By Terry J. Lewin (RVRT Inc. Vice-President - RVRT Supporters’ Group)

Extracted from RVRT Inc. Facebook Post – October 27th 2023:
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid034ED9ReHbJrUvCkt3sFWrcPg6XYff1HovhAgF3TQD7hGGbsCTmmPY37X7LjLherGWl​

Engagement:
Community discussion about the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) began around 30 years; however, RVRT planning has only gathered pace during the last decade, following the initial feasibility study in 2014. Since then, the RVRT has been identified as a priority project in multiple Hunter Regional Plans (October, 2016; December, 2022) and numerous other local plans.
 
To date, there have been thousands of pages of planning documentation, assessments, reports and submissions, and 27.5 km of the proposed 32+ km RVRT (from Shortland to Kurri Kurri) has received initial concept level approval. The potential multi-layered RVRT benefits are also now well acknowledged (including: community access and connection; health and lifestyle benefits; environmental and heritage appreciation; economic and tourism; as well as cycling-specific safety and commuting benefits) – and the trail will essentially be free to use. The RVRT will also link metropolitan and rural communities and attractions, and provide a unique conservation conduit for accessing coastal wetlands, national parks and reserves.
 
In addition, the RVRT will be an essential element within the proposed broader 100+ km ‘Shiraz to Shore’ Hunter Cycle Trail, an initiative of the Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils (Hunter JO). Hunter JO is currently developing an overarching Hunter Cycle Tourism Strategy, as well as Concept Plans and a Business Case for the Shiraz to Shore Trail.

​Co-operation:
While, at times, progressing the RVRT seems to be a ‘painfully slow’ process, we do need to acknowledge that there has been a significant level of support and co-operation. For example, a substantial effort has been made over the years to protect the RVRT corridor, involving tens of millions of dollars of public expenditure – starting with F3/M1 tunnels/culverts at Lenaghan, then careful construction of the Hunter Expressway sections above or near the historic railway tunnels and, more recently, detailed planning for the M1 Extension to Raymond Terrace and the Lower Hunter Freight Corridor, which sought to minimise potential impacts on the RVRT – so, it will be very wasteful if we don’t finally get the job done.

The required level of regional co-operation and support was well illustrated during last month’s planning-related RVRT visit/walk to Tunnel #1 and the nearby railway cutting (on Sept. 29th 2023). This visit was designed to further familiarise our elected representatives with the sorts of experiences trail users are likely to have, which will also assist them to better understand and promote the RVRT (and the Shiraz to Shore proposal).
 
We also acknowledge the fact that Stockrington State Conservation Area (SCA) is largely closed to the public and that NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Officers had to undertake additional safety/risk assessments and other tasks prior to this RVRT visit taking place (with some additional assistance from RVRT Supporters’ Group members). Advocating for appropriate levels of funding is also important – to build the RVRT properly and reduce the maintenance burden on Councils. Likewise, we need to provide some funding support for ongoing protection of NPWS assets and functions, as they are responsible for land management and conservation along or near most of the RVRT route.

The images accompanying this Post illustrate the walking path chosen for the Sept. 29th visit, as well as the key features within that RVRT subsection, and the enthusiastic discussions that took place.
 
Connectivity:
Further planning approvals will be required for some of the immediate RVRT connections, including: linkages from Shortland to the University and the broader Newcastle cycleways network (and potential connections via Tuxford Park to the Hunter Wetlands Centre); the Tarro connection and associated links to the broader Maitland community; and linkages to Blue Gum Hills Regional Park and the proposed Winten residential subdivisions around Minmi.
 

Construction of the RVRT and associated inter-connectors will add directly to existing Newcastle and Lake Macquarie shared pathways (e.g., Tramway Track, Speers Point to Glendale Pathway, Fernleigh Track/FAST, Bathers Way, etc) – effectively doubling the length of potential off-road rides or walks within the Lower Hunter.
 
Likewise, the addition of the western section of the Shiraz to Shore Trail (from Kurri to Pokolbin, and beyond) will considerably enhance the region’s appeal as a cycle tourism destination.
 
Finally, all of the available evidence suggests that the RVRT will deliver a cost-effective array of life-changing benefits - so the sooner we get on and build it, the better!
 
Thanks to all of our RVRT supporters.
 
CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK WELCOME.
 

By Terry J. Lewin (RVRT Inc. Vice-President - RVRT Supporters’ Group)

Extracted from RVRT Inc. Facebook Post – August 16th 2023:
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid026d5v3kweq2PcwDJduPSihbRPHDJCNuUEmWvzZFCDSiHvvvjSacN1u9Q1826cAVsil
​

The 32+ km RVRT will support a broad range of user groups and deliver multi-layered benefits, including:

• enhanced local community connections;
• improved liveability and healthier lifestyles;
• opportunities for environmental/conservation and cultural/heritage related exploration, activities and protection;
• regional economic and tourism benefits (e.g., business opportunities, general tourism, and rail trail & cycle tourism); and
• cycling-specific safety and commuting benefits (e.g., active transport; congestion and pollution reduction).

 
The RVRT will also be an essential element within the proposed 100+ km broader ‘Shiraz to Shore’ Hunter Cycle Trail [an initiative of the Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils], as well as uniquely linking metropolitan and rural communities and attractions.
 
While the search for RVRT (and ‘Shiraz to Shore’) funding is likely to involve grant applications to multiple targeted schemes addressing individual policy goals (e.g., Regional Growth, Active Transport, Tourism, Socio-Economic Disadvantage, Disaster Recovery), we need to continue to emphasise the trail’s wide-ranging benefits and to promote integrated development that optimises these benefits for local communities and the overall Hunter Region.
 
This particular Post focuses on one of the RVRT’s unique features – its role as a conservation conduit – and the associated challenges and opportunities.
 
Conservation Conduit:  
As noted in the Review of Environmental Factors (GHD Pty. Ltd., Appendix G, Socio-Economic Impact Assessment, September 2019, Executive Summary, page vii):‘… Establishment of the RVRT will provide a unique conduit for accessing the region’s varied ecosystems, … which will encourage longer-term development of other local walking trails, further social/recreational infrastructure investment, and associated educational and environmental programs. It will also stimulate long-term development of related recreational, educational and environmental programs’. The critical aspect of this conservation conduit is that ‘… the RVRT passes through or nearby to several high conservation value areas that have previously been largely inaccessible to the general public’, including coastal wetlands, national parks and reserves.

​Challenges and Opportunities:  As the majority of the RVRT runs through or adjacent to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) managed lands, care needs to be taken to ensure that their day-to-day operations and conservation and seasonal activities are not negatively impacted.
 
RVRT related grant applications will probably also need to include some funding to protect NPWS assets and functions – in exactly the same way that mitigation measures are identified/negotiated with any other landowners. Moreover, some of the newer conservation areas (e.g., Stockrington and Werakata SCAs) have a range of locations that should become destinations in their own right, with appropriate nurturing and funding (e.g., the ‘mid-trail precinct’ at Stockrington).
 
Some other potential (future) opportunities are also starting to emerge. For example, it may be possible to use another former pipeline corridor (between Shortland and Wallsend/Maryland) to create an RVRT ‘Coastal Wetlands’ shared pathways loop via Fletcher, Minmi & Hexham Junctions. Similarly, with respect to the ‘Shiraz to Shore’, it may be possible to link Abermain and Nulkaba via gravel paths running through Werakata NP, which would facilitate development of another conservation-rich Cessnock/Hunter Valley Loop – via Bridges Hill Park (Cessnock), Nulkaba, Abermain, and Neath.
 
Thanks to all of our RVRT supporters!
 
CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK WELCOME.
 

By Terry J. Lewin (RVRT Inc. Vice-President - RVRT Supporters’ Group)

Extracted from RVRT Inc. Facebook Post – July 31st 2023:
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid0whK3UCx8dmpVtWCThVTQCKk44wnAUpnznez85LZxKHQ7QAGN4eimUjSY4Ti9hbQHl
 
​

As local discussions about the proposed 'Shiraz to Shore' Hunter Cycle Trail intensify, we felt that it would be a good time to start to talk about possible Strategic Zones (or Themes) across the full (100+ km) length of the trail. Here are some initial suggestions.
 
The first two images contain the same material, overlaid over different RVRT graphics (a stylized trail image; and 20 Points of Interest along the RVRT).
 
Please see previous Blog-Posts and Media Releases on our Website for further details about current RVRT approvals and Likely Points of Interest.
 
CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK WELCOME.

by ​Terry J. Lewin (RVRT Inc. Vice-President - RVRT Supporters’ Group)

Extracted from RVRT Inc. Facebook Post – July 8th 2023:
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid02ty3yq2cQy9Q1fiUvLRqscDd4grg87xpthySxqk4nUVWY5nwNKtCtmestfJ6zjh46l

Unique Features of the RVRT:

• The RVRT will comprise a 32+ km continuous off-road shared pathway, running from Shortland (near the Hunter Wetlands Centre) to Kurri Kurri (Log of Knowledge Park) and connecting four LGAs - Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland. The trail runs primarily along the former Richmond Vale railway alignment (a private coal line that closed in 1987), as well as utilising Hunter Water Corporation pipeline corridors.

 

• Currently, five local community hubs are planned – at Shortland, Tarro, Fletcher, Minmi and Kurri Kurri – and, to date, 27.5 km of the RVRT has received initial (concept-level) planning approval: approx. 13 km within Newcastle LGA (on 6th December 2021); and 14.4 km within Cessnock LGA (on 17th May 2023).

 

• The RVRT will support a broad range of user groups and deliver a cost-effective array of life-changing benefits, including: community access and connection; health and lifestyle benefits; environmental and heritage appreciation; economic and tourism; as well as cycling-specific safety and commuting benefits.

 

• Importantly, the RVRT will also uniquely link metropolitan and rural communities and attractions, and facilitate access to multiple previously inaccessible high conservation value areas (e.g., Hunter Wetlands National Park, Pambalong Nature Reserve, Stockrington and Werakata State Conservation Areas).

 

• The RVRT will also be an essential element within the proposed 100+ km broader ‘Shiraz to Shore’ Hunter Cycle Trail, an initiative of the Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils; and both projects are now identified as priorities in the Hunter Regional Plan 2041 (December 2022).

 

• We also need to ensure that other shared pathways (within each of the local hubs) are carefully designed and inter-connected with the RVRT – facilitating improved and safer linkages between local schools, parks, recreational facilities, and shopping centres – contributing to increased patronage and optimising the RVRT’s local and regional benefits and sustainability.

 ​ 
Potential Points of Interest:
 

• It is useful to view the RVRT as having Western and Eastern Sections. The 17+ km Western Section (Cessnock & Lake Macquarie LGAs) runs through the Sugarloaf Range and largely rural areas, while the 15+ km Eastern Section (Newcastle LGA) traverses coastal wetlands and triggers different planning legislation. The accompanying updated images highlight 10 Points of Interest within each of these two RVRT Sections.

 

Current RVRT Supporters’ Group Activities:
 

• Trying to ensure that the whole of the RVRT is genuinely ‘shovel ready’ as soon as possible (e.g., encouraging Councils to complete remaining basic approvals for the short RVRT sections within Lake Macquarie LGA and across the Hunter Wetlands National Park; promoting integrated planning for other key connections).

 

• Fostering ongoing community and stakeholder engagement and support – including progressively working through the various issues, options and opportunities already identified (e.g., during the RVRT concept-design stage) – which will improve the quality of the end product and help to speed up the detailed design and construction phases.

 

• Advocating for establishment of an active and representative Regional RVRT Planning and Management Committee, drawing representation from Newcastle, Cessnock, Lake Macquarie and Maitland LGAs – with a focus on integrated regional RVRT development, resolving issues, identifying construction segments and priorities, securing funding, and optimising the trail’s longer-term benefits for both local communities and the overall Hunter Region.

 

• Encouraging our Local, State and Federal elected representatives to work together to accelerate the RVRT’s development – including securing the required infrastructure funding to deliver on these highly valued community- and wellbeing-enhancing regional priority projects.

 

• Engaging with related initiatives (e.g., NPWS/RVRT Landcare Group; local shared pathways, cycleways and active transport initiatives; Hunter Cycle Trail and Cycle Tourism initiatives).

 
Thanks to all of our RVRT supporters!
 
 
CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK WELCOME.

​By Terry J. Lewin (RVRT Inc. Vice-President - RVRT Supporters’ Group)

Extracted from RVRT Inc. Facebook Post – June 21st 2023:
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid0se3trCMFRsjFJzb73XLF2YeSDQJ5oLwRpwSsjPmWNiSF3pHBB283VNsJuZkvcdngl

At first glance, the RVRT appears to have limited direct relevance for Lake Macquarie residents and visitors. After all, only 2.7 km of the trail actually falls within Lake Macquarie LGA, and in a relatively inaccessible north-western portion of the LGA, near Seahampton. Moreover, this short section borders Cessnock LGA on both sides.
 
However, as outlined briefly below, there are many reasons for Lake Macquarie residents and visitors to get excited about the RVRT’s development and construction, and to encourage Lake Macquarie City Council to continue to actively work with the other participating Councils to finalise initial approvals and seek regional funding.

​Unique Overall Features of the RVRT:  The RVRT will comprise a 32km (40km with connections) continuous off-road shared pathway, running from Shortland (near the Hunter Wetlands Centre) to Kurri Kurri (Log of Knowledge Park) and connecting four LGAs (Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland). The trail runs primarily along the former Richmond Vale railway alignment [a private coal line that closed in 1987], as well as utilising Hunter Water Corporation pipeline corridors. Currently, five local community hubs are planned – at Shortland, Tarro, Fletcher, Minmi and Kurri Kurri – and, to date, 27.5 km of the RVRT has received initial planning approval.
 
The RVRT will support a broad range of user groups and deliver a cost-effective array of life-changing benefits, including: community access and connection; health and lifestyle benefits; environmental and heritage appreciation; economic and tourism; as well as cycling-specific safety and commuting benefits.

Importantly, the RVRT will also uniquely link metropolitan and rural communities and attractions, and facilitate access to multiple previously inaccessible high conservation value areas (e.g., Hunter Wetlands National Park, Pambalong Nature Reserve, Stockrington and Werakata State Conservation Areas).

​Abundance of Features Within Lake Macquarie RVRT Section:  Image 1 shows the overall location of the Lake Macquarie section of the RVRT, while Image 2 illustrates some of the proposed design elements and controls within this part of the trail [both images utilise extracted Figures and Drawings from the Review of Environmental Factors (REF, March 2022; GHD Pty Ltd and Cessnock City Council)]. On a ‘Features per Kilometre basis’, this 2.7 km section is very well endowed. As highlighted in Image 2, and supplemented by three montages (Images 3 to 5), there are two historic brick tunnels, a reservoir, an attractive creek, a cave, interesting cuttings and walks, and views to Hunter Expressway Bridges, all of which reside within Stockrington State Conservation Area – making it essential that we have a universally accessible carpark or drop-off area between the two tunnels, adjacent to the existing service access road (off George Booth Drive).

[Note:  The REF for the Western RVRT section (within Cessnock and Lake Macquarie LGAs) was jointly exhibited by the participating Councils in May-July 2022. Cessnock City Council unanimously approved the REF and associated reports at its Meeting on May 17th 2023, subject to 44 Conditions of Approval. Lake Macquarie City Council is yet to separately approve their 2.7 km section of the trail (and REF).]
 
Western and Northern Connections:  Of course, Lake Macquarie residents and visitors will also want to access RVRT sections outside of Lake Macquarie LGA. In a recent Facebook Post (June 12th 2023) (Relevant blog post here...) we highlighted some existing off-road shared pathways that will facilitate future RVRT connections from Lake Macquarie LGA (e.g., Speers Point to Wallsend Shared Pathways), as well as current Principal Bicycle Network routes such as the R6, which will enable connections to both western (Fletcher/Minmi to Kurri Kurri) and northern (Shortland to Tarro/Beresfield) segments of the RVRT (see Image 6).

​[Previous Facebook Post: https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid0AD6Vn5EvSQ7UoZWBMhio44ePrhRQ9wpdpesSqUeZeNFNGusijHiz3zaH2G9bGeyfl].
 
The northern RVRT segment will enhance access to Hunter Wetlands National Park, provide an off-road active transport corridor (as an alternative to Maitland Road/New England Highway), and facilitate future connections to Maitland networks and ​Raymond Terrace (via cycleway links to the approved M1 Extension).
 
Future RVRT Linkages Through Lake Mac’s North-western suburbs:  Additionally, proposed R2 Principal Bicycle Network routes through Hillsborough, Glendale, Edgeworth, Cameron Park and Minmi (otherwise known as the ‘Fernleigh Track to RVRT’ connections– see Image 6) will provide future links to Lake Macquarie’s north-western suburbs, as well as to proposed housing estates along the Newcastle Link Road.
 
Sharing of Trails and Shared-pathways Expertise:  Collectively, Lake Macquarie residents and visitors, local Council staff and Councillors, and local businesses have a substantial body of experience and expertise to draw upon when it comes to designing, funding, constructing, maintaining and using local trails and pathways - after all, there are currently over 120 km of LGA shared pathways. Participating Councils, community groups, and other stakeholders need to build on this existing expertise – working together to ensure the RVRT is fully integrated, and that its local and regional benefits are optimised – thereby, further promoting the Hunter Region as an active lifestyle and cycling/rail trail tourism destination.
 
‘Shiraz to Shore’ Hunter Cycle Trail:  Further to all of the above, the RVRT will be an essential element within the proposed 100+ km broader ‘Shiraz to Shore’ Hunter Cycle Trail [an initiative of the Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils] – from which we can all benefit if we collaborate effectively. Notwithstanding, we also strongly believe that the RVRT should be prioritised in any Hunter Cycle Trail construction staging plans, given its strategic relevance, long planning history, and its ability to add directly to existing Newcastle and Lake Macquarie shared pathways (effectively doubling the length of potential off-road rides or walks).
 
CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK WELCOME.