<![CDATA[RICHMOND VALE RAIL TRAIL

July 2026 Newsletter Extracted Topics

**Some Extracted Topics from our July 2026 Newsletter (18/7/2026)**

Facebook Post – RVRT Supporters’ Group – July 19th 2026
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid0cmbTwkB48jGaYkHT6LFApcr8XAp4fBwV2Non6Zo9fSSZEzEvSnFCV6TwjFtZywSGl

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Pic01 presents a Montage of the 10 pages in our RVRT Supporters’ Group July 2026 Newsletter.
Link to Download the full Newsletter:
https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/rvrt_supporters_group_newsletter_july_2026.pdf

Pic01: RVRT Supporters’ Group July 2026 Newsletter – Page Montage (10-Page PDF): Click on image to go to Link to Download the full Newsletter: https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/rvrt_supporters_group_newsletter_july_2026.pdf

Once again, this Newsletter has a few simple goals: to increase awareness about the Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway proposal and its benefits; to provide an update about recent and ongoing activities, strategies and concerns; and to help progressively move this proposal forward. Each topic contains a set of labelled dot points, so you can skim through the Newsletter to find what interests you.

Please note: Only 9 of the 22 dot points are presented in this Post - those that have more immediate relevance for advancing the Composite S2S/RVRT proposal and its advocacy. See Pic02 for the full list of Topics and Dot Points discussed in the Newsletter.

Pic02: Topics and Dot Points discussed in RVRT Supporters’ Group July 2026 Newsletter. (See Pic01 for Link)

History & Proposed Route – A Quick Recap:

Revised Route Map:

The Newsletter banner image (see Pic03) presents a Stylised Map of the Revised Proposed Composite 120km S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway, featuring three Zones, the Core Route (Sections S1 to S7, S2a and S6a) from Wine Country to the Shores of Newcastle Harbour/Beach and Lake Macquarie, and the remainder of the RVRT (Section S5a). The associated Table presents an LGA Breakdown of the currently proposed route (see Pic04), showing: key locations, approx. distances and overlap with the RVRT. Almost 80% of the route falls within Cessnock and Newcastle LGAs, with approx. a 20km overlap between the RVRT and Core S2S sections (between Kurri Kurri and Fletcher).

Proposed route adjustments to date have mainly been within Cessnock LGA [e.g., preferring a straight pathway along Broke Road (i.e., removing the proposed Halls Road & DeBeyers Road segment); and making the primary route from Nulkaba to Abermain via Cessnock CBD (with the originally proposed gravel pathway via Werekata National Park as a secondary pathway – see Section S2a on the Stylised Map).]

Pic03 – Stylised Map of Revised Proposed Composite 120km S2S/RVRT Pathway Alt text: A stylised regional map of the revised proposed Composite 120 km Shiraz to Shore and Richmond Vale Rail Trail Shared Pathway (S2S/RVRT). The map highlights three zones—Wine Country & Heritage Zone, Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone, and Coast & Lake Zone—and shows the full core route (Sections S1–S7, S2a, S6a) from Belford and Pokolbin through Kurri Kurri, Stockrington, Minmi, Wallsend, and Glendale to Newcastle Harbour and Lake Macquarie. The map also identifies the non‑core RVRT section (S5a). Distances between segments and LGA boundaries are marked.

Pic03: Stylised Map of Revised Proposed Composite 120km Shiraz to Shore and Richmond Vale Rail Trail Shared Pathway (S2S/RVRT), featuring: three Zones, the Core Route (Sections S1 to S7, S2a and S6a) from Wine Country to the Shores of Newcastle Harbour/Beach and Lake Macquarie, and the remainder of the RVRT (Section S5a).

Pic04 – LGA Breakdown of Composite 120km S2S/RVRT Pathway Alt text: A table summarising the Composite 120 km S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway by Local Government Area: Singleton, Cessnock, Newcastle, and Lake Macquarie. Columns list key locations, pathway sections (S1–S7, S2a, S5a, S6a), approximate distances, overlaps with the core S2S route, and RVRT‑only segments. Notes indicate existing pathways and recent construction. Caption refers to Pic03 for the corresponding map of zones and sections.

Pic04: LGA Breakdown of Proposed Composite 120km S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway – Showing: Key Locations, Approx. Distances and Overlap with RVRT. See Stylised Map in Pic03 for Zones and Sections (S1 to S7, S2a, S5a and S6a).

Minmi to Shortland RVRT Section:

We continue to argue strongly for full, integrated S2S/RVRT development, funding and construction, including the 14.7km (Non-core S2S) section within Newcastle LGA labelled as S5a - which facilitates access to growing communities (Minmi, Beresfield/Tarro, and Shortland), potential future connections to Beresfield station, and a range of experiences/facilities (e.g., Blue Gum Hills Regional Park; and Hunter Wetlands Centre and National Park), as well as providing the best construction access for nearby sections.

The Tarro to Shortland sub-section will also provide an invaluable future active transport link, facilitating safe off-road connections to Newcastle, as well as providing a direct link to the new M1 Extension (see Pic05) - for usage by experienced cyclists travelling between Newcastle, Maitland and Raymond Terrace.

Pic05 – Tarro to Shortland RVRT Sub‑section and M1 Extension Interface Alt text: An aerial photograph looking toward the Hunter River, showing the interface between the Tarro–Shortland section of the RVRT and the new M1 Extension. Newly paved road surfaces, construction vehicles, and earthworks are visible. Labels identify the relocated Aurizon access road, cyclist connections under construction on both sides of the M1 Extension, and the future RVRT path alignment toward Shortland. Caption notes the image was extracted from a June 2026 Big JayDog Adventures video at the 1:51 mark.

Pic05: Tarro to Shortland RVRT sub-section Interface with the new M1 Extension – Looking towards Hunter River: Extracted June 2026 image from Big JayDog Adventures video (at 1 Min. 51 Sec.) – Click on Image to go to Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpNMmnb9yIc.

Council Activities and Plans:

LGA Responsibility:

Most of the approved route within the ‘Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone’ falls within former railway and pipeline corridors. However, more broadly, the individual Councils are ultimately responsible for the S2S route choices within their LGAs, as well as staging, funding and construction strategies, timelines, promotion and maintenance of those segments. Optimising usage of existing and planned pathways is a key consideration, especially those linking local schools, facilities and attractions, and/or associated with recent Masterplans or proposed upgrades (e.g., Broadmeadow Place Strategy; proposed Creek Road Sports precinct at Maryland; historic Federal Park at Wallsend; Central Sports facility and Margaret Johns Park in Kurri Kurri).

See Pic06 for Cover Images from City of Newcastle’s and Cessnock City Council’s (June 2026) Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2026/2027. Links to current IP&R documents: Newcastle – https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about-us/our-responsibilities/integrated-planning-and-reporting; Cessnock – https://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/Council/Integrated-planning-and-reporting.

Pic06 – Covers of Newcastle and Cessnock Delivery Program & Operational Plan Alt text: Two side‑by‑side cover images of council planning documents. The left shows the City of Newcastle’s “Delivery Program 2025–2029 and Operational Plan 2026/2027,” with a modern circular red building, outdoor umbrellas, and people gathered under a blue sky. The right shows Cessnock City Council’s “Delivery Program 2025–29 and Operational Plan 2026–27,” featuring four people walking through a sunlit natural landscape. Caption includes links to both councils’ Integrated Planning & Reporting documents.

Pic06: Cover Images from City of Newcastle’s and Cessnock City Council’s (June 2026) Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2026/2027. Click on links above to go to current IP&R documents: Newcastle - https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about-us/our-responsibilities/integrated-planning-and-reporting; Cessnock - https://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/Council/Integrated-planning-and-reporting.

City of Newcastle’s Operational Plan for 2026-27:

Over the next 12 months, City of Newcastle plans to spend approx. $128.5m in capital works, including $4.3m on cycleways projects, $7.6m on footpath and pedestrian access and mobility projects, and $29m on road renewal and road upgrades. The RVRT was specifically mentioned in the Capital Works Program Figure (showing Major Projects over $1m, on Pages 92-93) and within the Cycleways items (on Pages 150-151), with ‘Delivery’ related activities flagged during each of the remaining financial years of the current Council term. In both sections of the Operational Plan, the relevant item was identified as: "Shared path connections, Minmi and Fletcher - Richmond Vale Rail Trail".

Council also needs to commence construction of one segment of the RVRT before the end of this year (to activate DA2020/00641 within the 5-year approval window). In all likelihood, and based on the recent Staging Plan Modification application (MA2026/01169), this will involve construction of a short segment within King Trail in Shortland - as this is a relatively straightforward RVRT segment (e.g., accessible, flat, and with a single owner, Hunter Water Corporation) and because compliance with the 100 (modified) Conditions of Consent will be easier in this location. As this will involve associated road works, drainage, parking spaces and so on, it can be viewed, in the overall scheme of things, as preparing for two of the three ends of Section S5a - in conjunction with Stage 2 of the proposed Woodford Street Minmi infrastructure improvements (https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about-us/news-and-updates/projects-and-works/roads-bridges/woodford-street,-minmi-road-infrastructure-improvements).

Cessnock City Council’s Operational Plan for 2026-27:

Cessnock City Council’s budgets are relatively constrained at present, as they seek to improve their financial sustainability and to deal with a ‘growing structural operating deficit’ and the ‘ageing condition of many Council assets’. Approx. $74.3m in capital works is planned for 2026-27, $60.8m of which is assigned to roads (including extensive grant-funded upgrades to Wollombi Road). While no capital works funds have been directly allocated to the S2S/RVRT this year, Council planners and staff continue to move these initiatives forward (e.g., design, consultation, reporting, grant application activities). A recently added Operational Plan Action also reflects this – (‘Move’) Objective/Strategy 4.1.2: “In conjunction with adjoining Councils, Hunter Joint Organisation and Transport for NSW, pursue State and Federal grant funding opportunities as they arise to continue with concept designs for active walking and cycling trails such as Shiraz to Shore and the Richmond Vale Rail Trail”. Cessnock City Council has also been relatively successful in obtaining grant funds for shared pathways from programs such as Get NSW Active, which will assist with progressive S2S development, in conjunction with key interconnectors (e.g., completion of 5.3km of shared pathways from Bridges Hill Park to Wine Country Drive in Nulkaba).

Composite S2S/RVRT Proposal and Route Needs a Heightened Level of Council Endorsement, Promotion and Reporting:

The timing of Hunter JO's public launch of the suite of documents associated with the S2S Concept Plan (August 2024) was probably a little unfortunate – as all of the NSW Council terms were coming to an end (with elections held on September 14th 2024); so, there was limited scope at that time for related Council endorsements or displays of support. Across the participating Councils, relatively large sections of the Composite S2S/RVRT either already exist (approx. 40+%) or are effectively ready for construction – about which members of the public would be largely unaware.

As we approach the second anniversary of the S2S’s launch (by Hunter JO) … Local Councils need to commit to actively working together to refine, promote, progressively develop and regularly report on the Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway and its interconnectors; for example, by way of complementary Council Resolutions, Mayoral Minutes, etc. Far from being an additional burden, this largely represents an opportunity to showcase, upgrade (refresh) and co-badge cycleway and walking corridors that exist or are already planned [e.g., the long-standing R5 (Newcastle City to Wallsend) and R6 (Newcastle City to University) Regional Cycleways Routes; interconnectors with the Fernleigh and Tramway Tracks); shared pathways leading to Cessnock CBD].

Multi-layered Perspectives & Opportunities

Regional Co-operation, Co-ordination and Advocacy:

To achieve the desired local and regional outcomes (within a reasonable timeframe), we need strong and ongoing support and advocacy from community members and a broad range of agencies. Several Hunter-based groups have already begun their Advocacy Campaigns in the lead up to the next NSW Election (March 2027), including Hunter JO and Local Councils. These activities include media releases and discussions with our State and Federal elected representatives (and Ministers and Shadow Ministers). Where possible, we need to support and amplify these advocacy efforts.
From our Group’s perspective, it also still makes sense to establish an active cross-regional S2S/RVRT advisory group (or similar), to improve overall S2S/RVRT co-ordination, monitoring and reporting and ensure that the trail is integrated (within and across LGAs), valued, appropriately staged, and progressively completed and promoted – multiple-agency involvement should include: Local Councils and Community Groups, Hunter JO, Business Groups, NPWS and Transport for NSW.

Targeted Funding Required for Non-urban Segments:

Funding and construction approaches:

Clearly, as a long-term cross-regional project, the Composite S2S/RVRT will require a mixture of planning, funding and construction strategies, as well as ongoing co-ordination and integration efforts. [Additionally, having Councils compete against one another for funding is potentially a very wasteful approach for such projects].

Distinguishing between Segments suitable for Progressive Construction and those Requiring Targeted Funding:

Shorter, localised trail segments that connect established facilities like schools, parks and town centres are likely to be suitable candidates for existing programs (e.g., Get NSW Active), which typically fund short-term (deliverable) projects costing up to $5m. Similarly, newer housing and commercial areas are likely to include shared pathways as a development requirement and/or be obliged to provide developer contributions to local Councils for a range of community infrastructure.
Beyond that, it is becoming increasingly difficult for local Councils to accumulate, attract or allocate funding for major recreational trails, active transport, cross-regional and/or tourism-oriented projects. Essentially, we need the State Government to make major funding contributions for such projects, with proportionate assistance from Federal sources.

In simplistic terms, it is the long, non-urban segments of the proposed Composite S2S/RVRT that will require targeted funding to help move them forward – which includes Sections S1 and S2a within the ‘Wine Country & Heritage Zone’ and the majority of the ‘Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone’ (see Map and Sample Images in Pic07, Pic08 and Pic09). With regards to the first of these, Hunter JO’s recent Pre-Budget Submissions to the NSW and Federal Governments (Dec. 2025, Jan. 2026) included requests for $23m to partially fund the ‘Shiraz’ section of the S2S (potentially supporting the 2028 Bicentennial of Commercial Wine Growing in Australia).

Pic07 – Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone (S4, S5, S5a) Alt text: A detailed map of the Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone within the Composite 120 km S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway. Brown lines highlight RVRT segments with concept‑level approval in Cessnock LGA (REF, May 2023) and Newcastle LGA (DA 2020/00641, December 2021). The map shows Kurri Kurri, Weston, Buchanan, Stockrington, Seahampton, Minmi, Fletcher, Shortland, Hexham, and Tarro, with distances marked for Sections S4, S5, S5a, S6, and S6a. LGA boundaries are indicated with red markers.

Pic07: ‘Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone’ within the Proposed Composite 120km S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway – Highlighting (Brown Lines) RVRT segments with Concept-level Approval [Cessnock LGA: REF, May 2023; & Newcastle LGA: DA 2020/00641, December 2021].

Pic08 – Sample Images from Core S2S Sections (S4 & S5) Alt text: A collage of fifteen photographs illustrating the Core S2S pathway sections within the Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone (Sections S4 and S5), arranged west to east. Images include Col Brown Rotary Park and Log of Knowledge Park in Kurri Kurri; Wallis Creek Bridge; Tunnel #3 under George Pooth Drive; Surveyor’s Creek Bridge; Burrenjim Dam and Hunter Expressway; “Little Planet” views inside Tunnel #1; RVRT pathway near Wallambang Bridge; wetlands and forest scenes in Pambalong Nature Reserve; cyclists riding through the M1 tunnel at Lenaghan; elevated views above Minmi Junction; and three images from Kau Ma Park in Fletcher, including the Eagle Shelter with Rocky Knob in the background.

Pic08: Sample Images (from West to East) illustrating the Core S2S sections within the ‘Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone’ (Sections S4 & S5): Col Brown Rotary Park and Log of Knowledge Park, Kurri Kurri; Wallis Creek Bridge; Tunnel #3 (under George Pooth Drive); Surveyor’s Creek Bridge; Burrenjim Dam and Hunter Expressway and inside Tunnel #1 (Little Planet views); RVRT pathway near Wallambang Bridge; Pambalong Nature Reserve; riders in Tunnel under M1 (Lenaghan); above Minmi Junction, looking westward; and three images within or above Kau Ma Park (Fletcher), including the Eagle Shelter, with Rocky Knob in the background.

Pic09 – Sample Images from Section S5a (Minmi to Shortland via Hexham/Tarro) Alt text: A collage of photographs depicting the non‑core S2S Section S5a (approximately 15 km) within the Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone, running from Minmi to Shortland via Hexham and Tarro. Images include Blue Gum Hills Regional Park; ground‑level and aerial views between Minmi and Minmi Junction; scenes along the Minmi Junction to Hexham Junction corridor; wetlands and recreation areas at Tarro; future cycleway connections near the M1 Extension; historic and recent views of the former pipeline corridor; a “Little Planet” perspective above Ironbark Creek and King Trail; the proposed initial RVRT segment near Mort Lane, Shortland; and the Hunter Wetlands Centre.

Pic09: Sample Images from Section 5a (Non-Core S2S segments – Minmi to Shortland via Hexham/Tarro, approx. 15km) within the ‘Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone’: Blue Gum Hills Regional Park, Minmi; two ground level and one aerial image between Minmi and Minmi Junction; two images from the Minmi Junction to Hexham Junction segment; two images from Tarro Recreational Area and wetlands; future cycleways connections to the M1 Extension (near Tarro); historic and recent images of the former pipeline corridor; above Ironbark Creek and King Trail, Shortland (Little Planet view); location for initial RVRT segment within King Trail (near Mort Lane, Shortland); and Hunter Wetlands Centre, Shortland.

The other, critical non-urban segment is the historic Premier Sugarloaf Range RVRT section between Stockrington and Wallis Creek in Buchanan (within Cessnock and Lake Macquarie LGAs), which is effectively the ‘jewel in the crown’ for the Composite S2S/RVRT – given its uniqueness, overall attractiveness and tourist-drawing potential (e.g., three brick-lined 1904 railway tunnels; embankments and cuttings; access to several conservation areas; and heritage and educational value). We need a concerted collective effort to secure targeted funding for the ‘Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone’ to both preserve and protect these historic corridors and ensure that the 120km Composite S2S/RVRT becomes a reality.

Thanks to all of our RVRT and S2S supporters.

Constructive Comments and Feedback Welcome.

RVRT Supporters’ Group (RVRT Inc.) Contact Information:
WEBSITE: https://richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/
ABN: 38 561 671 292 Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)

President: Terry Lewin
Email: Terry.Lewin@bigpond.com
Telephone: 0404 439 616 (Terry)

Vice-President: Leigh Gibbens
Email: Leigh.Gibbens@gmail.com
Telephone: 0433 570 920 (Leigh)

Secretary & Treasurer: Sam Reich
Email: rvrt.inc@gmail.com
Telephone: 0418 402 644 (Sam)

Founding President: Billy Metcalfe
Email: wmetcalfe@bigpond.com
Telephone: 0417 453 152 (Billy)

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