lvell St. Nrth-western extensin f pathway between Nrthern Rd t Miscamble St/Bnd St (land wnership appears nt t be an issue) Nrthern extensin t pathway (Lvell St t Miscamble St t Edna St), fllwing drain parallel with Nrthern Rad), perhaps as far as Rmavilla Winery which wuld then link t prpsed subdivisin arund winery. Ownership may be an issue but much f this appears t be public pen space. Eastern extensin frm the Big Rig, fllwing nrthern side f Bungil Creek as far as (frmer) squash curts. This extensin wuld prvide access t the cluster f sprting facilities either side f Warreg Hwy. The prject budget includes an allwance fr: Fieldwrk, t determine the precise alignment and cnstructin requirements. Cnsultatin with Marana Reginal Cuncil staff; adjining/nearby landwners; and key Gvernment department stakehlders. Preparatin f basic trail develpment plan. Cnstructin f cncrete pathways. Cnstructin f a trailhead parking area. Installatin f directinal markers and trailhead signage. Installatin f trailside interpretive panels (invlving research, cnsultatin, writing, design, manufacture and installatin f panels). The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. Cst Estimates fr Prject a): Adungad Pathway Extensins Prject Tasks 1. Cnsultatin with Cuncil staff, adjacent landwners and ther stakehlders (1 day). 2. Fieldwrk (trail rute planning and marking path/trail rute); basic trail develpment reprt (4 days). 3. Cnstruct 305 metres cncrete shared path between Charles St (parking area) and Wyndham St. 4. Cnstruct 170 metres cncrete shared path between Hawthrn St and Quintin St (includes small bridge ver drain). 5. Cnstruct 125 metres cncrete shared path thrugh Apex Park t Lvell St and then t Nrthern Rd (includes small bridge ver drain). Csts $1,200 $4,800 $54,900 $35,600 $27,500 Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 54

55 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy 6. Cnstruct 420 metres cncrete shared path between Nrthern Rd and Miscamble St/Bnd St (includes small bridge ver drain). 7. Cnstruct 880 metres cncrete shared path between Lvell St and Rmavilla Winery. 8. Cnstruct 640 metres cncrete shared path between Big Rig and Shrt St (near sprting fields). 9. Installatin f trailhead signage (map panel) at the Big Rig and assciated prmtinal signage. 10. Develpment f trailhead at western terminus (near Miscamble St). Culd include small gravel parking area. 11. Install trailhead panel (and prmtinal signage) at Miscamble St end f extended trail. $80,600 $158,400 $115,200 $2,000 $20,000 $2, Interpretive panels (allw fr 12 panels: 600mm x 350mm). Research and writing Design and manufacture Graphics (phts and drawings) Installatin $21, Allwance fr warning and safety signage at rad crssings. $5, Directinal signage (allw fr 50 psts with markers). $5, Installatin f signage. $3, Prject management and/r cnsultancy expenses $1,500 Sub-Ttal $538,180 Cntingency allwance (10%) $53,820 Sub-Ttal $592,000 10% GST $59,200 Ttal (including GST) $651,200 Prject b): Rma Circuit Trail Design Prject The idea f a circuit trail/pathway circumnavigating Rma has been arund fr sme time. Already there is, apparently, a draft plan prepared by the Active Rma grup that illustrates a cnceptual alignment fr a circuit trail arund Rma, with varius radial spurs linking residential areas with the circuit trail and ther destinatins thrughut Rma. The purpse f this prpsed prject is t undertake detailed investigatins t establish whether a circumferential pathway is pssible and, if s, the preferred alignment fr such a pathway. The trail/pathway wuld build n existing pathways (such as the Adungad Pathway) and take advantage f pen spaces (such as Rma Bush Gardens) and linear crridrs where available (including the railway reserve). Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 55

56 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy The prject will invlve substantial fieldwrk t prepare a detailed trail develpment plan, in cnjunctin with Cuncil staff, t determine the mst apprpriate path rute, design cnfiguratin, cnstructin methds, signpsting and interpretive requirements. The prject budget includes an allwance fr: Fieldwrk, t determine the precise alignment and cnstructin requirements. Cnsultatin with adjining landwners; and varius stakehlders. The budget des NOT include any allwances fr Cnstructin f the pathway r trail (including path surfacing, bridges/culverts, rad crssings, directinal markers and ther signage, etc). Installatin f trailside interpretive panels (invlving research, cnsultatin, writing, design, manufacture and installatin f panels) and trailhead signage. The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. Cst Estimates fr Prject b): Rma Circuit Trail Design Prject Tasks 1. Cnsultatin with Marana Reginal Cuncil, Active Rma and ther stakehlders (2 days) Csts $2, Fieldwrk investigatins (allw 5 days). $6, Trail rute planning; land tenure investigatins; mapping; trail develpment reprt (6 days) $7, Prject management and/r cnsultancy expenses $1,500 Prject c): Rma Bush Gardens Enhancements Prject Sub-Ttal $17,100 Cntingency allwance (10%) $1,710 Sub-ttal $18,810 10% GST $1,880 Ttal (including GST) $20,690 The pathways and trail(s) arund the Rma Bush Gardens attract numerus users, including peple walking, yung children learning t ride a bicycle, parents with prams and peple walking dgs. Thugh the cncrete pathway is incmplete, a circumnavigatin f the frmer railway dam is pssible by fllwing well-used ftpads acrss sme grassed areas. Future plans fr the area include the cnstructin f a bardwalk acrss a narrw part f the dam and the cmpletin f the cncrete paths. The existing lp pathway is apprximately 1.0 km lng. Future cnnectins t nearby residential areas will lengthen the amunt f sealed pathways. N n-site interpretatin yet exists, thugh there is a cnsiderable amunt f interpretive material in the Walks f Rma bklet. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 56

57 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy A number f imprvements are suggested belw which wuld make the Rma Bush Gardens Walk a mre accessible and enjyable experience. These suggested imprvements are: Cmplete the missing lengths f paths and the bardwalk acrss the dam. Install interpretive panels at each f the 15 vegetatin cmmunities (fr the benefit f thse wh discver the trail system and d nt have the bklet). A panel r tw n the human histry f the (railway) dam is warranted. Cnstruct pathway cnnectins t the nearby residential areas (Whip St and Feather St). The prject budget includes an allwance fr: Cnstructin f bardwalk. Cnstructin f missing sectin f lp pathway. Cnstructin f cnnecting paths t residential areas. Installatin f trailhead signage (x2). Installatin f trailside interpretive panels (invlving research, cnsultatin, writing, design, manufacture and installatin f panels) and trailhead signage. The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. Cst Estimates fr Prject c): Rma Bush Gardens Enhancements Prject Tasks Csts 1. Cnstructin f bardwalk (80 metres). $56, Cnstructin f missing piece f lp path (60 metres) and culvert. $12, Cnstructin f cnnecting path t Whip St (suth) (110 metres). $16, Cnstructin f cnnecting path t Whip St (nrth) (210 metres). $31, Cnstructin f cnnecting path t Feather St (285 metres). $42, Installatin f trailhead signage (x2). $4, Interpretive panels (allw fr 17 panels: 600mm x 350mm) $30,430 Research and writing Design and manufacture Graphics (phts and drawings) Installatin 8. Prject management and/r cnsultancy expenses $1,500 Sub-Ttal $194,680 Cntingency allwance (10%) $19,470 Sub-ttal $214,150 10% GST $21,420 Ttal (including GST) $235,570 Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 57

58 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Prject d): Lake Neverfill Trail Design and Develpment Prject Lake Neverfill is a natural area n the utskirts f Rma with the ptential fr prviding an utstanding walk trail. The lake is currently used fr bating activities. Despite this ptentially nisy activity, the lake attracts a wide range f birds and wuld prvide great interest fr thse keen n bserving birds. A trail arund the lake wuld als attract thers wh are keen n bserving nature and thse interested in health and fitness. The prject invlves determining the design, lcatin and cnstructin requirements fr a circumferential walk trail arund the lake a trail that wuld be apprximately 1.4 km lng. Due t the lw-lying nature f sme f the surrunding land, lengths f bardwalk will be required. The fieldwrk will determine precisely hw much trail is required and hw much bardwalk wuld be required. The prject will include the fllwing elements: Fieldwrk, t determine the ptimum trail rute fr the prpsed walk trail and pssible interpretive sites. Design detail fr bardwalks and bridges. Cnsultatin with key stakehlders. Preparatin f a detailed trail develpment plan, with wrks lists and cst estimates fr trail cnstructin, including: new trail cnstructin and trail surfacing, bardwalks and bridges, bird hides, installatin f directinal signage, interpretive signage and trailhead signage, signage t trailhead, pedestrian cnnectin t Campbell Park lk-ut and assciated signage, imprvements t access rad, wrk required at the trailhead (signage, parking, repairs t existing facilities, tidying up site). Interpretive sites/subjects culd als include: Histry f the lake. Birds f the lake. Snakes and ther reptiles f the area. The fringing vegetatin. Recreatinal uses f the lake. The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. Cst Estimate fr Prject d): Lake Neverfill Trail Design and Develpment Prject Tasks 1. Cnsultatin (with Cuncil staff, lcal grups, ther stakehlders; etc) (allw 1 day) 2. Fieldwrk t cnfirm preferred trail rute; cnstructin detail; interpretive sites; lcatin f signs; (allw 1 day) 3. Preparatin f simple Trail Develpment Plan (including mapping; sign plans; sign designs; interpretive tpics/sites) (allw 3 days) Csts $1,200 $1,200 $3, Cnstructin f trail (allw fr 600 metres) $12,000 Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 58

59 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy 5. Cnstructin f bridges (allw fr 10m) $30, Cnstructin f bardwalks (allw fr 100 metres) $60, Interpretive panels (allw fr 8 panels: 600mm x 350mm $14,320 Research and writing Design and manufacture Graphics (phts and drawings) Installatin 8. Directinal signage (allw fr 20 psts with markers) $2, Installatin f directinal signage $1, Trailhead signage $2, Trailhead imprvements (car parking area) - allwance $5, Trail cnnectin t Campbell Park (allwance) $5, Prject management and/r cnsultancy expenses $1,500 Sub-Ttal $139,420 Cntingency allwance (10%) $13,940 Sub-Ttal $153,360 10% GST $15,340 Ttal (including GST) $168,700 Prject e): Rma Histric Walk Design and Develpment Prject This prject prpses a revamp f the existing Histric Walk, and the pssible creatin f tw new heritage trails based n the existing infrastructure. The Rma Histric Walk in the twn centre f Rma cnsists f 25 sites f histric interest, linked nly by means f a map shwing their lcatins. N effrt has been made t install directinal signage indicating the preferred rute t take, nr des the mapping actually indicate the rute a trail user shuld fllw. These are limitatins with the existing trail. If a user was t visit all 25 sites, the length f trail wuld be apprximately 3.5 km lng depending n the actual rute taken. Each f the 25 sites has an interpretive panel usually n the side f the rad ppsite the site/building featured in the panel. Currently, the trail appears t rely n users accidentally discvering a panel while walking in Rma. The panel design des nt indicate the existence f the entire trail and the ther sites. Withut a brchure/map, users wuld be uninfrmed and wuld nt be able t fllw the intended trail rute. In any revamp f the design f the panels, a map f the entire trail shuld be included in the design. The Rma Histric Walk has sme gd features: Interpretive panels have the names f lcal spnsrs (which cntributed t the cst). Perspective use interpretive panels are lcated n the ppsite side f the rad t the site/building featured n the panel. Interpretive panels are lcated ut f the way f pedestrian flw. Sites are well spaced. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 59

60 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Trail brchure is available at htels/mtels it is therefre assumed that there is widespread distributin f the brchure. A number f imprvements are suggested belw which wuld make the Rma Histric Walk an even mre accessible and enjyable experience. These suggested imprvements are: Re-plan the trail rute(s) t make it mre cherent/lgical and pssibly t find additinal sites f interest. Currently it appears t be a smewhat randm selectin f places in the twn. Re-planning the trail may result in additinal sites being selected, and the frmal designatin f tw separate trails. (The plan accmpanying this reprt illustrates tw pssible cnceptual heritage trail alignments ne making use f the Adungad Pathway, and cmmencing frm the Visitr Centre). Install directinal signage, at all changes f directin, fr the tw suggested trails. Establish a Trailhead suggested (lgical) trailhead (fr ne f the trails) wuld be at the Visitr Centre (at the Big Rig). Additinal, detailed trail design wuld determine the apprpriate lcatin fr the ther trailhead. Imprve the mapping fr the trail rute(s) the current mapping cntained within the trails bklet is prly laid ut and des nt shw a defined trail rute. Replace the currently deterirating panels r better still, cmpletely rewrite and re-design the entire set f panels (prbably necessary if additinal sites and panels are t be included). The infrmatin presented n the existing panels is mstly factual and quite bland. The Avenue f Heres culd/shuld als be included in a leg f the Histric Walk. This prject invlves revamping existing histric walk trail - making use f much f the riginal infrmatin. At least ne f the prpsed (new) heritage trail(s) wuld cmmence frm the Big Rig, and use existing ftpaths where available. The prject will include the fllwing elements: Fieldwrk, t determine the ptimum rute fr the prpsed tw heritage trails and pssible new interpretive sites. Preparatin f a detailed trail develpment plan, with wrks lists and cst estimates fr trail cnstructin, including: new path cnstructin (if required), sign plan fr installatin f directinal signage, interpretive signage design and trailhead signage design, prmtinal signage, etc). Cnsultatin with lcal peple and business wners t determine suitability f each site. Installatin f directinal signage. New interpretive signage and trailhead signage. The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 60

61 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Cst Estimate fr Prject e): Rma Histric Walk Design and Develpment Prject Tasks 1. Cnsultatin (with Cuncil staff, lcal grups, ther stakehlders; etc) (allw 3 days) 2. Fieldwrk t cnfirm preferred trail rutes; interpretive sites; lcatin f signs (allw 2 days) Csts $3,600 $2, Backgrund research (allw 3 days) $3, Preparatin f Trail Develpment Plan (including mapping; sign plans; sign designs; interpretive tpics/sites) (allw 4 days) $4, Interpretive panels (allw fr 10 new panels: 600mm x 350mm $17,900 Research and writing Design and manufacture Graphics (phts and drawings) Installatin 6. Redesign and re-writing f existing interpretive panels (25) $25, Directinal signage (allw fr 50 psts with markers) $5, Installatin f directinal signage and interpretive panels $10, Trailhead signage $2, Prject management and/r cnsultancy expenses $1,500 Sub-Ttal $75,800 Cntingency allwance (10%) $7,580 Sub-Ttal $83,380 10% GST $8,340 Ttal (including GST) $91,720 Prject f) Mitchell Heritage Walk Design and Develpment Prject This prject invlves making use f a prtin f the existing walk trail alng the Marana River, creating a circuit trail by ruting the return lp thrugh the twn and past a number f heritage buildings and sites. The existing River Walk in Mitchell fllws clsely alngside the Marana River fr much f its length. As it currently stands, the river walk is apprximately 7.0 kilmetres lng thugh a cnsiderable amunt f this is away frm the river s edge and fllwing rads. The main trail cmmences at the bridge ver the Warreg Highway in Mitchell and terminates at Rtary Park near Neil Turner Weir. This trail is 4.2 km. A secnd part f the trail cmmences at Rtary Park and finishes at Fisherman s Rest (2.8 km). Sme ntable characteristics f this trail are as fllws: There is n signpsted link frm the Visitr Infrmatin Centre (spa) t the cmmencement f the walk trail. There is n prmtin f the trail within the Visitr Infrmatin Centre. The caravan park at Mitchell is situated in clse prximity t the trail, and wuld/culd prvide high levels f usage. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 61

62 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Murals painted n the stanchins f the rad bridge are a highlight (but are nt prmted by any signpsting). Rtary Park has barbecues, picnic shelters, tilets, playgrund, ample parking, and rubbish bins. This area is ppular with campers and day-users again ptentially prviding high usage levels fr any trail. A number f imprvements are suggested belw which wuld make the Marana River Walk in Mitchell a mre accessible and enjyable experience. The main recmmendatin is t divide the existing River Walk int tw separate trails: a lp trail incrprating a sectin f the existing walk alng the river with an add-n rute that incrprates a number f heritage features f the twn; and an imprved trail experience frm Rtary Park t Fisherman s Rest. This will result in the uninteresting n-rad walking part f the trail being remved. Key heritage sites within Mitchell (t be included n the in-twn heritage trail cmpnent f the prpsed lp trail) include: Visitr Infrmatin Centre (Spa) as trailhead. Murals. Cemetery. Old shps n Alice Street. St Clumba s Church. Schl. Water twer. Windmill. Curt Huse. Western Htel. Htel Richards. Dwnshire Arms Htel. Htel Mitchell. Other sites (t be determined in detailed trail develpment plan) The suggested imprvements/enhancements t the prpsed lp trail are as fllws: Develp a trailhead at the Visitr Infrmatin Centre. Signpst the cnnectin between the Visitr Infrmatin Centre and the pedestrian bridge, with prminent infrmatin abut the murals n the bridge. (The ftbridge and murals, and the cnnectin t the caravan park, will be regarded as a spur trail). Install directinal signage (see examples in this reprt). Stabilise and fill the steep 10-15m access track (frm Luisa Street t river fldplain) with Ectrax (r similar). Re-cnfigure the trail surface in, arund and under the rail bridge (t create a flatter trail with greater head clearance under rail bridge). Cnstruct an 8m cncrete causeway ver a drain ppsite crner f Luisa and Oxfrd Streets (nrth-east f this intersectin). Install interpretive signage at key sites alng the trail (bth natural sites and heritage sites). Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 62

63 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Cmmunity cnsultatin (see 2.7) suggested that the sectin f this trail frm the bridge t the end f Etn Street shuld be clser t the river. Respndents indicated that when users walk n the trail and cannt see the river (while knwing it s there), it is very disappinting it s like the walk is nt all it culd be. The decisin made in the Trails Master Plan was t build n what was already in place i.e. the trail rute as it currently stands. This prject is a design and develp prject; detailed trail planning (the next lgical phase f wrk) shuld give detailed cnsideratin t siting the trail clser t the river taking int accunt factrs such as ptential fld damage, tpgraphy, and surfacing (a sealed trail ging under at time f fld may be less likely t sustain significant damage than a natural trail). This is likely t alter the csts f the prject and make it mre expensive. Cnsultatin als suggested that all sectins f the trail shuld be built as a cncrete path t shared use standard (2.5 metres) t allw a stable walking surface fr all users. Sealing the surface wuld make it ptentially mre attractive t a wider range f peple but this wuld cme at a cnsiderable cst (a sealed surface csts arund $180/lineal metre fr a 2.5 m wide trail whereas a natural surface f the same dimensins is arund $20/lineal metre). This prject is a design and develp prject, meaning that Cuncil can determine prir t undertaking detailed trail planning that the trail shuld be sealed. This will alter the csts f the prject quite significantly and make it mre expensive. The prject budget includes an allwance fr: Fieldwrk, t determine the ptimum (new) trail rute (with cnsideratin f a realigned surface). Cnsultatin with stakehlders. Preparatin f a detailed trail develpment plan, with wrks lists and cst estimates fr trail cnstructin, including: new path cnstructin (if required), sign plan fr installatin f directinal signage, interpretive signage design and trailhead signage design, prmtinal signage, etc. Trail cnstructin fr the prpsed trail (including vegetatin clearing if/where required, trail surfacing, seating, directinal markers, etc). Installatin f trailside interpretive panels (invlving research, cnsultatin, writing, design, manufacture and installatin f panels) and trailhead signage. The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 63

64 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Cst Estimates fr Prject f): Mitchell Heritage Walk Design and Develpment Prject Tasks 1. Cnsultatin (with Cuncil staff, lcal grups, ther stakehlders; etc) (1 day) 2. Fieldwrk t cnfirm preferred trail rutes; interpretive sites; lcatin f signs (allw 2 days) Csts $1,200 $2, Backgrund research (allw 3 days) $3, Preparatin f Trail Develpment Plan (including mapping; sign plans; sign designs; interpretive tpics/sites) (allw 4 days) $4, Interpretive panels (allw fr 15 panels: 600mm x 350mm) $26,850 Research and writing Design and manufacture Graphics (phts and drawings) Installatin 6. Trail cnstructin clearing, surfacing, levelling (allwance) $8,000 (natural surface) 7. Cnstructin f 8m cncrete causeway ver drain $1, Directinal signage (allw fr 40 psts with markers) $4, Installatin f directinal and interpretive signage $5, Trailhead signage $1, Prmtinal signage $ Installatin f (simple) seating alng trail $2, Installatin f simple viewing platfrm $5, Prject management and/r cnsultancy expenses $1,500 Sub-Ttal $67,850 Cntingency allwance (10%) $6,790 Sub-Ttal $74,640 10% GST $7,460 Ttal (including GST) $82,100 Prject g) Weir Walk Enhancements Prject This prject invlves an upgrade f a sectin f the existing River Walk in Mitchell t create a high quality stand-alne walk trail. The Weir Walk is a 3.0km walk trail that extends westward frm Neil Turner Weir (at Rtary Park) t Fisherman s Rest. It is currently designated as Leg 2 f the Mitchell River Walk (Fisherman s Rest t Neil Turner Weir). As a stand alne trail, the Weir Walk has much t ffer. It cmmences at a ppular camping and visitr lcatin (Rtary Park near Neil Turner Weir) and terminates at an existing parking area (Fisherman s Rest). It is lcated immediately alngside the river. At present the trail is indistinct. Few directinal signs exist. The track is vergrwn and nt easily discernible. The walk track shares a prtin f its alignment with mtr Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 64

65 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy vehicles fr part f the way. N seating is prvided t enable users t rest and enjy the river scenes. N interpretatin exists alng the trail. The suggested imprvements t the trail are as fllws: Install trailhead signage at Rtary Park and Fisherman s Rest. Install directinal signage alng trail (see examples in this reprt). Clear sectins f the trail rute and cnstruct apprximately 30m f new trail. Install seats/shelters at 3 vantage pints verlking the river. Install interpretive signage at key sites alng the trail. Remve all existing River Walk signage. Re-publish Mitchell brchure t reflect the new trail(s) als nte that the River Walk is nt where it is shwn n the map. (The bklet indicates the River Walk fllws clse t the river s edge this is nt the case. The trail in fact is well remved frm the river s edge, and fllws sme rads). The prject budget includes an allwance fr: Fieldwrk, t determine the ptimum trail rute and t cmpile a detailed wrks list. Cnsultatin with stakehlders. Preparatin f a simple trail develpment plan, that sets ut wrks lists and cst estimates. Trail cnstructin fr the upgraded trail (including vegetatin clearing if/where required, trail surfacing, seating, directinal markers, etc). Installatin f trailside interpretive panels (invlving research, cnsultatin, writing, design, manufacture and installatin f panels) and trailhead signage. The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. Cst Estimates fr Prject g): Weir Walk Enhancements Prject Tasks 1. Cnsultatin (with Cuncil staff, lcal grups, ther stakehlders; etc) (1 day) 2. Fieldwrk t cnfirm preferred trail rute; interpretive sites; lcatin f signs and furniture (allw 1 day) 3. Preparatin f simple Trail Develpment Plan (including mapping; sign plans; sign designs; interpretive tpics/sites) (allw 3 days) Csts $1,200 $1,200 $3, Trail cnstructin clear sectins f the trail rute and $2,000 cnstruct apprximately 30m f new trail (allwance) 5. Install seats/shelters at 3 vantage pints verlking the river. $3, Remve all existing River Walk signage. $ Directinal signage (allw fr 20 psts with markers) $2, Trailhead signage (at Rtary Park and Fisherman s Rest) $3,000 Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 65

66 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy 9. Allwance fr trailside furniture $5, Interpretive panels (allw fr 5 panels: 600mm x 350mm) $8,950 Research and writing Design and manufacture and installatin Graphics (phts and drawings) Installatin 11. Prject management and/r cnsultancy expenses $1,500 Sub-Ttal $31,950 Cntingency allwance (10%) $3,200 Prject h) Surat Heritage Trail Design and Develpment Prject Sub-Ttal $35,150 10% GST $3,510 Ttal (including GST) $38,660 This prject invlves making use f a prtin f the existing walk trail alng the Balnne River, creating a circuit trail by ruting the return lp thrugh the twn and past a number f heritage buildings and sites. The Surat River Walk is a high quality cncrete pathway that is 1.8m wide and 760 metres lng, lcated within the Riverside Parklands f Surat. It extends frm the Balnne River trailhead at Marcus St t the bwls club at the nrthern end f Alice Street. An uncnstructed dirt trail extends even further westward t the Surat Weir parking area (a ptential trailhead). The Surat River Walk features sme high quality fitness and leisure equipment as well as playgrunds fr children. Thugh the pathway is nt directly cnnected t the caravan park n the nrth side f the river, there is already in place an excellent ftbridge attached t the rad bridge. It is highly desirable t extend the existing pathway t make cnnectin with this ftbridge. At present the pathway, thugh f high quality, is limited in its usefulness as it des nt extend as far west as the Surat Weir (and existing trailhead parking area at the weir) and it des nt prvide an uninterrupted cnnectin t the caravan park. In additin, t further enhance its usefulness, it is recmmended that the trail be extended by develping a return lp r circuit thrugh the twn, passing sme f the histric sites and buildings f Surat. A number f imprvements are suggested belw which wuld make the River Walk in Surat a mre accessible and enjyable experience. These suggested imprvements are: Extend the cncrete pathway 250m t the west frm its current terminatin pint at the bwls club t the parking area at the Surat Weir. Extend the cncrete pathway frm its current eastern terminus (at the parking area n Marcus St) by 580m t the existing ftbridge ver the Balnne River (t prvide a cnnectin t the caravan park). Create a signpsted heritage trail lp thrugh Surat. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 66

67 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Install trailhead signage at the Surat Weir parking area; utside the Cbb and C changing statin (Visitr Infrmatin Centre) and at the parking area n Marcus St. Install directinal signage alng trail (see examples in this reprt). Install interpretive signage at key sites alng the trail. Cnnect the existing River Walk t the Abriginal interpretive shelter. The shelter is currently nt cnnected t any existing trail, and is basically stranded in the middle f nwhere, and prly signpsted frm the rad. The trail wuld put it n the map. Extend the trail by utilising existing slashed (deliberately/incidentally) vehicle tracks alng the river. Key heritage sites within Surat (t be included n the in-twn heritage trail cmpnent f the prpsed lp trail) include: Cbb and C changing statin cnr Burrws and Crdelia. Astr Theatre between Marcus and Burrwes (faces Burrwes). Shire Hall cnr William St and Crdelia St. Abriginal Bush Gardens n Crdelia St. Varius ld residences. Pst ffice. Lins Park. Old schl. Old church. Other sites (t be determined in detailed trail develpment plan) Other imprtant attractins f the Surat area are lcated ut f twn n the ld Cbb & C cach rad t Yuleba. These interesting and histric sites are nt within reach f a nn-mtrised trail rute, but culd and shuld be included n a lcal drive trail. These sites include: The Crdurys 2.5 km nrth f twn. Several change statins (including Bainbilla, Waldegrve, Wilbah). Beranga Creek 3.5 kms nrth (the lilies). Abriginal campsite. Abriginal interpretive shelter Bymunt Rd East. The prject budget includes an allwance fr: Fieldwrk, t determine the ptimum trail rute fr the extended trail, including the rute f the in-twn heritage trail cmpnent. Cnsultatin with stakehlders t determine the mst apprpriate trail rute, cnstructin methds, signpsting and interpretive requirements. Preparatin f a detailed trail develpment plan, with wrks lists and cst estimates fr new trail/path cnstructin, including: new trail/path cnstructin and trail surfacing, bardwalks and bridges, bird hides, installatin f directinal signage, interpretive signage and trailhead signage, trailhead imprvements, etc. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 67

68 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Trail cnstructin fr the prpsed trail (including vegetatin clearing if/where required, trail surfacing, seating, directinal markers, etc). Installatin f trailside interpretive panels (invlving research, cnsultatin, writing, design, manufacture and installatin f panels) and trailhead signage. The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. Cst Estimates fr Prject h): Surat Heritage Trail Design and Develpment Prject Tasks Csts 1. Cnsultatin (with Cuncil staff, ther stakehlders; etc) (1 day). $1, Fieldwrk t cnfirm preferred trail rutes; interpretive sites; lcatin f signs (allw 2 days). $2, Backgrund research (allw 3 days). $3, Preparatin f Trail Develpment Plan (including mapping; sign plans; sign designs; interpretive tpics/sites) (allw 4 days). $4, Interpretive panels (allw fr 15 panels: 600mm x 350mm) $26,850 Research and writing Design and manufacture Graphics (phts and drawings) Installatin 6. Cnstructin f path extensin eastwards t bridge ver Balnne $104,400 River (580 metres). 7. Cnstructin f path extensin westwards t Surat Weir carpark $45,000 (250 metres). 8. Directinal signage (allw fr 40 psts with markers) $4, Installatin f directinal and interpretive signage $5, Trailhead signage (at Surat Weir parking area; utside the Cbb $4,500 and C changing statin [Visitr Infrmatin Centre] and at the parking area n Marcus St) 11. Prmtinal signage $ Prject management and/r cnsultancy expenses $1,500 Sub-Ttal $203,750 Cntingency allwance (10%) $20,380 Sub-Ttal $224,130 10% GST $22,410 Ttal (including GST) $246,540 Prject i) Injune Lagn Walk Enhancements Prject This prject invlves enhancing the existing walk trail arund the Lagn in Injune. The Lagn Walk in Injune is a 1,230 metre black bitumen pathway, 1.8 metres wide, arund a lagn. The lagn is situated apprximately 100 metres frm the Injune Caravan Park and 380 metres frm the twn centre. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 68

69 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy The existing pathway frms a cmplete lp arund the lagn and appears well used by peple staying at the caravan park. The grass either side f the pathway appears well maintained and slashed, and the walk is a pleasant experience in a mstly natural envirnment. Views f the lagn, and the birdlife n the water, are available frm just abut all parts f the pathway. There is sme very basic interpretive infrmatin attached t vegetatin arund the lagn. A number f imprvements are suggested belw which wuld make the Lagn Walk in Injune a mre accessible and enjyable experience. These suggested imprvements are: Installatin f 4 seats at intervals arund the pathway, verlking the lagn. Cnstructin f several shrt spur trails frm the pathway t the edge f the lagn. Installatin f interpretive panels, fcussing n: fish f the lagn; birds f the area (waterbirds and parrts); reptiles f the area; the river system; vegetatin species; and an invitatin t use ther trails f the area (including the prpsed in-twn heritage trail and twn circuit trail when develped). Installatin f signage, including: trailhead sign (with trail name, map, pints f interest, indicatin f interpretatin t be fund, etc); directinal/distance signage; prmtinal sign (in twn, pinting dwn t Lagn Walk). Cnstructin f link path frm Visitr Centre t Lagn Walk (alng Secnd Avenue: frm Statin Street t Railway Pde and frm Railway Pde t existing path). The prject budget includes an allwance fr: Fieldwrk, t determine imprvements required and the cmpilatin f a simple trail develpment plan. Cnsultatin with stakehlders. Preparatin f a simple trail develpment plan (cmprising a wrks list and cst estimates). Trail cnstructin fr the upgraded trail (including vegetatin clearing if/where required, trail surfacing, seating, directinal markers, etc). Installatin f trailside interpretive panels (invlving research, cnsultatin, writing, design, manufacture and installatin f panels) and trailhead signage. The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 69

70 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Cst Estimates fr Prject i): Injune Lagn Walk Enhancements Prject Tasks 1. Cnsultatin (with Cuncil, lcal grups, ther stakehlders; etc) (allw 1/2 day) 2. Fieldwrk t determine imprvements; interpretive sites; lcatin f signs (allw 1/2 day) 3. Preparatin f simple Trail Develpment Plan (including mapping; sign plans; sign designs; interpretive tpics/sites) (allw 2 days) Csts $600 $600 $2, Interpretive panels (allw fr 5 panels: 600mm x 350mm) $8,950 Research and writing Design and manufacture Graphics (phts and drawings) Installatin 5. Allwance fr path and trail cnstructin (cnnectin t twn, and $30,000 shrt spurs) 200 metres 6. Directinal signage (allw fr 10 psts with markers) $1, Installatin f directinal signage $ Trail seats (allwance) $5, Trailhead signage $2, Prject management and/r cnsultancy expenses $1,500 Sub-Ttal $52,850 Cntingency allwance (10%) $5,290 Sub-Ttal $58,140 10% GST $5,810 Ttal (including GST) $63,950 Prject j) Injune Heritage Trail Design and Develpment Prject This prject invlves develping a new in-twn heritage trail in Injune. The prpsed heritage trail wuld cmmence frm the new Visitr Infrmatin Centre, and use existing ftpaths where available. In-twn heritage trails prvide a signpsted and interpreted rute t the mst significant sites within a twn, thereby infrming lcal peple abut their histry as well as being an interesting activity fr visitrs t a twn t enjy. The prject will include the fllwing elements: Fieldwrk, t determine the ptimum trail rute fr the prpsed heritage trail and pssible interpretive sites. Research f histrical recrds, bks and any lcal histries. Preparatin f a detailed trail develpment plan, with wrks lists and cst estimates fr the heritage trail, including: new trail/path cnstructin and trail surfacing, installatin f directinal signage, interpretive signage and trailhead signage, trailhead requirements, etc. Cnsultatin with lcal peple and business wners t determine suitability f each site. Installatin f directinal signage. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 70

71 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Installatin f trailside interpretive panels (invlving research, cnsultatin, writing, design, manufacture and installatin f panels) and trailhead signage. Interpretive sites/subjects culd include: Old curthuse. Varius ld shps alng Huttn Street. De Luxe Theatre. Histric steam train. Old hardware shp. Old butcher s shp. Stck agent shp. The htel. Old pst ffice. Injune s riginal shp. Injune s first bank. Other sites/buildings as recmmended by lcal peple. The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. Cst Estimates fr Prject j): Injune Heritage Trail Design and Develpment Prject Tasks 1. Cnsultatin (with Cuncil, lcal grups, ther stakehlders; etc) (allw 1/2 day) 2. Fieldwrk t cnfirm preferred trail rute; interpretive sites; lcatin f signs (allw 2 days) 3. Preparatin f simple Trail Develpment Plan (including mapping; sign plans; sign designs; interpretive tpics/sites) (allw 3 days) Csts $600 $2,400 $3, Backgrund research (allw 2 days). $2, Interpretive panels (allw fr 15 panels: 600mm x 350mm) $26,850 Research and writing Design and manufacture Graphics (phts and drawings) Installatin 6. Allwance fr path and/r trail cnstructin. $10, Directinal signage (allw fr 40 psts with markers) $4, Installatin f directinal and interpretive signage. $5, Trailhead signage (at Visitr Infrmatin Centre). $2, Prmtinal signage $ Prject management and/r cnsultancy expenses $1,500 Sub-Ttal $58,850 Cntingency allwance (10%) $5,890 Sub-Ttal $64,740 Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 71

72 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy 10% GST $6,470 Ttal (including GST) $71,210 Prject k) Injune Lp Trail Design and Develpment Prject This prject invlves develping a new circuit r lp trail arund the perimeter f the Injune twnsite. The prpsed heritage trail culd cmmence frm the new Visitr Infrmatin Centre, r frm the existing Injune Lagn Trail - and use existing ftpaths where available. This lp trail wuld prvide a signpsted and interpreted rute t the mst significant sites arund the utskirts f twn, thereby infrming lcal peple abut their histry as well as being an interesting activity fr visitrs t Injune t enjy. The prject will include the fllwing elements: Fieldwrk, t determine the ptimum trail rute fr the prpsed heritage trail and pssible interpretive sites. Research f histrical recrds, bks and any lcal histries. Cnsultatin with lcal peple and business wners t determine suitability f sites. Installatin f directinal signage. New interpretive signage and trailhead signage. Interpretive sites/subjects culd als include: The bushland and vegetatin that surrunds the twn. The racecurse and campdraft area. Timber mills f the twn. Pineers f the twn and regin (at the ld cemetery). The frmer Rma t Injune Railway. Interpretive panels t be installed arund the lagn. Other sites/buildings/places/stries as recmmended by lcal peple. The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 72

73 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Cst Estimates fr Prject k): Injune Lp Trail Design and Develpment Prject Tasks 1. Cnsultatin (with Cuncil, lcal grups, ther stakehlders; etc) (allw 1/2 day) 2. Fieldwrk t cnfirm preferred trail rute; interpretive sites; lcatin f signs (allw 2 days) 3. Preparatin f simple Trail Develpment Plan (including mapping; sign plans; sign designs; interpretive tpics/sites) (allw 3 days) Csts $600 $2,400 $3, Backgrund research (allw 2 days). $2, Interpretive panels (allw fr 10 panels: 600mm x 350mm) $17,900 Research and writing Design and manufacture Graphics (phts and drawings) Installatin 6. Allwance fr path and/r trail cnstructin. $10, Directinal signage (allw fr 20 psts with markers) $2, Installatin f directinal and interpretive signage. $4, Trailhead signage (at Visitr Infrmatin Centre). $2, Prmtinal signage $ Prject management and/r cnsultancy expenses $1,500 Sub-Ttal $46,900 Cntingency allwance (10%) $4,690 Sub-Ttal $51,590 10% GST $5,160 Ttal (including GST) $56,750 Prject l) Wallumbilla Pathway Develpment Prject This prject invlves the cnstructin f a pathway linking the shwgrunds (and caravan park) with the Calic Cttage (Visitr Centre) in Wallumbilla, with a spur trail cnnecting with the existing pedestrian crssing ver the railway. This pathway was verwhelmingly the #1 pririty as discussed at the cmmunity meeting held during the curse f the prject. The purpse f the prpsed new path (and bridge ver the Wallumbilla Creek) is t allw visitrs t easily access the visitr centre, the htel and ther key attractins f the twn, withut the dangers that currently exist with walking r cycling n the busy Warreg Highway. N current pathway exists. In ttal, apprximately 435 metres f new pathway will need t be cnstructed, as well as a 40 metre bridge and 10m bardwalk. In additin, rad crssings will need t be Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 73

74 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy dealt with. A number f minr wrks are als required, such as a break in the median n Warreg Hwy, directinal and ther signage. The recmmended lcatin fr the clip-n pedestrian bridge is the nrth side f the rad bridge. Investigatins undertaken during the preparatin f this Trails Strategy revealed that it is impractical t build a path in the creek cutting t take users under (and hence acrss) the highway as there is n creek bank the path wuld wash away. The prject budget includes an allwance fr: Cnstructin f cncrete pathway. Cnstructin/installatin f pedestrian bridge alngside rad bridge. Cnstructin f bardwalk. Rad crssing treatments (signage; break in median, etc). The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. Cst Estimates fr Prject l): Wallumbilla Pathway Develpment Prject Cnstructin items Estimated Csts 1. Cnstructin f 25m path shwgrund t bridge. $3, Installatin f 40m clip-n bridge n nrth side f rad bridge $80,000 (allwance). 3. Cnstructin f 10m bardwalk n east side f bridge. $7, Cnstructin f 160m path frm bridge t Chadfrd St. $24, Rad crssing treatment at Chadfrd St. $2, Upgrading f 60m f new/imprved path alng nrth side f Gerge $6,000 St t line up with western culvert n suthside f highway (tw culverts in this lcatin). Target landing n suth side f highway just east f Queens Theatre in the 60 km/hr zne. 7. Median cut and rad crssing signage. $5, Cnstructin f 150m path t Calic Cttage (picnic table). $22, Cnstructin f 40m spur new path t railway crssing allwing $6,000 access t htel etc n suth side f railway crssing. 10. Prject management (n allwance made) 0 Sub-Ttal $156,750 Cntingency allwance (10%) $15,680 Sub-Ttal $172,430 10% GST $17,240 Ttal (including GST) $189,670 Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 74

75 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Prject m) Yuleba Passprt Prject The small size f the Yuleba twnsite, the lw traffic vlumes and the wide verges indicates the apparent lack f a need fr any new recreatinal pathways and/r recreatinal trails. Hwever, the twnsite has character and an ample prvisin f heritage buildings and a rich histry assciated with Cbb and C. The Yuleba Passprt prject is intended t fcus n these rich histric elements and attract visitrs t twn fr the purpse f discvering the twn s histry. The idea is t place (r hide ) a series f heritage artefacts arund twn that visitrs must lcate. Sme f these items will be immediately bvius; thers will require sme searching. It culd be regarded as a treasure hunt. Visitrs wuld be given (at a lcal Visitr Centre in the Marana Reginal Cuncil area) a passprt which cntains a series f images (r sites t be fund) f Yuleba. Visitrs wuld then attempt t find each f these items which are scattered thrughut the Yuleba twnsite. All sites t be lcated wuld have sme cnnectin with Yuleba s assciatin with the Cbb and C histry. The sites culd include: The existing mural at the entrance t the twn (which is abut the Cbb and C histry). A re-cnstructed crdury rad (perhaps in an area f pen space in the twn). A re-cnstructed Cbb and C changing statin (façade nly). An ld wagnwheel; r a wagnwheel sculpture. New murals painted n sides f ld buildings (such as the fire brigade building); n the water twer; and n pwer ples thrughut the twn. A cllectin f histric phtgraphs (in several shp windws). Msaic tiles in the ftpath (as dne in Mitchell). Empty shpfrnt windws culd cntain displays r cllectin f histric phtgraphs. Blank walls f varius buildings thrughut the twn prvide canvases fr murals. The prject budget includes an allwance fr: Use f cmmunity arts cnsultants t wrk with the cmmunity t develp ideas fr artwrks and sculptures that culd be used in the Yuleba Passprt prject. A reprt which will include details f recmmended pririty prjects and a strategy fr cmmencing wrks; a package f prjects, each presented s that they can be used individually in funding applicatins but still wrk tgether as a whle; and cst estimates fr each with mini-briefs s that items can be put n budgets and expressins f interest advertised t artists r cmmunity grups. The prject budget des NOT allw fr any csts assciated with cmmissining artists and sculptures, etc, nr fr any materials needed in the eventual implementatin f the prject (when develped). The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 75

76 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Cst Estimates fr Prject m): Yuleba Passprt Prject Tasks Csts 1 Cnsultants fees, including an allwance fr the fllwing $20,000 cmpnents: Site visits Cmmunity Wrkshps Reviewing grant pprtunities Site explratin lking fr pprtunities, hidden jewels, icnic elements, images, visiting galleries r artists studis Prject develpment Reprt and presentatin 2. Prject management (n allwance made) 0 Sub-Ttal $20,000 10% GST $2,000 Ttal (including GST) $22,000 Prject n) Judds Lagn Trail Design and Develpment Prject This prject invlves determining the mst apprpriate lcatin fr a shrt walk trail arund the freshre f Judd s Lagn. The Lagn is already a ppular picnic and camping area, with varius facilities already in place. The purpse f establishing a walk trail is t prvide visitrs with a pleasant recreatinal experience in an area already ppular with visitrs. At present it is nt easily pssible t walk arund the perimeter f the Lagn. The prpsed new trail will include several new, shrt bardwalks and/r bridges t enable trail users t crss wetland and pen water sectins f the lagn. The range f wrks required n this prpsed trail wuld include: Trail clearing and surfacing Bardwalks and/r bridges Prmtinal signage. Interpretatin (bth at trailhead, and alng the trail) On-trail directinal signage Warning signage Infrastructure/amenities (seats, tables, shelters, etc) The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 76

77 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Cst Estimates fr Prject n): Judds Lagn Trail Design and Develpment Prject Tasks Csts 1. Cnsultatin (with Cuncil, lcal grups, ther stakehlders; etc) $600 (allw 1/2 day) 2. Fieldwrk t cnfirm preferred trail rute; interpretive sites; $2,400 lcatin f bridges, bardwalks and signs (allw 2 days) 3. Preparatin f simple Trail Develpment Plan (including mapping; $3,600 sign plans; sign designs; interpretive tpics/sites) (allw 3 days) 4. Backgrund research (allw 2 days). $2, Interpretive panels (allw fr 5 panels: 600mm x 350mm) $8,950 Research and writing Design and manufacture Graphics (phts and drawings) Installatin 6. Allwance fr path and/r trail cnstructin. $10, Allwance fr bridges and/r bardwalks $30, Directinal signage (allw fr 20 psts with markers) $2, Installatin f directinal and interpretive signage $4, Trailhead signage $2, Prmtinal signage $ Prject management and/r cnsultancy expenses $1,500 Sub-Ttal $67,950 Cntingency allwance (10%) $6,800 Sub-Ttal $74,750 10% GST $7,480 Ttal (including GST) $82,230 Prject ) Drive Trails Prject Recgnising the gegraphically dispersed nature f the attractins f any Cuncil area, this Trails Strategy prpses a series f shrt drive trails that will take future visitrs t a wide range f attractins thrughut the Marana Reginal Cuncil and in particular t the existing and prpsed (nn-mtrised) trails f the Cuncil. As stated in Sectin 4, what is missing frm the suite f drive trail pprtunities currently n ffer in Queensland (and elsewhere) are lcal drive trails that take visitrs t a number f lcally histric sites in the hinterland f small twns. Lcal drive trails als prvide a unique pprtunity t develp bth physical ( hard ) and psychlgical ( sft ) links between cmmunities this may be a critical benefit in light f the 2008 amalgamatins. Surviving heritage places (indigenus and nnindigenus) linked with drive trails prvide an imprtant link with the past and can enrich the understanding f what has happened in the Regin. Such places can help t shape the Regin s identity as mre than a cllectin f (previusly independent ) twns and villages. A series f lcal drive trails are imprtant mediums fr delivering this utcme. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 77

78 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy The caveat is that the drive trails have t be structured in a lgical cherent ratinal way if they are t achieve the utcmes sught. One f the key challenges f develping drive trails is t create a lgical and easy-t-fllw trail fr users that cntains variety. A specific theme may nt yield a practical trail utcme r may nt be achievable due t issues such as a lack f fabric r the lcatin f sites relevant t the theme. The lcal drive trails vercme this cnstraint by nt relying n a particular theme, but rather fcus simply n the living histry f the twn at the centre f the drive trail. In a sense, they are develped by mapping all the interesting sites (frm all aspects f a regin s histry scial, indigenus, settlement, cultural, natural) and then develping a lgical link between all the sites. The sites will have cmmnality (that is they will mstly be f sme histrical interest) rather than a cnnecting r underlying theme. The main prblem with the theme apprach is that the trail planning prcess gets bgged dwn in trying t find sites t fit a specific theme and neglecting ther sites f interest in an area. Even the very successful lng distance drive trails in Western Australia (ntably the Glden Quest and Glden Pipeline Trails in WA) include sites which have heritage interest beynd the central theme. While they d have a central theme (quest fr gld; water supply), they als take users t sites that are nt related t the theme. Fr example, the Glden Pipeline has sites that are histric buildings such as ld htels, huses f the first nn-indigenus settlers, flur mills and ld schls. This is because there is a shrtage f sites specifically related t the theme. Trail users d nt want t travel lng uninteresting sectins with nthing t lk at; a real risk if sites are ignred that dn t cnveniently fit the theme. In September 2009, the Lenra Lp Trails were pened. The trails are drive trails arund the twn f Lenra in mulga cuntry abut 800 kilmetres nrth-eats f Perth. These drive trails are prbably the first prperly planned, develped and prmted lcal drive trails in WA (if nt in Australia). There are tw lp trails heading ut f the twn f Lenra the Agnew Lp (300 kms) and the Darlt Lp (345 kms). They are themed at a general level. Cllectively, the tw trails are themed as Mulga, Miners and Merins ; individually the Agnew Trail is themed as Survival in a strange land, while the Darlt Lp is themed as Much mre than mulga. Hwever, the trails were develped using the prcess described abve the histrical sites were identified and lgical rutes t cnnect them were planned. The Agnew Lp has a scial histry fcus, while the Darlt Lp primarily deals with natural histry. These general themes allw the inclusin f a large number f sites which may have been precluded frm inclusin if the theme had been a narrw theme. The material fr the trails includes a high quality guidebk. The guidebk includes a whle range f track ntes (breaking the drive dwn int sectins) and feature stries and qutes fr each sectin. These stries and qutes further enhance the n-site interpretive material by telling different stries abut the sectins again, these are bradly related t the cmmn brad theme (the scial histry and the natural histry) withut being tied t a very specific theme. This is the recmmended apprach fr the develpment f drive trails in the Marana Reginal Cuncil area. A cmmnality apprach is suggested with a view t cnstructing a lgical trail cnnecting a range f histric sites in the hinterlands f each f the twns. Cllectively, the trails wuld tell the stries f settlement f the Marana Regin (frm an indigenus and nn-indigenus perspective). They wuld prvide a Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 78

79 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy cmmn settlement theme fr each f the regin s twns and villages and prvide that psychlgical cnnectin between the cmmunities. A number f the recmmended nn-mtrised trail prjects are heritage trails (Rma, Mitchell, Surat and Injune) this prviding a cmmnality between these twns drive trails fcussing n heritage sites wuld cmplement these trails. There are tw pssible themes that can be develped fr drive trails (recgnising the best appraches as discussed abve). The Cbb and C rute frm Surat t Yuleba prvides a unique pprtunity fr a themed drive trail. Stry telling alng the trail wuld fcus n the Cbb and C rute but it wuld pick up ther interesting features/sites such as the blue lilies near Surat. The presence f these lilies and their inclusin n a themed drive trail highlight the difficulties inherent in develping a narrwly fcussed themed drive trail if the drive trail were t be develped purely alng the theme f Cbb and C, these lilies wuld mre likely than nt be excluded. A nn-indigenus explratin/settlement theme fllwing in the ftsteps f Majr Mitchell and the nn-indigenus settlement f the Marana culd be part f a drive trail. Such a drive trail culd link Surat, Mt Abundance, Rma, Amby, Muckadilla, Mitchell and Mt Mffat. A drive trail with this apprach can include many f the heritage aspects f the regin (schls, indigenus, railways, mining, natural histry, bushrangers etc.). It als psychlgically links the intwn heritage walk trails in these majr twns giving further heritage experience. Lcal drive trails arund Rma, Injune and Mitchell culd be develped t build n this spine (the Majr Mitchell trail) but bserving the lgical prcess f trail develpment. Nt all f the sites that culd be included n a series f drive trails are accessible t the public. Lay-bys n the side f the nearest rad culd be develped, with ld phtgraphs included n the interpretive panel t explain the significance f the site/place. This may help vercme sme f the previus prblems assciated with drive trails in the Injune area. The range f ptential sites fr inclusin n these drive trails are: Abriginal histry sites Early explratin and explrers (eg. Sir Thmas Mitchell; Ludwig Leichhardt; Alan MacPhersn) Pineers f settlement Drving (and the myriad f stck rutes) Cbb and C changing statins and crdury rads Railway histry sites Old schl sites Natural histry sites Mining and mineral explratin sites Gas explratin sites Further detailed research, cnsultatin and field investigatins will reveal a range f ptential sites that culd be included. It is likely that the Marana Reginal Cuncil Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 79

80 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy culd have sufficient sites f histrical and envirnmental interest t supprt as many as 4 lcal turist drives. The cre f the prject will be determining lgical and cherent circuit rutes; a range f interesting (and different) sites fr inclusin; and the directinal signage that will be required t link the sites tgether. The majr cst cmpnents f this prject are the writing and installatin f interpretive signage, supply f directinal signpsting and the map/trail guide. The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. Cst Estimates fr Prject ): Drive Trails Prject Tasks 1. Cnsultatin (with Cuncil staff, lcal grups, histrical grups, ther stakehlders; etc) (allw 3 days) 2. Fieldwrk t cnfirm preferred drive trails rutes; lcatin f signs; preparatin f sign lg (allw 6 days) 3. Preparatin f Drive Trail Develpment Plan (including mapping; sign plans; sign designs; interpretive tpics/sites) (allw 10 days) Csts $3,600 $7,200 $12, Design f Directinal Signage (allwance) $5, Supply f directinal signage (shields) / psts / brackets (allw fr 40 signs) $60, Installatin f directinal signage (allw fr 40 signs) $6, Interpretive panels research, writing, design, manufacture 800mm x 600mm (trailhead) 600mm x 350mm $97, Installatin f Interpretive Panels $8, Grading and gravelling f new lay-bys and site imprvements (allwance) $80, Site infrastructure (tables, etc) $20, Trail guide research, writing and prductin (allwance) $20, Prject management and/r cnsultancy expenses $2,500 Sub-Ttal $321,800 10% GST $32,180 Sub-Ttal $353,980 Cntingency allwance (10%) $35,400 Ttal (including GST) $389,380 Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 80

81 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Prject p) Trails Marketing Prgram One f the best mechanisms fr ensuring the sustainability f the trails is t have lts f peple using them, including lcal residents and visitrs t the area. Fur key steps need t be taken t build usage f the trails: 1. Undertake the cnstructin prgram utlined in this reprt, t develp the trails as a high-quality experience fr ptential users; 2. Install high quality interpretive material as set ut in this reprt; 3. Prepare a clear, cncise, infrmative brchure(s) r bklet, including an easy t read map; 4. Infrm ptential trail users f the existence f the trails, and their recent develpment. An imprtant task fr this prject is defining just hw t best utilise the Marana Reginal Cuncil s natural and built assets t create a series f walk, cycle and drive trails which will be f lasting benefit t the cmmunity. The Marana Reginal Cuncil is a place rich in agricultural histry, indigenus histry and natural heritage. The integrity f the heritage places must be maintained (and interpreted), and ding s will ensure the quality f experience expected by thse wh visit. Fr a prject such as this t succeed it is crucial that the very sites chsen t supprt the trails are nt degraded (in fact, they shuld rather be upgraded, as a cnsequence f this prject), and that quality f experience becmes the primary fcus f the trails. Therefre, a trail ptentially prvides a visitr with a cmmunity-based interactive means f experiencing aspects f the settlement histry frm the perspective f the cmmunity, and the indigenus ppulatin. The essence f the trails prduct is t prvide visitrs with an pprtunity t learn mre abut the lcal r reginal area they are visiting and an pprtunity t prvide an ecnmic and scial base fr reginal turism develpment. In rder t maximise usage f the Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Netwrk (when develped) it is necessary t ensure that turists (visitrs t the regin and thse passing thrugh en rute t sme ther destinatin) and lcal peple knw f their existence. T facilitate this usage, a marketing and prmtinal campaign is prpsed. The purpse f the marketing and prmtinal campaign is t create awareness f the attractins f the Cuncil area, and the means f accessing them via the trails. It will generate lcal supprt and enthusiasm fr the prject, as well as generating statewide prmtinal cverage f the prject thrugh lcal and state media and the frmatin f partnership pprtunities thrugh netwrking. Several cmpnents are included within the Marketing Plan. Develp lg and design standards - Develp cmprehensive brief, select designers - prduce clur and mn utput versins f lg plus style manual Market Planning and Target Marketing - Engage marketing cnsultants t prvide phne linked mentring assistance (40 $100 hr). Engage marketing cnsultant t wrk with lcal implementatin grup / turism peratrs t review existing turism prducts and market test trails cncepts (20 $150 hr). Develp a 12-mnth prmtinal prgram t prmte trails and ther facilities, including targeted Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 81

82 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy advertising, listing f websites, briefing and infrmatin distributin t infrmatin t linked visitr infrmatin utlets, publicity prgram t niche and mainstream print and radi media. Membership Fees - Establish links with visitrs centres and Queensland turism netwrk thrugh payment f apprpriate memberships Industry Familiarisatin Prgram - Develp familiarisatin prgram fr turism industry netwrk eg. lcal visitr centres, Queensland turism, RACQ, media Pstcard Prmtin - design, print and distribute pstcards prmting the trails t lcal residents targeting visiting friends and relatives market Brchure Distributin - cntract specialist brchure distributin firm/s fr targeted brchure delivery t key infrmatin utlets thrughut Queensland. Cst Estimates fr Prject p): Marketing and Prmtin Plan Tasks Csts Develp lg and design standards $6,000 Market Planning and Target Marketing Marketing cnsultants phne mentring assistance Marketing cnsultants review existing prducts; market test trails Prmtinal prgram $4,000 $3,000 $12,000 Membership Fees $3,000 Industry Familiarisatin Prgram $5,000 Pstcard Prmtin $3,000 Brchure / Trail Guide Distributin $5,000 Trails Guide Bk : research, write and design; cartgraphy; preparatin (DL size; 20 pages including fld ut map and cver pages) $6,000 Printing f Guide Bk $8,000 Sub-Ttal $55,000 10% GST $5,500 Ttal (including GST) $60,500 Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 82

83 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy 5.5 Summary f Prject Csts In cnsidering all f the cst estimates prvided in this Sectin it must be recgnised that these have been prvided n the basis that the whle f each jb is undertaken. The cst estimates that fllw are brad estimates nly and are subject t cnfirmatin. They are prvided here as indicative csts nly. The figures have been calculated at expected cnsultancy and cntractrs rates, with n allwances made fr vlunteer input frm partner agencies r ther surces. Prject Prject Descriptin Cst a Adungad Pathway Extensins Prject $651,200 b Rma Circuit Trail Design Prject $20,690 c Rma Bush Gardens Enhancements Prject $235,570 d Lake Neverfill Trail Design and Develpment Prject $168,700 e Rma Histric Walk Design and Develpment Prject $91,720 f Mitchell Heritage Walk Design and Develpment Prject $82,100 g Weir Walk Enhancements Prject $38,660 h Surat Heritage Trail Design and Develpment Prject $246,540 i Injune Lagn Walk enhancements Prject $63,950 j Injune Heritage Trail Design and Develpment Prject $71,210 k Injune Lp Trail Design and Develpment Prject $56,750 l Wallumbilla Pathway Develpment Prject $189,670 m Yuleba Passprt Prject $22,000 n Judds Lagn Trail Design and Develpment Prject $82,230 Drive Trails Prject $389,380 p Trails Marketing Prgram $60,500 Ttal Cst (including 10% GST and 10% cntingency) $2,470,870 Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 83

84 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy SECTION 6: IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM 6.1 Intrductin Further develpment f the Marana Trails Netwrk is a cmplex prject. There are several stakehlders all with a strng interest in this prject. Marana Reginal Cuncil has been the primary driver f this phase f wrk (the preparatin f the Trails Strategy) and shuld be cmmended fr being prepared t carry primary respnsibility thrugh this prcess. Sprt and Recreatin Queensland have c-funded this wrk and this cntributin is imprtant as it helps achieve their bjective f getting mre peple active thrugh recreatin. The cmmunity is vitally interested as it is they wh will benefit. Research frm elsewhere in Australia lends weight t the belief that a well develped and prmted trail netwrk has the ptential t be a recreatinal resurce f significance fr the Rma Regin. It is therefre recmmended that Cuncil cntinue t prvide significant supprt t the prject and cntinue t take a leading rle in the next phase f the prject. Fllwing cnsideratin f this wrk, the Cuncil and its staff will have develped a detailed understanding f many f the issues and pprtunities, and is ideally placed t cntinue t facilitate future stages. The benefits t the Regin, its residents and its visitrs f trail develpment are significant. The active invlvement f the Cuncil can help deliver these benefits. The next lgical step (fr sme trails) is t prepare trail develpment plans t prepare cnstructin-ready material. As stated in 1.4, this prcess ensures a maximum return n the investment f Lcal Gvernments and thers in trail develpment wrk. Far t ften, peple leap t cnstruct trails withut any idea f wh uses them, why, when, hw much it is ging t cst, hw t market a trail etc. The result is ften trails that are underused and eventually return t the bush. The preparatin f trail develpment plans will deliver high quality, lcally fcussed and well managed and maintained trails fr use by residents and visitrs. 6.2 Timeframe fr Implementatin While an effrt has been made t keep this Trails Strategy relatively simple (ideally with a limited number f prjects), there are quite a few wrthwhile and deserving prjects mainly as a result f a desire t prvide facilities fr lcal peple (in additin t visitrs). T many Trails Master Plans are verladed with actins and prjects, and can be daunting fr thse agencies charged with delivering n the utcmes prpsed. This Trails Strategy is prject-fcussed, as this targeted apprach appears the mst likely t actually deliver utcmes n the grund. A range f substantial benefits culd be garnered by simply prceeding with any f the prjects these are all simple, stand-alne prjects that wuld deliver tangible benefits t the Marana Reginal Cuncil area particularly lcal peple. Hwever, the entire set f trails prjects, including the prpsed drive trails, shuld be regarded as a cmplete package. It is unlikely that any ne trail prject wuld be sufficient t attract substantial numbers f new visitrs t the Marana Reginal Cuncil area nt that this is the main driver f this prject. The prvisin f a Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 84

85 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy cmplete package f trail pprtunities is far mre likely t deliver benefits t the Regin. Fr this reasn the Cuncil is recmmended t prceed with implementatin f all trail prjects in a timely manner. There are a number f tasks that need cmpletin at this early stage t ensure the prject s success. These are: Surcing funds fr further detailed planning and develpment f trails (Sectin 10 has a cmprehensive list f funding surces); and Cnsequent further detailed planning and develpment f sme trails. These primary tasks are critical t the prject s eventual success and will require human resurces. The implementatin prgram is set ut ver a ten year perid. With sufficient funding, all these prjects culd be brught t fruitin in a shrter timeframe, prviding skilled and experienced prject management is available. The suggested implementatin prgram is a guide nly and culd be variable given current resurces, funding, and cmmunity interest in any given year. The gd news is that there is an ever-increasing prpensity fr State and Federal gvernment departments t prvide funding fr nn-mtrised transprt and turism prjects (detailed in Sectin 10). Cnsequently, the ttal prject csts that are included within this Trails Strategy ught nt be cnsidered verwhelming. There is funding available. Hwever, it will take a cncerted effrt by Marana Reginal Cuncil t apply fr, and secure, this funding. The pririty timetable is designed t spread expenditure relatively evenly thrughut the 10 year perid, and is als designed t ensure sme efficiencies in prject planning (the design/plan elements f relevant prjects are heavily represented in the first three years f the timetable). It als recgnises that surcing significant amunts f funds may take sme time; therefre significant expenditure is nt scheduled fr the first year. The Drive Trails prgram is seen t be the mst imprtant pririty recgnising the wrk that has already been undertaken and the interest by Cuncil staff this prject is likely t be funded by State and/r Federal Gvernment prgrams quite separate frm traditinal surces used t cnstruct nn-mtrised trails and pathways. The Adungad Pathway extensin prject is a majr prject and has been spread ut ver six years in recgnitin f its csts. Hwever, if Active Rma is able t gather sufficient funds tgether earlier, the prject culd prceed. Prjects scheduled fr the latter part f the time perid recgnise the existing demand and supply situatins in the twns where they are scheduled. Tw prjects the Rma Circuit Trail Design Prject and the Yuleba Passprt Prject nly have design csts included in the schedule. In the case f the Rma Circuit Trail prject, it is nt clear if an entire lp trail is feasible and hw it might be develped it is therefre very difficult t put an indicative cst n the prject. If it is feasible, its cnstructin culd begin in parallel with the last sectin f the Adungad Pathway Extensin prject. In the case f the Yuleba Passprt Prject, this is a prject requiring significant cmmunity supprt rather than significant direct funding. Its place in the schedule recgnises this issue. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 85

86 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Prject Prject Csts (including GST and cntingency) Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Prject a) 9, , , , , ,035 Prject b) 20,690 Develp if feasible* Prject c) 117, ,785 Prject d) 9, ,625 Prject e) 19,240 72,480 Prject f) 16,335 65,765 Prject g) 9,075 29,585 Prject h) 16, ,205 Prject i) 6,170 57,780 Prject j) 12,705 58,505 Prject k) 12,705 44,045 Prject l) 189,670 Prject m) 22,000 Develp prject* Prject n) 12,705 69,525 Prject ) 30, , ,765 Prject p) 60,500** TOTAL 75, , , , , , , , , ,125 * Csts f prject develpment cannt be estimated ** Trails Marketing Prgram shuld have a part-allcatin each year frm Year 2 t Year 10, but the bulk f expenditure will be in Year 10 when all trails are cmplete. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 86

87 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy 6.3 Availability f Trail Infrmatin and Prmtin Access t infrmatin describing the lcatin f existing trails is surprisingly difficult in many places in Australia. In mst lcatins, a multitude f rganisatins, bth gvernment and lcal gvernment, and cmmunity grups that manage the natural areas and parks within a lcal gvernment (and surrunding lcal gvernment areas) makes the accessibility f pertinent infrmatin cmplex. Fr mst peple, land management bundaries are meaningless and irrelevant. One area f pen space appears much the same (frm a user perspective) as the next. The cmmunity des nt discern any difference between management agencies. Therefre, when attempting t acquire infrmatin, the cmmunity wuld assume that whatever trails infrmatin is available wuld be readily accessible at many utlets. Usually, infrmatin abut trails is difficult t btain. It was nted with interest that there were limited trail brchures fr existing trail within the Marana Reginal Cuncil area (and sme f these are incrrect) and limited prmtinal signage fr any f the trails. A pririty actin wuld be t establish a centralised lcatin fr the distributin and disseminatin f trail infrmatin fr the Marana Reginal Cuncil area. All trails related brchures and leaflets (when prepared) shuld be made available at least in ne lcatin preferably mre. Ptential trail users shuld nt be expected t travel all ver the Cuncil area seeking the infrmatin they desire just because different management agencies (r even the same agency) lk after different areas f the natural envirnment and the trails therein. Trailhead mapping is recmmended fr all trails. 6.4 Mapping f Trails An essential requirement f any trail is apprpriate and adequate mapping fr use bth n trailhead signs and prmtinal material (including brchures and web sites). Maps prvide a quick visual representatin f the trail rute indicating primarily the rute f the trail, the destinatin, whether it is ut and back, r a lp. Gd mapping will cntain an array f infrmatin, including: access rads frm nearby twns (and distances) nrth pint and scale bar trailhead lcatin trailhead facilities (eg. parking, picnic tables, tilets, barbecues, etc) difficulty level (easy; mderate; difficult; disabled) Excellent mapping and infrmatin is a key feature f the develping trails netwrk in Mullewa, WA. length and duratin (and directin f travel if ne-way lp) pints f interest alng the trail, including gegraphical features symbls indicating lcatin f interpretive panels (if any) ther infrmatin if relevant and apprpriate, such as crssrads, crss tracks, trailside furniture (seats, shelters, lkuts), viewpints, emergency (fire) escape rutes, etc. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 87

88 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy SECTION 7 - GENERAL TRAIL DESIGN ISSUES 7.1 Intrductin This sectin f the Reprt addresses a series f matters relating t trail design and develpment t achieve trails (and paths) that are cnstructed with minimal disturbance t the natural envirnment, are sustainable and that require minimal maintenance. The fllwing infrmatin is prvided as a general guidance t trail cnstructin. Each trail may have sme unique elements that will need t be cnsidered when detailed trail planning and cnstructin are undertaken. Ecnmic develpment pprtunities arund the trails netwrk are discussed in Sectin General Design Cnsideratins General Cnsideratins fr Sustainable Trails In general, the fllwing general design and lcatin cnsideratins shuld be taken int accunt befre and during cnstructin f any trail f path: Fllwing existing tracks/trails where pssible t minimise disturbance t the landscape. Aviding prly drained areas. Ensuring lcal drainage is maintained alng natural watercurses where pssible. Aviding dense understrey where pssible. Aviding areas f dense vegetatin that may require heavy clearing. Aviding envirnmentally sensitive areas (eg. areas f endangered flra). Using debris frm trail clearing t prevent use f unwanted paths. Remving cnflicting inapprpriate vegetatin if necessary and as apprved. Aviding lcalised high pints t ensure even path grades. Aviding lng straight sectins with lng steady grades. Trail t meander t take advantage f natural and man made features and t create interest. Aviding areas with high ersin ptential. Lcating path near t pints f interest. Gd trail design encmpasses re-use f material. At Uluru, the trail builder has used debris frm trail clearing t prevent creatin f unwanted paths. Taking nte f safety hazards and aviding where pssible. Careful examinatin f aerial phtgraphy, supprted by extensive n-the-grund verificatin, will determine the best pssible rutes f prpsed trails t be selected that maximises use f already-disturbed lcatins and that minimises the need fr clearing f vegetatin. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 88

89 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Effective drainage will be essential alng the prpsed trails. Nthing is mre devastating t a trail surface than extensive use in wet, bggy cnditins. Such use in wet perids n unstable areas may lsen the trail subsurface and will create an nging maintenance prblem. Similarly, allwing water t flw dwn a trail withut creating 'run-ff' pprtunities is quite clearly ging t prduce ersin prblems. Siting f a trail rute n higher (level) grund shuld be an aim. On slping landscapes, trails need t be cnstructed with water bars and, in sme cases, surfacing shuld include sil stabilising prducts such as Ectrax. Whilst such prduct can add arund $3/square metre t the trail cst, the reductin in maintenance needs and the lngevity f the trail means it is a wise investment. Chsing apprpriate materials fr a trail s sub-base and tpping (surface layer) is critical t the lngevity and suitability f the trail fr the intended user grups. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 89

90 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Culverts and ther drainage cntrls shuld be used t direct run-ff away frm the trails where needed. It shuld be nted that sme slpe is desirable n shared-use trails. A perfectly level trail will hld water (pnding), creating mud hles which then becme maintenance prblems Trail width and Height Trails will have different widths depending n their intended uses. Walk trails shuld be metres wide. T functin effectively as shared use trails, a walk/cycle path shuld have a standard trail width f 2.5 metres. A width f 2.5 metres cmplies with the requirements fr a Shared Use Path (as set ut in Austrads Guide t Traffic Engineering Practice Part 14 Bicycles ), enabling cyclists and pedestrians t cmfrtably and safely share the path. This width als enables peple in wheelchairs, and parents pushing prams, fr example, t easily enjy the path with ther users. This has been identified as a majr need in many f the public meetings and returned surveys. It is imprtant t ensure that an entire trail is available fr a wide range f users (including peple with disabilities, parents with prams, etc) rather than having the trail slely fr able-bdied walkers. Maintaining cnsistency f width is imprtant particularly when cyclists are likely t be the main user grup using a trail. Peple in wheelchairs, and cyclists, need ample space t pass each ther withut having t divert ff a path r trail. A trail that is 3 metres wide allws fr all three user grups (walk, bike, hrse), thugh the prject prpses n hrse trails at this stage. In designing trails t cater fr hrse riders (as well as ther users), an alternative design technique invlves cnstructing a trail up t 4 metres wide, with the uter metre n ne side being a separate surface fr the exclusive use f hrses. Overhead clearance is als imprtant fr all trail users. Figure 7.1 belw shws the clearing envelpe (height and width) fr a shared walk/cycle path. Figure 7.1 the clearing envelpe fr a shared use path Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 90

91 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Fr hrse trails, verhead clearance shuld be maintained t apprximately 3 metres frm the trail surface, t ensure that hrse riders have clear 'head space'. All verhanging vegetatin - and that which intrudes frm the sides int this 'crridr' shuld be cut back n a regular basis. Care shuld be taken that sharp and dangerus 'pints' are nt left in this pruning prcess. A hrse riding trail will need t have a greater clearing envelpe althugh a 500 mm verge n either side f the frmed trail (n matter its width) is adequate Trail Surface Material The prpsed trail prjects have different surfacing requirements depending n likely use and the nature f the existing trail (where a trail is t be extended). A smth natural earth surface is mst apprpriate fr sme f the prpsed trails. Trails that wuld require nly such surfacing are: Lake Neverfill (Rma) Weir Walk (Mitchell) Injune Lp Judds Lagn (Yuleba) The existing earth surface shuld be firm enugh in mst lcatins t prvide pleasant walking cnditins, and shuld be pleasing t the eye f walkers. Sme shrt sectins f existing trails require additinal fill material, especially where the trail alignment is steep and is subject t ersin. These areas are nt extensive. Quality cnstructin, such as these rck steps n the Glden View Trail in Kalamunda, is the hallmark f a quality trail. A smth cmpacted surface is mst apprpriate fr shared-use trails. The surface shuld be firm enugh t prvide cyclists with a relatively smth ride, and free f pthles and undulatins. It is als imprtant t prvide cmpacted surfaces fr wheelchairs, strllers and similar vehicles where this is apprpriate and has been requested by the cmmunity. Existing ftpaths shuld be utilised r new hard-surfaced paths shuld be cnstructed fr: Mitchell Heritage Trail thugh the river stretch f this trail shuld be left as a natural earth surface. Surat Heritage Trail thugh elements f this such as the eastern extensin t the Abriginal interpretive shelter shuld be develped as a natural earth surface. The extensin f the Adungad Pathway in Rma. Finalisatin f the Rma Bush Gardens Walk. Injune Heritage Trail this trail is likely t be a cmbinatin f hard surfaces (bth in-twn and alng the lagn) and sme natural earth surfaces. Wallumbilla Pathway. Sme f these trails already have existing hard surfaces fr their lengths and this shuld be cntinued. The final decisin n surfacing fr each trail (what cmbinatin f hard and earth surfaces) wuld be made as part f the trail develpment planning prcess. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 91

92 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy 7.3 Safety Cnsideratins The mst significant safety issue is that which relates t pssible cnflicts between different types f trail users legal and illegal - fr example, walkers and trail bikes, r cyclists and walkers. Effective signage will greatly limit this ptential prblem. The incidence f cnflict with muntain bikers and hrse riders is likely t be lw, given their lw usage levels. Greatest cnflict will ccur with mtrised users, such as trail bikes Rad Crssings Rad/trail crssings always present a special hazard which must be addressed carefully. A crssing shuld have enugh space cleared and levelled n bth sides f the rad t allw users travelling tgether t gather in a grup and crss en masse. One-at-a-time crssing greatly increases the verall time in the radway and therefre increases the likelihd f encuntering a vehicle. Each crssing shuld ideally be at a straight, level area allwing bth trail user and vehicle driver gd visibility and the driver ample stpping distance (if pssible). Signs required t create safe rad crssing are utlined in the next sectin f this reprt. The trail shuld be clearly marked n each side f the rad fr easy recgnitin and the crssing be designed t mve the trail user away frm the rad reserve as quickly as pssible. If at all pssible the trail shuld nt slpe dwn - r up - t the rad. Such slpes elevate danger levels cnsiderably. Cnfrmity with rad crssing detail as specified in Austrads Guide t Traffic Engineering Practice - Pt 14 - Bicycles is essential. 7.4 Signage Several kinds f signage are required n the varius trails, including distance, directinal, prmtinal and interpretive signs. Each shuld be standardised alng all trails and, where apprpriate, cncrdant with relevant lcal r Australian standards r practices. Intersectin f Shared Path and Rad Preferred Treatment (Minr Crssing) Surce: Austrads Guide t Traffic Engineering Practice Pt 14 Bicycles: Figure 6-35 Page 97 Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 92

93 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy The chsen clurs f all signs shuld be unifrm thrughut each f the individual trails. The use f distinctive trail markers and clur scheme is imprtant n any trail. The use f a lg engenders a sense f uniqueness. Designing a lg r number f lgs fr trails (perhaps thrugh a design cmpetitin) wuld be in keeping with Cuncil s cmmitment t public art and cntinue t fster a unique sense f identity fr the Regin. Care must be taken with all frms f trail signage that it des nt create a negative visual impact alng the rute. This is particularly imprtant in areas that are rich with natural vegetatin, where the pririty shuld be t preserve the feel f the trail. The extent f directinal signage will depend n the target market the mre rugged the trail, the less the need fr trail markers, but the mre imprtant it is t have clear infrmatin at the trail-head (warning f trail cnditins, length, duratin, etc). Trail markers need t be placed at regular intervals alng each rute and particularly at crners and junctins. The spacing and lcatin f these markers will depend n the lcal factrs, and intended user grups. Directinal signage alng the in-twn heritage trails is strngly recmmended, and it will enable visitrs withut trail maps t easily navigate their way arund each trail. A style similar t that installed n the Guilfrd Heritage Trails is recmmended (see phts) Directinal Signage Trail markers need t be placed at regular intervals alng all trails particularly at crners and junctins. As the prpsed trails within the netwrk will attract a large number f nvice (inexperienced) trail users, it is cnsidered apprpriate t install markers at clser intervals than wuld nrmally be the case. It is recmmended that directinal markers be placed n treated pine pst ttems every metres. The pine psts shuld be mm diameter, 1.5 metres in length, and buried 600mm in the grund. At these recmmended spacings they shuld be clearly visible in the near distance and minimise cnfusin and uncertainty. The standard clur scheme is black n a yellw triangle, but given the uniqueness f sme f the lcalities a situatin-specific clur scheme shuld be cnsidered. The trail markers shuld have a distinguishing symbl. Markers are usually nt required alng straight sectins f trail as the trail is usually clear and bvius, but given the fact that the trails netwrk will attract entry-level trail users, it is recmmended that additinal trail and directinal markers be used t assist these users. The use f a higher number f directinal trail markers will result in even the mst inexperienced f users feeling cnfident that they can remain n track. Markers shuld be either vertical (straight ahead) r hrizntal (turn here). They must be affixed with at least 2 nails (n pine psts) t prevent them being turned r remved by vandals. Alternatively, the directin markers culd be affixed with glue/silastic. Directin markers shuld be a triangle, made f aluminium, nt less than 1.6mm thick, 80mm wide at the base, and 110mm high Prmtinal Signage It is recmmended that a prmtinal sign be erected at any rad crssings (facing passing mtrists) t give prminence t the trails. Fr example, the installatin f Mitchell Heritage Trail signs as suggested will make mtrists and ther rad users mre aware f the trail, hpefully inducing greater attentin and enquiry when driving in the area. This style f prmtinal signage has been used t great effect n the Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 93

94 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Bibbulmun Track, the Munda Biddi Trail, the Mundaring Railway Reserve Heritage Trail and ther ntable trails in Western Australia. Signage shuld be cnstructed as a 1200mm x 250mm x 3mm aluminium panel (painted bth sides). The aluminium panel shuld be cnstructed with a 10mm lip t prvide greater strength. The sign shuld bear the name f the trail and have an identifying lg n bth sides. The Guildfrd Heritage Trails are an excellent mdel fr hw in-twn heritage walk trails shuld be develped. They feature interpretive panels (left pht) fr each site alng the trails, and excellent directinal markers (right pht) fr each f the three trails. Signs shuld be munted n 100mm 150mm treated pine psts apprximately 1 metre ut f the grund. The actual psts wuld be either 1.5 r 1.8 metre lng, thus having mm in the grund. The sign wuld be placed in a slt cut in the tp f the psts, and security blted thrugh the pst. An alternative cnstructin methd is t use ruted timber signs Distance and Directin Signage Recgnising that users may jin any f the trails at several lcatins (regardless f the recmmended and mapped starting pints), installing distance and directin signs at prminent features will nt nly benefit thse jining the trail at that lcatin, but prvide additinal infrmatin fr users already n the trail. It is recmmended that these signs be a 180mm x 250mm x 3mm aluminium plate placed n pine ttem mm psts. The plate shuld indicate the distance t the upcming features alng the trail Warning Signage There are a number f lcatins alng the trails which demand warning signage, primarily at rad crssings. Warning signs are 'standardised' using the red r, as is the case fr rad crssing, a Rad Ahead yellw diamnd warning sign sme metres befre a crssing, with a red triangular Give Way sign n the verge at the rad Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 94

95 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy crssing. On trails used by walkers nly, it is suggested that nly Give Way signs be required at the edge f the rad Trail Crssing Signs Sme f the trails have rad crssings alng the rute. The challenges cme in ensuring that these crssings are safe fr future trail users, while the pprtunities surrund the passing traffic wh can be alerted t the trail's presence. Such 'pprtunistic' prmtin can nly be gd fr the future f the trail in raising awareness and increasing user numbers. T facilitate a high level f infrmatin - and therefre a high level f safety and amenity - standard trail crssing warning signs shuld be used n the rads, and n bth sides f the trail Other Attractins Signage Signs shuld be installed alng the trail clearly directing visitrs t ther attractins which may be lcated nearby. Examples include cmmercial enterprises such as bakeries, cafes, turist attractins, and accmmdatin, twnships, and natural features such as rivers and weirs Interpretive Signage Interpretive signage is discussed in detail in Sectin Bardwalks Bardwalks are gd slutins in envirnmentally sensitive areas where an access structure f flexible design and alignment is required t avid eclgically critical areas, r minimise vegetatin clearance. A bardwalk shuld be built alng the Rma Bush Gardens Walk and may be required elsewhere. Bardwalks are a well-accepted trail cnstructin technique, and can ften replace cnventinal trail and path cnstructin resulting in: Less damage during the cnstructin; N ersin prblems caused by cnstructin prcesses; Trail surface des nt wash away at times f higher water levels; N revegetatin needed because f minimal cnstructin disturbance; N change in drainage patterns (and subsequent effects n flra and fauna) caused by the damming effect f pavement cnstructin r cncentratin f water by use f strmwater pipes; and Cnstraining the users t the defined pathways and minimising damage t flra. Prper evaluatin f sils is critical t the ecnmy f the system and the perfrmance f the bardwalk. In mst trails, the underft cnditins are pr and variable. A detailed sils evaluatin f the site enables mre infrmed design decisins as well as reducing the risk fr the cnstructin cntractr. As the main use f the prpsed bardwalks is recreatinal, it is unlikely that they will be used during extremes f weather (as ppsed t thse serving trips t wrk/educatin). Fr ecnmy, all timbers (headstck and abve) shuld be abve the extreme water level (ccasinal wetting is nt a prblem). A minimum width f 2.5 metres is required in keeping with the shared use nature f the Trail. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 95

96 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy The issue f whether t use handrails n a bardwalk is a cmplex ne. The purpses fr using handrails are many: Cnfining the user t the bardwalk t prevent damage t the envirnment; Guiding the user; Preventing falls frm the bardwalk especially when the cnsequences culd be serius e.g. n t rcks, int deep water; Prviding rest pprtunities - t lean against; Crwd cntrl - s users are nt pushed ver edge; and Prviding fr the disabled. Disadvantages f handrails include: Increased cst; Visually intrusive especially n trails in natural areas; Debris catchers especially n trails that can be submerged in fld; Nearer the eye height s minr misalignment, pr wrkmanship, timber defects are mre evident i.e. requires cmpetent carpenter; and Handled surfaces have t be free f splinters and preservative ils. This requires paint systems that are mre labur intensive t apply and maintain. Bardwalks are the preferred ptin fr addressing difficult cnstructin issues n the Rma Bush Gardens Wa lk. Traditinal timber bardwalks (abve left) r pre-cast cncrete bardwalks (abve right) culd be used. Handrails are required where the fall t the wet land is mre than 1 metre. The cnstructin f a bardwalk withut handrails will significantly reduce csts, and prvide fr a lw prfile and less btrusive structure which visually is mre aesthetically pleasing. Alng the Rma Bush Gardens Walk, the fall t wetland is less than 1 metre bviating the need fr handrails. Interpretive panels culd be affixed t the bardwalk, and these will add cnsiderably t the trail experience (and the trail cst). Pre-cast cncrete bardwalks are an innvative technique being used arund Australia. Pre-cast cncrete bardwalks may ffer a better and mre cst-effective design slutin than traditinal jarrah r pine bardwalks. The manufacturers (Rcla) claim they have lw impact site access, are envirnmentally friendly, are suitable fr mst terrains, have lnger life and less maintenance, are quicker t install and are fire and termite prf. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 96

97 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Cmpsite Fibre Technlgies (manufactured at Twmba by Wagner) are anther innvative ptential prduct that culd be used fr bardwalk cnstructin. The manufacturers claim that the technlgy ffers high strength, lw weight and lng service life. One significant advantage ver cncrete is easier shipping due t weight. 7.6 Trail Furniture All f the trails, being in an area with scenic viewpints and interesting utlks, have a number f lcatins well suited t the placement f trailside furniture which wuld benefit all trail users. Trailside furniture culd include bench seats, and interpretive panels. Where frmal trailheads are develped, it is apprpriate t include a picnic table in the trail develpment prgram. 7.7 Trailheads and Parking A frmal trailhead is vitally imprtant t give trail users a defined starting and ending pint. It is valuable t have a defined lcatin fr a large interpretive/infrmatin/mapping display, frm which all directins and distances are taken, and t which users frm further away can be directed. Trailheads shuld generally have ample places fr parking f cars (and tur buses if desirable), picnic tables, and trailhead signage. 7.8 Ecnmic Develpment Opprtunities Cmplementary Business Opprtunities There are a number f ecnmic pprtunities arising frm cnsideratin f the trails as a package. Established trails elsewhere prvide gd indicatrs as t the types f cmplementary businesses that wrk successfully. The Riesling Trail (Suth Australia s premier rail-trail in the Clare Valley) is seen t attract a variety f visitr types t the regin; visitrs have bth wine and nn-wine interests. The trail is seen as highly imprtant t businesses in the area. Businesses were passinate abut the trail and believed it cntributed t their businesses as well as helping t psitin the area as an authentic leisure hliday destinatin. There was a definite pinin amngst businesses that the Clare Valley wuld nt be the same withut the trail and that it had cntributed t business frmatin as well as business grwth (Market Equity 2004). Accmmdatin establishments are clearly benefiting fr lcating clse t the Riesling Trail, resulting in ecnmic benefits t the businesses and a bigger range f accmmdatin ptins fr trail users. A large number f accmmdatin businesses alng the Riesling Trail are prspering due primarily t the trail. Riesling Trail Cttages and Riesling Trail Bush Cttages are tw accmmdatin enterprises, amngst many, trading n their prximity t the trail. Whilst there are such businesses in Marana Reginal Cuncil area presently, there are pprtunities fr mre shuld the trails be further enhanced. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 97

98 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Elsewhere in Australia, trail businesses have identified that there is a significant market in packaging weekend breaks (t include accmmdatin, meals and bike hire in sme cases) s that visitrs can enjy a multitude f activities in a lcatin based n using ne r many trails in an area. Bibbulmun Track businesses have established such activities the Bibbulmun Walking Breaks prvide such a package fr thse wh enjy walking but d nt want t carry a heavy pack r camp vernight. In 2002, the Walking Breaks prgram wn a natinal award fr innvatin in travel in the Jaguar Awards fr Excellence and has been a cntributr t the $21 millin annual expenditure by Bibbulmun Track users. As the Walking Breaks prve, gd marketing f such a package wuld mean that vernight stays in the regin wuld increase accrdingly. A critical rle fr Cuncil is in ensuring the climate is right fr such business t get established. The planning scheme needs t ensure that the develpment f cmplementary facilities such as bed and breakfast establishments and camping facilities are psitively encuraged thrugh the develpment assessment prcess Opprtunities fr Bird Trails The trails package presents an pprtunity t shwcase the diverse flra and fauna f the Rma Regin t residents and visitrs alike. There is an increasing cmmunity awareness f wildlife and a desire t view it in its natural state. Several lcal gvernments in Queensland are prmting bird trails as a means f attracting turists t their areas. Bird turism can mean significant ecnmic develpment pprtunities with enthusiasts travelling the wrld in search f bird species. An pprtunity exists t invlve lcal indigenus representatives in prviding an indigenus perspective (including bird names) n the bird life f the regin alng any f the trails. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 98

99 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy SECTION 8: INTERPRETATION AND INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE 8.1 Intrductin Interpretatin is the key t the success r failure f many trails. Trails can be regarded as merely the vehicle fr telling stries - fr educating and entertaining peple. Peple ften mve alng a trail at a mre leisurely pace than that f their everyday lives. This slwer rate f travel, a mre relaxed frame f mind and penness t new experiences prvide ideal circumstances t educate trail users n all aspects f the cuntry thrugh which they pass. There are many stries that can be tld alng the trails. The prvisin f interpretative material will greatly enrich the experience f trail users. On-trail interpretatin is becming mre and mre f a feature f trails built in recent times. Interpretatin reveals the meanings and relatinships f ur cultural and natural heritage t visitrs, thrugh first hand experiences with bjects, artefacts, landscapes, and sites. Every aspect f ur heritage has a stry t be tld. Heritage interpretatin tells the tales f the land, past activities and land uses, its peple, animals and plants, and in the telling, helps peple frm cnnectins with ur heritage. The histry f varius agricultural pursuits, and the successive waves f peple wh have lived and/r wrked in the area, have a vast multitude f stries waiting t be tld. Visitrs want t learn, see, and d! They travel t heritage sites and turist areas fr a mix f memrable educatinal experiences that are at the same time fun r entertaining - in shrt, they want "edutainment". Interpretatin is als imprtant fr residents - it prvides a sense f identity bth t lder residents and t thse wh have settled mre recently. Surviving heritage places prvide an imprtant link with the past and can enrich the understanding f what has happened in the regin. Interpretatin helps bring an area s heritage t life, making it mre accessible and making it part f the trail experience. The quality f interpretatin is ften the key t the success - r failure - f trail prjects. While sme trails can rely upn the natural beauty fr attracting visitrs, mst successful trails rely heavily n gd quality interpretatin t be successful and well used. What will make the trails f Marana Reginal Cuncil ppular attractins will be the quality f the interpretive material, and the manner in which that interpretive material is presented and delivered. The trail interpretive material will encurage interactin and immersin, thus prviding a far mre rewarding learning experience. Specialist interpretatin cnsultants can be engaged t undertake the necessary research, cnsultatin, writing and design f the panels, and t arrange manufacturing and delivery. One f the critical elements will be capturing the stries frm lcal peple. At all the public meetings, it was indicated that each f the twns have lts f gd stries arund the twn that culd be tld n a trail. Peple lve t tell the stries - hw can they be preserved was a cmmn questin asked. 8.2 What is Interpretatin? Interpretatin is cmmnly defined as a means f cmmunicating ideas and feelings which help peple understand mre abut themselves and their envirnment (Interpretatin Australia Assciatin). In simple terms, it is the prcess f cmmunicatin between the visitr and the values f a place (Perrig 2004). Perrig argues that the best definitin cmes frm a 1957 publicatin by Freeman Tilden entitled Interpreting Our Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 99

100 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Heritage. He wrte that interpretatin is an educatinal activity which aims t reveal meanings and relatinships thrugh the use f riginal bjects, by firsthand experiences and by illustrative media rather than simply t cmmunicate factual infrmatin. Accrding t Perrig, this definitin has std the test f time. Thrugh interpretatin: Visitrs will be inspired. This will lead t increased cmmitment t the trail as an entity; Visitr numbers and the duratin f their stay will increase; Visitrs are mre likely t visit again; Visitr diversity (user patterns) will increase. Examples will be children, adults and sectins f the cmmunity particularly attracted t a theme r stryline; and Grants and ther supprt are likely t increase. Perrig believes that interpretatin can prvide the knwledge, awareness and understanding that prpel visitrs t make a cmmitment t the bjectives f a trail. This is a gal wrth striving fr. 8.3 Planning Interpretatin Perrig (2004) argues that, in the past, interpretatin has been treated as a walk-n part in the last act f a management plan. Rather than embracing and engaging interpretative principles int management plans, bits and pieces are ften added at the end. Usually interpretatin prgrams are the first t be lst in budget cuts. This is nt the desired apprach. Perrig argues this is changing and that there is a slw but grwing recgnitin that interpretatin is an essential tl fr management f places and that resurces are increasingly made available fr interpretive material. It is therefre imprtant fr the trail managers t give serius thught t planning and implementing interpretatin in the early stages f the prject develpment. This des nt necessarily imply that interpretatin material has t be in place frm the trail launch (r re-launch) thugh this wuld be a cmmendable utcme. Hwever, interpretatin shuld be an integral part f the trail develpment prcess. It is imprtant that infrmatin included n interpretive panels be bth appealing t the reader and accurate. In planning and writing interpretatin, bth these elements need cnsideratin (like many tasks, the writing f interpretive panels is a task that needs ding prfessinally). It is als imprtant that existing interpretive infrmatin be checked fr accuracy prir t the prmtin f an individual trail. Interpretatin must be planned within existing funds. Funding shuld be sught as sn as the decisin t prceed with the trail prject(s) is made. 8.4 Delivering Interpretatin Several delivery methds are cmmnly used n trails: On-site interpretive signage; Detailed trail guide bks and/r brchures; Website; Audi interpretatin; and Visitr/interpretive centres. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 100

101 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Of the methds set ut abve it is clear frm experience n similar trails elsewhere that quality interpretive signage ffers the mst reliable and cst-effective means f delivering stries t lcal peple and visitrs. Trail Guides and brchures can als ffer excellent interpretive ptential, but they shuld wrk as an adjunct t signage rather than a stand-alne methd f delivery as nt everyne will wish t purchase a cpy f a Trail Guide r be in pssessin f a trail brchure. Similarly, audi interpretatin can functin very well as an adjunct t signage and a printed guide, but it is als nt a stand-alne answer On-trail interpretive Signage Vandalism and Weather Impacts Installing signage in utdr lcatins can be a risky exercise. Vandalism and harsh weather cnditins can take a tll n signs f many types, and can rapidly reduce the effectiveness and value f what are ften substantial capital investments. A wide range f materials is used fr interpretive panels acrss Australia. These vary substantially in terms f lngevity/hardiness and price. Simply put, the cheaper the panel the mre prne it is likely t be t vandalism and the shrter the perid that it will retain its full riginal clur and therefre its aesthetic appeal. Experience in many lcatins has shwn that vandals and the weather can cmbine t make life difficult fr interpretive panels, and can quickly erde the investment made by the hst rganisatin. In rder t circumvent this utcme architectural-grade etched andised aluminium panels culd be used in this prject. In cuntless similar situatins acrss Australia these panels have prven themselves t be as clse t indestructible as is pssible. They are als stylish and attractive t trail users. Etched andised aluminium panels retain their high-quality aesthetics int the 10-year (and beynd) timeframe regardless f weather. Further, this material / prcess has the greatest resistance t vandalism (paint, ink, felt pens, scratching, impact damage etc) f any knwn ptin n the Australian market. Etched andised aluminium panels are mre expensive than ther styles but have prven t still prvide better value fr mney ver the lnger term. Nt surprisingly, this grade f etched andised aluminium is at the mre expensive end f the range, and can cst up t duble sme f the cheaper ptins. Further, nly ne manufacturer (Armsign Pty Ltd, Lismre, NSW) prduces these panels. It is imprtant t nte that ther manufacturers prduce pht-andised aluminium panels (generally at a cheaper rate) but this is NOT the same prcess and des nt prduce the same quality r lngevity. While this mnply may lead t cncerns abut inflated prices, it has been fund that Armsign are genuinely cmmitted t a cmpetitive apprach, knwing that their panels are always being cmpared with cheaper prcesses. This ensures that their qutes give gd valuefr-mney, despite the lack f direct cmpetitin. Many clients d nt understand the (significant) differences between varius aluminium-based panels and therefre apply cntinuing pressure t Armsign s csting regime. It is wrth nting that technlgy is changing rapidly, and new materials and prcesses are making full-clur digital print panels mre attractive than in the past. Full clur digital printing is nw being reprduced n utdr trail signs prviding trail users with an eye-catching display. While they are mre easily damaged and d nt last as lng in full-sun situatins they are cheaper t prduce and may be wrthy f cnsideratin. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 101

102 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Experience frm elsewhere (such as the Nrthern Territry) has indicated that full clur signs (even in the harsh cnditins experienced in central Australia) can last ver 5 years. Many manufacturers are experimenting with full-clur digital prints Artistic appraches t interpretive signage There are a number f innvative and artistic ways that infrmatin can be presented n-trail ther than simply by a standard interpretive panel (ne clur, tw clurs r full clur). Sculptures and wrught steel are tw ways that prvide interesting ways t present infrmatin t an audience that may be jaded by standard interpretive panels. The fllwing pht cllectin indicates sme f the successful ways used elsewhere in Australia t capture the audience s attentin. Abve: Architectural-grade etched andised aluminium panels n a pwder cated aluminium pedestal pst have been the traditinal way f presenting interpretive infrmatin. Abve: Cmmissined artwrks and sculptures, such as these n the Lng Paddck drive trail in NSW, are becming mre f a feature n trails. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 102

103 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Abve: Uniquely designed interpretive panels similar t these n Queensland s Bribie Island - culd be a feature f any f the recmmended trails. Abve: These interpretive panels at the base f Uluru cmbine steel cut-uts, limited text n sme panels and a slar-pwered audi stry. They tell the stry f the Mala, the rufus hare wallaby dreaming. Abve: An innvative feature n the Old Beechy Rail Trail (Victria) is the use f rusty steel cut-uts. The steel structure pictrially illustrates timber cutting, farming histry and ther agricultural practices ver the years. Abve: This sandstne plinth at Fremantle (WA) frms the interpretive material fr the Authrs Trail it includes extracts frm the authr s bk and is a striking feature f this urban trail. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 103

104 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Abve: Full clur panels are nw being used mre frequently many manufacturers guarantee them fr 5 years, but sme have lasted lnger in even the harshest cnditins (this example is Wngan Hills in Western Australia). Abve: Anther example f a full clur interpretive panel used n a walk trail (this example is frm Kings Canyn in the Nrthern Territry). Abve: Clurful and eye catching signage and displays is cmmnly used n trails. The abve example is frm Russell Falls, in Tasmania. Abve: Audi interpretatin thrugh the use f MP3 players is becming cmmn n trails. The abve pht is a grup listening t stries in Alcatraz Prisn in San Francisc, USA Printed Interpretive / Mapping Prducts All trail users require infrmatin, t safely access and enjy the trails in questin. Delivering that infrmatin is ften a challenge fr trail prviders, and is cmmnly ne prly met. Ideally all trails shuld have a brchure which will cntain an accurate and infrmative map, shwing clearly the varius rutes that are pssible, defined access and egress pints, apprpriate trail behaviur infrmatin and interpretive material. In additin such a map/brchure shuld shw distances between pints, and culd prvide basic 'trail ntes' where apprpriate. Preparing such a brchure r bklet invlves chsing a vital (but smetimes tricky) pint n a spectrum between a glssy advertising prduct and a dreary and/r amateurish give-away. Infrmatin must be clear, cncise, accurate, interesting and enjyable. Gd design can help prduce a visually pleasing and educatinal prduct which will still fulfil its primary rle f prviding essential rute-related infrmatin. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 104

105 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Aesthetics shuld never be allwed t verwhelm the prvisin f vital infrmatin such as distances, warnings (rad crssings, ther users, etc) and directins. Distributing such a prduct can be difficult. Visitrs t the trailhead may nt even be aware that a brchure exists. Cnsideratin shuld be given t distributing brchures frm many lcatins in the regin such as the Cuncil ffices, cafés, accmmdatin facilities and ther shps, Visitr Infrmatin Centres and - pssibly - frm dispensers at the trailheads. Several ther mechanisms exist fr wider distributin (r just t raise awareness f the brchure/trail) via stries in lcal newspapers circulating in the regin, turist bureaux and equipment suppliers. When trails are develped and available fr use, the recmmended apprach is t devise a package f trail infrmatin a small bklet which cntains maps and ther infrmatin abut the cmplete set f trails that are available in the Marana Reginal Cuncil area. Written material, as cntained within a brchure r trail guide, will prvide infrmatin and inspiratin - t lcal peple and visitrs wanting t use the trails. A high quality trail map / brchure is an essential item fr a trail netwrk such as this. It shuld serve a dual purpse, functining as: A prmtinal tl, t alert lcal peple and visitrs t the presence f the trail netwrk and the experience n ffer; and A basic rute-finding map, f sufficient clarity t guide peple arund the trail. Several different styles f brchure and/r bklet are available. Hwever, a brchure that is f a size that is easily inserted int a pcket is the best apprach. A DL size bklet (created by flding paper f dimensins 210mm high and 200mm wide) stapled alng the spine wuld be the bvius chice. It can be as many as 40 DL pages prviding sufficient capacity fr the fllwing elements: Intrductin t the Regin and the trails netwrk; Guidance n using the trails safely and cmfrtably; Map f the trails netwrk and a map f each trail; Trail ntes, describing key pints alng the way and relating them t distances and directins; Educatinal infrmatin abut trail usage, safety and etiquette; Phtgraphs f special buildings and places alng each trail; An abbreviated stry abut each site; Emergency cntact details and directins; Clear indicatin f rutes t and frm the trail head and parking areas, and guidance n d s and dnt s regarding usage; Details abut btaining further infrmatin frm and directins t lcal museums and Visitr Infrmatin Centres. In summary, the brchure r bklet MUST be prfessinal. It shuld be articulate, enjyable t read, easy t fllw, infrmative, educatinal and shuld inspire cnfidence in being able t fllw each trail rute. It is the primary pint f cntact with trail users Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 105

106 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy and shuld be at least as gd as the trail itself. There is n mre certain way f cndemning the trail t an uncertain future than by prducing a sub-standard brchure/map. There are many fine examples f trails bklets available, and the bklet prepared fr the suite f trails t be develped in the Marana Reginal Cuncil area shuld be mdelled n the best f thse available. A prmtinal brchure culd als be prepared t alert lcal peple t the existence f the new trails (when develped). The prmtinal brchure shuld be duble-sided A4, flded t DL, in full clur n an attractive recycled stck f abut gsm. This is the same size and shape as the prpsed bklet. This prmtinal brchure, prduced at the time the trails netwrk (with interpretatin) is cmpleted, culd be distributed thrughut Marana Reginal Cuncil (via a letterbx drp, r circulated with rates ntices, r included in a lcally circulating newspaper, etc). It is likely that this brchure may stimulate an increase in exercise amng the lcal ppulatin pening up access t ther grant prgrams Website Develpment Additinally, the same basic infrmatin cntained within the trail bklet and brchure shuld be upladed nt Cuncil s web site. Websites are nw a well-established mechanism fr prmting trails. It is imprtant that the website give ample infrmatin abut accessing the trails. It shuld encurage lcal peple t use the trail netwrk and ptential visitrs t visit, but als give thse wh may nt be able t visit a wrthwhile experience. The actual frmat f the website needs t be develped in cnjunctin with specialist website designers but shuld cver all the majr strylines and themes and include the fllwing: Images (phtgraphs and/r sketches) f sme f the ntable sites cntemprary and histric; Histric infrmatin; Lcatin map; Infrmatin abut the varius activities and facilities available; Links t ther relevant sites; and Dwn-ladable educatin materials Audi Interpretatin Anther means f delivering interpretive infrmatin t peple n a trail is via audi interpretatin. This can take several frms: CD s which trail users play n their vehicle CD player (best n drive trails); Narrwcast FM where drivers turn their car FM radi t a specified FM band and listen t a bradcast frm a player installed at the site (als best n drive trails); MP3 technlgy - dwnladable audi turs and pdcasts allw visitrs t listen t selected turs n their persnal MP3 players and cmputers, n-site, at hme and in the classrm; On-trail talking devices which set in mtin a pre-recrded sund track; and Mbile Phne where visitrs call a particular number and listen t a prerecrded sund track. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 106

107 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy While audi interpretatin (in the frm f 2 x CD s) has been a highly successful feature f the Glden Quest Discvery Trail in the Eastern Gldfields in WA (and narrwcast FM has been successfully used n ther drive trails elsewhere in WA) it is nt generally the primary means f prviding infrmatin t walk r cycle trail users. Rather, it ffers edutainment t ccupy travellers in what can be quite lng stretches between stpping places n a drive trail. Further, prductin f the Glden Quest CD s was aimed at aiding sales f the (substantial) Guide Bk, which was seen t be a significant lng-term surce f incme fr the trail. While a small Guide may be prduced fr the prpsed trails, its reduced scale (and therefre significantly lwer retail price) wuld make it hard t justify the added prductin csts assciated with audi interpretatin. Hwever, shuld Marana Reginal Cuncil desire pprtunities t sell prducts based n the prpsed trails netwrk, future cnsideratin culd be given t a CD that culd be packaged with the prpsed trail guide. The advent f MP3 technlgy has enabled visitrs t an area t quickly and easily dwnlad a tur as an MP3 file nt their cmputer then transfer this directly nt an MP3 player, PDA r Smartphne. In additin, pdcasts can be delivered n a regular basis t users wh wish t subscribe. The key benefit is that visitrs are in cntrl f exactly where and when they listen t the audi prgram. An excellent example f use f this technlgy n trails is the Discver Lndn initiative. Lndners and the capital's cultural turists alike can listen t audi turs (eg. Lndn s Literary Huses Trail; The Histric Gardens Museum Trail) n their wn MP3 players such as ipds, PDAs, Smartphnes r cmputers after dwnlading the digital audi file, free f charge. Trail maps are als available t dwnlad. It has been suggested that MP3 players (r similar) culd be hired t trail users this wrks well when entrances and exits can be cntrlled (a museum, z, r clsed trail) but it is a mre risky prpsitin when entrances and exits are nt cntrlled (such as n mst drive and nn-mtrised trails). On-trail talking devices are anther ptin (fr example push buttn devices and cntinuus sund tracks). Successful examples include talking mnuments n Bribie Island in Queensland and slar-pwered audi stries n the base walk arund Uluru. These supplement ther static interpretive panels, and add cnsiderably t the experience. Hwever, such devices may becme the subject f vandalism. Advice frm the Natinal Trust f Australia (WA) which has used the mbile phne technique fr delivering interpretive infrmatin n the Glden Pipeline Heritage Trail is that trail users have resisted using it, and the NTWA wuld nt use it again Interpretive Centre Sme f the trails in the package pass lcal museums; these prvide an added bnus t thse using this trail. These museums cntain a wnderful display f interpretive materials and audi infrmatin fr example, the Cbb and C Changing Statin is a must see attractin in Surat. Similarly, the Big Rig Visitr Centre is the trailhead fr the Adungad Pathway in Rma. Its lcatin therefre will help stimulate use f nt nly the trail arund this precinct, but will als prmte the use f the ther trails. These built facilities are excellent surces f lcal histry and tgether frm the rle f an interpretive centre. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 107

108 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy SECTION 9: TRAIL MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE 9.1 Trail Management Grup The trail develpment prgram set ut in this Trails Strategy is reasnably substantial, and the nging implementatin may be smewhat cmplex. There are many stakehlders, bth private and public, all with a strng interest in this prject sme are already invlved while sme will need t be invlved in the future. Varius funding prgrams are available fr much f the design, cnstructin, prmtin and interpretatin assciated with this trail develpment prgram. T ensure a smth trails develpment prgram, it is recmmended that Cuncil establish a Trails Management Grup t versee the implementatin f this Plan. At a general level, skill sets that wuld be useful fr the grup members t have as a whle include: Leadership skills critical t hld the cmmittee/s tgether, t inspire and mtivate, t advcate t a wider audience and t maintain fcus n a lng term visin. Cmmunity skills the skills t mtivate cmmunity and vlunteer effrts. Business skills skills t understand and tap int lcally based businesses the capacity t cmmunicate t businesses in ways that garner their supprt. Entrepreneurial skills a business-like apprach t running a trail is critical. Unfrtunately, the trail wrld is full f well-meaning peple with little idea f hw t run a business. Administrative skills expertise and knwledge f gvernment grants, and hw t apply fr them. General administratin skills are als critical. Envirnmental/scientific skills understanding f native flra and fauna and wider envirnmental issues. The ability t cmmunicate these t a wider audience is desirable. Engineering skills the capacity t understand design and cnstructin f all manner f trail infrastructure. Gvernmental skills the ability t liaise with and understand Gvernment departments and pliticians. Users it is essential that the cmmittee/s understand the needs and requirements f varius targeted user grups. These selectin criteria needs t be cnsidered in selecting members. The grup shuld ideally cmprise a representative frm each f the fllwing: The Cuncil. Marana Reginal Cuncil staff. A lcal envirnmental grup. Active Rma. The business cmmunity. The cmmunity. Others, as deemed apprpriate. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 108

109 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy The rles f the grup wuld include the fllwing tasks: Oversee the implementatin f this Trails Strategy. Preparatin f funding applicatins t external funding surces. Actively managing the trails netwrk. C-rdinating regular maintenance f the trails. C-rdinating cmmunity invlvement in the develpment f the trails, trails usage and events n the trails. Marketing and prmtin f the Marana Trails Netwrk (thrugh such activities as develping maps, newsletters and ther publicatins). Preparing trail management plans (discussed belw) 9.2 Trail Management Plans Individual Trail Management Plans shuld be prepared fr all trails cvered in this reprt, incrprating elements f this reprt and brader trail management issues. Such a dcument - as with all management plans - shuld be bth flexible and respnsive t change, yet set a firm guiding utline fr future directins and pririties. Trails which d nt have a Management Plan suffer frm decisins taken n the run, ut f cntext r as knee-jerk respnses t critical situatins. Trail Management Plans invlve detailed cnsideratin f a number f matters. Clarificatin f management rles and respnsibilities fr the varius trail sectins; Risk management plicy; Grup and cmmercial usage plicy and guidelines; Prvisin f essential services fr trail users, such as water pints, tilets, rubbish bin, lighting and ther desirable trail furniture; Identificatin f any utstanding access /egress wrks fr the trail, including disability wrks; Fire management and emergency evacuatin prcedures; Preparatin f a prmtinal and interpretatin management sub-plans, including specificatins fr signage and suggestins fr interpretatin alng the trails; Mapping and brchures guiding principles; Timetable fr reviewing and updating the Management Plan; Trail cnstructin standards; Lng-term cntrl f weeds; Revegetatin plicies; Vermin and feral animal cntrl; Target user grups and user experiences; Marketing plicies; Onging enhancements; Trail maintenance plan; Hazard inspectin timetable; Mnitring prgrams; and Clarificatin f respnsibilities fr cmplaints and cmmunicatin. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 109

110 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Further, this plan must clearly define wh is respnsible fr what - it is crucial that everyne knws what their rle and respnsibility is. Withut this, it is all t easy fr everyne t sit back expecting smene else t d the wrk. 9.3 Bush Fire Risk Management Planning Fire risk is becming an issue f increasing imprtance t land managers, particularly as climate changes. Bush fire risk management planning is a critical issue and needs t be included as part f any management planning. This is an issue with many recreatin trails (and in fact with any activity that takes peple ut int the bush in significant numbers). It has nt previusly been as critical an issue in Queensland as in suthern states; climate change and duty f care requirements mean that it des need t be addressed in all trail prjects. It has been successfully tackled elsewhere it is instructive t lk at what ther trails have dne. Fr example, the Lilydale t Warburtn Rail Trail (in a particular fire-prne area f Victria) recently develped a Wildfire Risk Management Plan. The Plan includes a number f bjectives and relevant actins. The bjectives are: Prviding a safe recreatin trail fr walkers, cyclists and hrse riding; Prviding a safe access nt and alng the trail fr all emergency vehicles; Minimising the risks f fires spreading frm r nt the rail trail; and Develping annual maintenance wrks and maintenance prgrams (with an accent n fire hazard reductin). Plans shuld include: Risk identificatin Assets and hazards, which will mst likely be captured by way f maps and data layers; Risk assessment Minimal descriptin f key risk areas; and Risk treatment Lcal wrks prgram t be identified (what, hw, when, where and wh). The resulting table will be included in the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan, with specific agency/land manager Annual Schedules f Wrks. 9.4 Preparatin f Trail Maintenance Plans What is required? Onging trail maintenance is a crucial cmpnent f an effective management prgram yet it is ften neglected until t late. Cuntless quality trails have literally disappeared because n ne planned a maintenance prgram and n ne wanted t fund even essential nging repairs. It is therefre essential that funds be set aside in yearly budgets fr maintenance f these trails - t ensure user safety and enjyment, and t minimise liability risks fr land managers. Depending n a swathe f cnditins weather, sil types, cnstructin standards, usage patterns and mre trail maintenance can cst up t 10% f ttal cnstructin csts r mre - every year. In general terms, $5/metre/year shuld be allwed fr path maintenance, $20/metre/year shuld be allwed fr bardwalk and bridge maintenance, while $2/metre/year shuld be allwed fr crushed (limestne/granite/basalt) and natural surfaces trail maintenance. This can be a daunting prspect, particularly fr cash-strapped Lcal Gvernments and nt-frprfit cmmunity rganisatins. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 110

111 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy In all trail prpsals, the pprtunity exists t minimise future maintenance demands thrugh careful planning and cnstructin. T ften initial csts are cut in the belief that all trails require maintenance anyway, and smething nt dne prperly tday can be fixed in the future. Building gd trails in the first place is the very best way f minimising future prblems and csts. As a secnd line f defence, a clear and cncise Management Plan (as discussed abve) with a regular maintenance prgram written int it will aid significantly in managing nging resurce demands. The gals f a Trail Maintenance Plan are t: Ensure that trail users cntinue t experience safe and enjyable cnditins; Guard against the deteriratin f trail infrastructure, thereby maintaining the investment made n behalf f the cmmunity; Minimise the trail manager s expsure t ptential public liability claims arising frm incidents which may ccur alng the trails; and Set in place a management prcess t cver mst freseeable risks. Ersin (caused by weather and unauthrised users), regrwth f vegetatin, fallen trees and branches and damage t signage are likely t be the greatest maintenance activities n the trails. The plan needs t include nt nly the replacement f damaged facilities but als preventative maintenance and the replacement f wrn ut facilities. Prviding these effects are attended t early, they are largely labur intensive rather than capital expensive. Calamitus events such as fire r fld will naturally generate significant rebuilding activity and cnsequent csts. These events are generally unmanageable, and shuld simply be accepted as part f the lnger-term reality f a trails prgram. Resurcing a maintenance prgram is crucial, and funds will be required n an nging basis t enable this essential maintenance. This matter shuld be addressed in the preparatin f the maintenance plan. It wuld be shrt sighted t g ahead and build the trail and then baulk at the demands f managing and maintaining it. It shuld be ensured that whever is charged with nging respnsibility fr managing the trails has genuine and specific trail knwledge. It is nt sufficient t be a skilled gardener, cnservatinist r envirnmental scientist. If training is required t bring staff knwledge levels up t a high standard, this shuld be seen as a pririty t be undertaken early in the cnstructin prcess. Trail skills are better learned ver a lnger time, with hands-n practice, than in shrt briefing sessins Trail Maintenance Activities The discussin that fllws prvides general guidance fr the develpment f maintenance plans fr each trail. It is nt a substitute fr specific maintenance plans fr each f the trails. Maintenance n all trails will be divided between regular inspectins and simple repairs, a ne (r tw) persn jb, and quarterly prgrams undertaking larger jbs such as significant signage repairs r weed / vegetatin cntrl. A range f basic machinery, tls and equipment will be required fr this wrk. Clear recrds f each activity/inspectin will be kept by the agency with respnsibility fr maintenance. A pr-frma sheet (frm the Kep Track Trail Management Plan) is attached fr infrmatin (see Appendix 1). Such pr-frmas serve t maximise user safety and Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 111

112 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy minimise liability risks. It will als prvide a valuable recrd f wrks undertaken and make fr efficient use f maintenance resurces ver time. The activities set ut in this dcument culd be built in t ther maintenance activities f the Marana Reginal Cuncil such as regular mnitring and maintenance prgram fr a range f ther recreatinal facilities. In general, Maintenance Plans are based arund regular inspectins, at which time simple maintenance activities shuld take place cncurrently. Mre time-cnsuming maintenance activities shuld take place every six mnths, while detailed Hazard Inspectins shuld ccur annually. Further, the capacity t respnd immediately t randm incming reprts f hazards r majr infrastructure failures shuld be built int the Plans. Table 9.1 gives a suggested schedule fr general maintenance activities t achieve acceptable maintenance levels. Explanatry ntes pertaining t each Activity fllw the table belw, and shuld be read prir t undertaking the activity. Table 9.1: General Maintenance Activities Activity Site Frequency Undertake full inspectins f all trails Entire trail Every secnd mnth Check, repair r replace all trail signage, esp. rad-crssings and directinal markers Entire trail Every secnd mnth- at each Trail Inspectin Check and cut-back verhanging r intruding vegetatin (nt trail surface) Sweep r rake debris frm trail surfaces, especially at rad crssing pints Check cnditin f trail surface fr ersin (r ther) damage and arrange repairs if necessary; trim ff regrwth vegetatin Check structural stability f built structures such as bird hides, viewing platfrms, bardwalks, interpretive signage, interpretive shelters Undertake Hazard Inspectin and prepare Hazard Inspectin Reprt Entire trail Varius sites alng entire trail Entire trail Varius lcatins Entire trail Every six mnths, unless bviusly requiring attentin at regular inspectins. Every six mnths Check fr ersin at each inspectin. Arrange repairs immediately if acute, r schedule maintenance fr six mnthly wrk sessins if nt; rake-he regrwth vegetatin each inspectin Every six mnths Annually (It shuld be nted that this schedule des nt allw fr repair wrks abve and beynd 'nrmal' minr activities. Fr example, if a sectin is subject t heavy rain, and ersin cntrl fails, additinal repair wrks will need t be undertaken). Trail signage (Activity 1) The majrity f signs will ccur at trailheads. Each trailhead shuld be carefully checked t ensure that all signage is present, and that all signs are clearly visible and legible. An inventry f lcatins needs t be prepared t assist in regular maintenance. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 112

113 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Vegetatin (Activity 2) Undergrwth vegetatin grws quickly, and ver time will cntinue t intrude int the trail 'crridr'. Such intruding vegetatin will be cut back t prvide clear and safe passage - a minimum clear space 1.5 metres wide and 2.5 metres high (n walk trails), and 2.5 m wide by 3.5 m high (n shared use trails) shuld be prvided at all times. Care will be taken t ensure that sharp ends are nt left prtruding int the trail as these can harm trail users. It shuld be nted that trailside vegetatin hangs lwer when wet, and allwances shuld be made fr this when assessing whether r nt t prune. "Blwdwns" - trees r limbs which have fallen acrss the trail - will be cleared as a part f this prcess. Sight lines must be kept clear either side f rad crssings as a part f this prcess, t ensure that users can clearly see a safe distance either way at rad crssings. Trail surfaces (Activity 3 and 4) Many f the trail sectins will require regular surface maintenance. Primary fcus will be n ersin damage caused by water flwing dwn r acrss the trail and by illegal mtr vehicle use. This must be repaired as sn as it is nted, r it will get wrse, quickly. Interpretive signage (Activity 5) Once interpretive panels have been installed alng the trails, these shuld be checked fr vandalism and cleaned if necessary. If damage is t great, replacement is essential. An inventry f lcatins needs t be prepared t assist in regular maintenance. By way f illustrative example, WA s Railway Reserves Heritage Trail has a Trail Management Plan which includes a Trail Maintenance Plan. Key elements are: Prepare infrastructure inventry identifying and shwing the lcatin f existing and prpsed trail elements, such as directinal and infrmatin signage, bm gates, infrmatin shelters, drinking funtains, etc.; Hazard inventry and inspectin timetable; Cntrl f vegetatin vergrwth; Maintenance f the trail surface; Inspectin and repair f fencing and gates; Deferred maintenance prgram; Appraisal f capital csts, labur hurs and/ r dllar value fr annual maintenance requirements; Respnding t custmer requests, including trail users; and Review f current envirnmental cnservatin and rehabilitatin prjects and suggestins f lcatin and requirements f new nes Public Liability & Risk Management It is prudent that the managers f the land upn which these trails are cnstructed be aware that whether r nt visitrs are actively encuraged t cme t the trails they carry a significant duty f care twards thse visitrs accessing lands vested in them. The maintenance f quality trails is therefre critical frm this perspective. Recent legislative changes acrss Australia have reduced the number f small claims against land managers. Hwever, liability generally rests with the land managers and hence, every attempt shuld be made t minimise the risk f accident r injury t trail users (and therefre the risk f legal actin). Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 113

114 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy While public liability is certainly an issue fr all land managers, it is nt a reasn t turn away frm prviding safe, sustainable and enjyable resurces. It is simply a mechanism by which t recgnise the respnsibilities inherent in managing natural and built resurces. Dealing with a perceived liability threat is nt abut ttally remving that threat it is abut ding all that is manifestly pssible t prvide safe access pprtunities fr visitrs, thereby minimising the risk f liability claims. A frmal Hazard Inspectin prcess is crucial in the nging maintenance plan. Nt nly will this define maintenance required and/r management decisins t be addressed, it is vital in ensuring safe cnditins and therefre in dealing with any liability claim which may arise in the future. Curts are strngly swayed by evidence f a clear and functinal prgram, and a regular series f reprts, with fllw-up actins, will g a lng way t mitigating respnsibility fr injuries. Further, clearly defined User Respnsibility statements in brchures, maps, plicy dcuments, plans and public places will assist this prcess. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 114

115 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy SECTION 10: RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 10.1 Intrductin Facing an ambitius prject that encmpasses significant trail develpment can be daunting indeed. Prpnents may well ask: Where are the funds ging t cme frm fr trail develpment, prmtin and the range f ther matters necessary fr the creatin and upgrade f this trail? Resurcing trail cnstructin and prmtin prgrams can certainly be challenging, as can resurcing nging maintenance. It must be recgnised that prjects such as these are an investment fr the future. Well-planned and built, well interpreted and apprpriately prmted, the trails will bring turists and mney int the area. They will create emplyment, and significantly assist in the cnservatin and preservatin f heritage sites alng its rutes. The trail prjects utlined will als benefit lcal cmmunities in a range f ways already elucidated. Trail prjects shuld be seen t be a valid and valuable investment fr the Marana Reginal Cuncil area. They will deliver a wide range f tangible benefits, many f which service areas f great and bvius need. A range f funding surces and ther resurces are currently available, and sme f the better knwn are summarised belw. This list shuld NOT be taken t be full and final. It is als imprtant t nte that, fr many f the Queensland Gvernment prgrams in particular, details are nt yet knwn, either because the prgram is new r the prgram has clsed fr 2009/10. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 115

116 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy 10.2 Cmmnwealth Gvernment Dept Prgram Cntact details Available funds Criteria including prgram aims Clsing date Relevant Cmpnent f trail develpment AusIndustry (Department f Innvatin, Industry, Science and Research) TQUAL (frmerly knwn as the Australian Turism Develpment Prgram) r at and fllw the links t TQUAL Grants. Alternatively, cntact the AusIndustry Htline n Categry 1 $5,000 - $100,000 Categry 2 $100,000 - $500,000 Categry 3 $25,000 - $500,000. Aim f prgram is t stimulate sustainable grwth in the Australian turism industry this by supprting innvative, high-quality turism prducts that cntribute t the lngterm ecnmic develpment f Australia. Categry 1 grants f between $5,000 and $100,000 fr Innvative Turism Prjects. Categry 1 prjects shuld aim t stimulate the develpment f innvative turism prduct, service(s) r system(s). Clsed fr The prgram pened in April and clsed in June. Trail cnstructin Business planning Interpretatin (a) Categry 2 grants f between $100,000 and $500,000 fr Integrated Turism Develpment Prjects. Categry 2 prjects shuld aim t enhance the verall turism appeal f a large area by encuraging inter-reginal cllabratin t achieve greater turism benefits. Prjects funded under this categry will be large scale, cllabrative, multi-faceted activities that invlve a number f regins. Categry 3 grants f between $25,000 and $500,000 fr Natinal r Sectral Turism Initiatives Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 116

117 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Dept f Envirnment, Heritage, Water and the Arts Indigenus Heritage Prgram Freecall: ihp_grants@envirnment.gv.au Indigenus rganisatins r nt-frprfit bdies up t $100,000. Individual Indigenus applicants up t $5,000 Prject must relate t ne r mre f the fllwing five activities: Cnservatin f a place r places f Indigenus heritage significance. Identificatin f Indigenus place(s), and/r the Indigenus heritage values f a place r places, fr heritage prtectin, heritage listing r cnservatin planning. Clsed fr The prgram clsed in February Indigenus interpretatin Heritage Planning, including prjects which will develp plans t assist with the identificatin, cnservatin and/r prmtin f the Indigenus heritage values f a place r places. Sharing Australia s Indigenus Heritage, including prjects that interpret r explain a significant Indigenus heritage place r places, prmte the knwledge and understanding f Indigenus heritage, r facilitate the active teaching f traditinal knwledge and understanding f custmary respnsibilities (where apprpriate) t future generatins. Cnstructin f Keeping Places: A maximum f $ may be prvided fr small-scale keeping places t huse remains and bjects that require restricted access, where exceptinal circumstances can be demnstrated Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 117

118 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Nte (a) Trails have been successfully funded under the frerunner f this prgram (the Australian Turism Develpment Prgram) in the fur years f its peratin Develpment f the Nannup t Jarrahwd Rail Trail in Western Australia ($98,000), the Swan Valley Bike Trail ($83,650) and the develpment f a cncept design and business plan fr Stage 1 f the Mitchell-Murrundindi-Mansfield Rail Trail in Victria ($100,000) are trails that benefited frm this prgram. A number f drive trail and cultural trail prjects als attracted funding (ver $100,000) Develpment f the Obern t Tarana Rail Crridr as a rail trail and heritage rail in NSW ($100,000), cnstructin f the Six Springs Muntain Bike Trail in Suth Australia as part f a larger prject ($61,000), and upgrading and sealing f a part f the Cape t Cape Track in Western Australia ($96,000) are trails that benefited frm this prgram. Interpretatin prjects als received significant funding. Fr example, Tales frm the Prt f Echuca Stries thrugh Interpretatin and Imagery in Victria received a grant f $50,000. A number f drive trail and cultural trail prjects als attracted funding (ver $100,000) Develpment f the Illawarra Fly Tree Tp Walk in NSW ($100,000) and the Three Huts Walk in the Mt Htham Alpine Resrt in Victria ($100,000) were trails and walkways that benefited frm ATDP funds. One drive trail als attracted funding ver $100,000. Cmmnwealth Gvernment - Additinal ntes 1. On 13 February 2009, the Australian Gvernment annunced an additinal $500 millin t the previus $300 millin Reginal and Lcal Cmmunity Infrastructure Prgram (RLCIP) annunced n 18 Nvember The funding is fr lcal gvernment t stimulate grwth and ecnmic activity acrss Australia and supprt natinal prductivity and cmmunity well-being. This prgram was annunced as a ne-ff prgram and it is nt knwn whether it will cntinue t be available in subsequent years. A number f factrs were wrth nting: The applicatins were limited t lcal gvernments, and nly ne applicatin per cuncil was allwed; prjects must be ready t g and able t prceed within six mnths f signing a cntract; prjects must be seeking a Cmmnwealth cntributin f at least $2 millin; and turn-arund time fr applicatins was extremely shrt the additinal funds were annunced n 13 February 2009 and applicatins clsed n 6 March This emphasises the need t have all dcuments and plans in place t take advantage f such ne-ff funding pprtunities shuld the Cuncil decide t prceed with this prject The 2009/10 Federal Budget Federal cntained n new prgrams. 2. During the 2007 electin, the Australian Gvernment made a significant cmmitment t fund prjects that had been identified by lcal cmmunities acrss Reginal Australia as pririty investments fr their regin. These prjects are nw being implemented under the $176m Better Regins Prgram and will prvide imprtant cmmunity infrastructure which will significantly enhance the liveability f regins and reginal twns. This prgram is nt pen t new applicatins. Hwever, frm , the Australian Gvernment will cmmence a new reginal and lcal cmmunity infrastructure prgram t fund cmmunity infrastructure prjects and make sure that investments in reginal Australia Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 118

119 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy prmte sustainable ecnmic grwth and benefit the cmmunity as a whle. In additin, the Huse Standing Cmmittee n Infrastructure, Transprt, Reginal Develpment and Lcal Gvernment is hlding a public inquiry int the develpment f the new prgram and will prvide advice as well. (see The 2009/10 Federal Budget Federal cntained n new prgrams. 3. The Cmmnwealth Gvernment s recently annunced $42 billin ecnmic stimulus package includes an allcatin f $50 millin fr investment in specialist bicycle infrastructure. This prgram was pen fr a very shrt time and is nw clsed. There is n indicatin it will be extended but it is wrth mnitring. It was develped as part f the Jbs Fund ( These three prgrams were pened fr a very shrt time as the Federal Gvernment sught t prvide stimulus fr the ecnmy and nw appear t be ne-ff prgrams rather than nging funding surces. The funds were fr s-called shvel ready prjects emphasising the need t have prjects ready t g t take advantage f funding pprtunities. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 119

120 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy 10.3 State Gvernment Dept Prgram Cntact details Available funds Criteria including prgram aims Clsing date Relevant Cmpnent f trail develpment Dept f Cmmunities Majr Facilities prgram Sprt and Recreatin Queensland $100,000 t $1.5 millin Funding t cnstruct, extend r upgrade facilities fr cmmunity participatin in active recreatin. Prvide fr increased r enhanced pprtunities fr physical activity thrugh active recreatin. Clearly aimed at the prvisin f activity spaces infrmal advice is that recreatinal trails are a Gvernment pririty. Clsed fr The prgram pened in August and clsed at the end f Octber (2008). Trail cnstructin Lcal Gvernments are eligible t apply. Prjects funded n a $ fr $ basis. Dept f Cmmunities Lcal Sprt and Recreatin Prgram (previusly knwn as the Lcal Gvernment Develpment Prgram) Sprt and Recreatin Queensland Maximum $200,000 Prvides funding fr develping places t increase participatin in active recreatin such as cycleway, walkways and walking trails. Prjects funded n a $ fr $ basis. Clsed fr The prgram pened in August and clsed at the end f Octber (2008). Trail cnstructin A number f trail cnstructin prjects have been funded. Dept f Educatin, Training and the Arts Reginal Arts Develpment Fund Unknwn Supprt arts and cultural develpment at the lcal level thrughut reginal Queensland. Supprts prfessinal develpment and emplyment f artists and arts wrkers. Trail brchures and interpretatin. Cultural turism. Funding cvers prjects, cncept develpment and plicy develpment amng ther areas. Fund cvers 60% f prject csts; Cuncil t cver the ther 40% (based n ppulatin). Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 120

121 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy Dept f Emplyment, Ecnmic Develpment and Innvatin Green Army Unknwn Green Army will wrk n prjects f strategic imprtance t enhance ur natural assets, strengthen ur turism industry and prmte increased envirnmental awareness fr all Queenslanders. Nt clear Lcal gvernments can apply fr funding t run Queensland Green Army prjects which may include building and repairing bard walks, refurbishing parks and bikeways and ftpaths Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 121

122 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy 10.4 Develper Cntributins The Integrated Planning Act and dcuments prepared pursuant t the Act such as the planning schemes (with assciated schedules and plicies) prvide mechanisms t secure cntributins fr cmmunity purpses and are ne mechanism fr securing trail crridrs and cntributins. The recently intrduced Sustainable Planning Bill (2009) may change sme f the requirements Cuncil shuld seek updated advice if it wishes t pursue this ptin. Cuncil culd cnsider recuping sme f the csts f the trails thrugh either an Infrastructure Charges Schedule (ICS) r a separate rate r charge. Shuld a separate rate r charge be impsed, this culd als cver all rateable prperties, but again, this may nt be plitically acceptable t Cuncil Other Cuncil-Based Funding Mechanisms There is a range f rating and charging mechanisms available t all Cuncils. An intrductin t the mechanisms is prvided belw. If any f these mechanisms were t be applied t funding the trails recmmended fr Marana Reginal Cuncil, a further level f investigatin wuld be required t ensure that the nexus principles were maintained. That is, the rules assciated with the applicatin f the rates t develpment differs with the different rates and charges nted belw. General Rates A general rate applies acrss all rateable prperties and is treated as a tax. General rates can be used t fund the csts f any r all f the functins f lcal gvernment. Differential General Rates A differential rate is a ntinal user pays charge, which is struck fr particular areas r sites t generate funds. Differential rates can apply t areas with different servicing arrangements (e.g. urban residential areas vs. rural residential) and designed t distribute the rate burden mre equitably acrss different classes f land within the cmmunity (as ppsed t a general rate). Special Rates and Charges Special rates and charges may be levied in additin t a general rate r differential general rate r in cmbinatin with any ther rates. A lcal Cuncil may levy mre than ne special rate r charge. Each rate r charge must relate t the prvisin f a service, facility r activity. A special rate r charge is nly levied n specifically identified rateable land. Special rates have been used t fund retail centre streetscape imprvements. A special rate r charge is effectively a lcal tax used t fund infrastructure wrks r services benefiting a particular area and applying as a ne-ff, up-frnt payment, r as a series f peridic payments. General and Regulatry User Charges A Cuncil may, by law r reslutin, fix (general) user charges fr services and facilities supplied by it. Charges are nt a taxing pwer and, as such, must be n mre than the cst f prviding the service r facility fr which it is levied. Charges can be levied fr trading activities, where user charges are fixed in cnnectin with the supply f gds and services (e.g. admitting a persn t a structure r place such as a cmmunity hall r public swimming pl). They can als be levied t cver the cst f regulatry activities, where regulatry charges are impsed as a cnditin f btaining an apprval t carry ut an activity. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 122

123 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy 10.6 Private Spnsrship Spnsrship is big business and very cmpetitive. Tw main ptins exist: either negtiate with lcal crprate entities which have a gegraphical and scial cnnectin with the area r g after the big players fr big prjects. Many large cmpanies have frmalised spnsrship prgrams. Elsewhere in Australia, funding fr trail develpment has been received frm a number f majr (and minr lcal) cmpanies. Alca has been a majr cntributr t Western Australia s tw premier lng distance tracks the Bibbulmun Track (walk) and the Munda Biddi Trail (muntain bike). BHP Billitn prvided ver $200,000 fr the Cast t Crater Rail Trail in western Victria t help cnstructin. GlaskSmithKline Australia has dnated $10,000 t the develpment f the Warrnambl t Prt Fairy rail trail prject t encurage emplyees t cmbine their physical exercise with cmmuting t wrk. GSK has stated We are prud t cntribute t the establishment f the Prt Fairy rail trail thrugh ur Cmmunity Partnerships Prgram. We see this prject as being f benefit nt nly t ur wn emplyees, but als t the lcal cmmunity as a whle. Significant sums can be gained if benefits can be prven. Any cmpany with an peratin within the regin wuld appear t be a ptential spnsr. Cmpanies are lking t be gd lcal citizens and being assciated with a psitive asset such as a trail can be gd fr business. Cmpanies shuld be apprached with the message that such a prject will bring a number f benefits t the regin. Any appraches t crprate spnsrs shuld fcus n a main message that trails and the cmpany prducts prvide an alliance f healthy sustainable living and healthy sustainable prducts (if such a link exists). Crprate entities are lking t make cmmunity cmmitments in a number f ways ther than direct funding. The Macquarie Bank Fundatin lks t supply time and expertise as well as funding. Many ther banks have bth a cmpetitive grants prgram and a vlunteer scheme which prvides paid vlunteer leave t every emplyee. Organisatins such as the ANZ and Natinal Banks als lk fr cmmunity develpment ptins fr their staff e.g. crprate team building days are held n a trail. What is imprtant in dealing with ptential crprate spnsrs is t have: a clear trail develpment plan (the next stage f wrk shuld the trail prpnent determine t prceed); a well-develped message; clear pinters as t what and where their engagement might be; and a clear indicatin f hw they might benefit frm their invlvement Other Trail Resurcing Opprtunities Heart Fundatin The Heart Fundatin Kellgg Lcal Gvernment Awards are held each year t acknwledge prjects and initiatives that lcal cuncils and rganisatins are delivering Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 123

124 Marana Reginal Cuncil Trails Strategy in their cmmunities t prmte and imprve heart health. While nt a significant surce f funds, there is a $10,000 prize fr the verall winner and a $1,000 prize fr each State winner. The award als ffers psitive prmtinal pprtunities. The award is fr Lcal Gvernments rather than cmmunity-based rganisatins; this des prvide a hk fr cuncils t becme invlved in a trail prject. The Murray t the Muntains Rail Trail has wn the Best Overall prject. Lake Fred Trittn, an artificial lake in Richmnd Shire (Qld) with a significant walk trail cnstructed arund its edges, wn the Best Overall prject and the Recreatin Infrastructure Prject in The Peninsular Pathlinks Prgram, a prgram t develp 77 kilmetres f new trails and walkways in the 42 cmmunities in the Mrningtn Peninsula Shire (Victria) wn the Best Overall prject and the Recreatin Infrastructure Prject in Fr further details, the Heart Fundatin s website is Green Crps Green Crps is a federally funded Yung Australians fr the Envirnment prgram. A majr prject prvides a hst partner agency with 10 trainees and a supervisr fr 14 weeks within a 26 week prgram. All materials, tls and technical supervisin, accmmdatin and sme ther basic requirements must be prvided Wrk-fr-the-Dle Schemes t prvide meaningful wrk experience and sme training fr lng-term unemplyed are prvided under the Wrk fr the dle scheme. The prgram generally nly supplies labur the hst agency is respnsible fr tls, materials, technical supervisin etc Cnservatin Vlunteers Australia Cnservatin Vlunteers Australia prvides small crews f vlunteers, with a supervisr, t undertake envirnmental activities. Teams f between five and eight peple wrk fr ne t tw weeks. An administratin fee is impsed by CVA. Materials, tls and technical supervisin need t be prvided by the hst agency. CVA has been invlved in trails prject elsewhere in Australia they were heavily invlved in cnstructin f a new walking track arund the base f Mt Tibrgargan in the Glasshuse Muntains in Suth East Queensland. This trail is f the highest quality and is a testimny t their skills as trail builders. Abve left and right: trails and trailside facilities in Western Australia and the Nrthern Territry have been cnstructed AND maintained by prisners. Lw-risk ffenders have been deplyed t numerus trail and cmmunity prjects. Mike Halliburtn Assciates and Transplan Pty Ltd 124