Activating the Minmi to Fletcher RVRT Segment – October 2nd 2025

Activating the Minmi to Fletcher RVRT Segment – October 2nd 2025

Facebook Post – RVRT Supporters’ Group – October 2nd 2025
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid02o34ae9td5BvrCTv6r7UXXst9bvymWdFshKoJAahtH793KVRGmoGDY8mAJ1Bn5UrNl

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As noted in several of our recent Posts, RVRT Supporters’ Group members continue to advocate strongly for progressive, integrated development of the Composite 120km S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway (including the whole of the historic RVRT) – re-framed as having three trail zones: Wine Country & Heritage Zone (approx. 45km); Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone (approx. 34km); and Coast & Lake Zone (approx. 41km).
 
In our July 2025 Newsletter, we also identified four potential self-contained sub-sections (labelled A to D, totalling 18km) and a potential 13km Premier RVRT sub-section that could be prioritised for finalised design and construction funding – please see the images on pages 5 & 10 of the Newsletter (Download link:
https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/rvrt_supporters_group_newsletter_july_2025.pdf).

Arguably, given existing approvals, timing considerations and other constraints, two of the segments within sub-section C would be the best place to start initial RVRT construction, namely the approx. 2km segment from Minmi to Minmi Junction (MJ) and the 800m pathway and boardwalk from MJ to Fletcher.
 
Some of the major reasons for commencing with these segments include:
 

• Access and relative ease of construction.  The best access point for initial RVRT construction within Newcastle LGA is from the Minmi end. Moreover, the two proposed segments are: relatively straight, clear and flat; need only moderate earthworks, with manageable environmental impacts; and require minimal relocation or modification to other infrastructure or services.

 

• Moderately sized.  Together, the two proposed segments are sufficiently small and self-contained that they should be able to be funded and constructed in a timely fashion, whilst also providing immediate value to their respective adjacent communities.

 

• Activation of Major RVRT Planning Approval.  In December 2021, Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel (PPSHCC-55) granted planning approval (6/12/2021; DA2020/00641) for approx. 13km of the Newcastle LGA coastal wetlands RVRT section, subject to 100 Conditions of Consent; comprising four ‘legs’: 1) Shortland to Hexham Junction; 2) Hexham Junction to Minmi; 3) MJ to Pambalong; and 4) MJ to Fletcher. Consequently, it is highly desirable for some substantive construction work to be undertaken before expiration of the current 5-year approval window. Launching construction will also serve as a stimulus for subsequent planning and grant applications by Councils (including those associated with the broader S2S proposal).

 

• Links to communities, conservation areas, planned housing estates and other pathways.  More specifically, the proposed initial RVRT segments connect two growing communities (Minmi and Fletcher townships) and a range of experiences/facilities (e.g., sporting ovals, schools and conservation areas; Blue Gum Hills Regional Park; nearby and planned housing estates and pathways); as well as providing future shared pathway access to Stockrington and Tarro/Beresfield via Hexham Junction (e.g., Pambalong Nature Reserve; Hexham and Hunter Wetlands; and cycleways links towards Raymond Terrace via the M1 Extension/RVRT interface).

 

• Urban/Regional Transition.  The MJ to Fletcher connection is also a key Shiraz to Shore (S2S) intersection point, facilitating core pathways links eastward to the Coast & Lake Zone (Newcastle and Lake Macquarie) and westward through the Sugarloaf Range to the Wine Country & Heritage Zone (Cessnock and Singleton).

 

• Compatibility with recent local road improvements.  City of Newcastle is currently undertaking road infrastructure improvements in Woodford Street Minmi (near the proposed RVRT trailhead), which includes drainage, a short shared pathway connection and provision of dedicated parking for cyclists and other future RVRT users [using funds obtained through the Federal Local Road and Community Infrastructure Phase 4 program; Link: https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about-us/news-and-updates/projects-and-works/roads-bridges/woodford-street,-minmi-road-infrastructure-improvements].

 

• Refinement of Operational and Compliance requirements/processes.  Additionally, the varied elements within the short Minmi to Fletcher RVRT section also provide appropriate challenges and opportunities to refine day-to-day operational and administrative/management procedures - as they will require compliance with many of the approved 100 Conditions of Consent (e.g., including: community connections to local roads and facilities; heritage and environmental considerations; provision of amenities; fencing and signage; multiple landowners/management agreements (NPWS, Hunter Water, Yancoal); varied structures and surfaces (pathways, boardwalks, creek crossings) and ongoing access requirements by other agencies.

 
Pictorial Snapshot of the Minmi to Fletcher RVRT Segment – Illustrating Plans and Features:
 
PicA and PicB provide overviews of the RVRT segments around MJ, with the two segments proposed for initial construction represented in PicA by yellow dots (Minmi to MJ) and squares (MJ to Fletcher pathway/boardwalk).

PicA: Proposed initial self-contained RVRT segments for construction (arrowed) – Minmi to Fletcher via Minmi Junction.

PicB: Overview of RVRT segments around Minmi Junction (2019 EIS, Newcastle LGA).

The potential trail layouts for the Minmi and Fletcher connections are presented in PicC, as shown in the Approved Stamped Plans (DA2020/00641) from Dec. 2021; however, there may be a range of minor changes as part of the detailed design work, including adjustments to accommodate future extensions and other local connections. 

PicC: Approved stamped plans for Fletcher and Minmi RVRT connections (Dec. 2021).

PicD and PicE present images from the Fletcher side of the proposed RVRT, including a photo by Simone De Peak of Terry Lewin (our current Supporters’ Group President) which was taken for the Newcastle Herald’s excellent January 2024 seven-part series about the natural beauty and importance of the Hexham Wetlands (Links to our webpages: Part 1 and Part 2).

PicD: Wetlands views from pathway between Kural Cres. & Meya Cres. Fletcher (Jan. 2024).

PicE: Near the Proposed RVRT Trailhead (and S2S cycle trail link) in Fletcher.

Crossing back to the other side … PicF presents Little Planet views from four of Bill Landenberger’s (360 Cities) spherical panoramas, which were taken between Minmi and MJ on 16th January 2024:
Back Creek:  https://www.360cities.net/image/back-creek-junction;
Orange Grove Platform:  https://www.360cities.net/image/orangegrove-platform;
Minmi Creek: https://www.360cities.net/image/minmi-creek; and
Minmi Junction:  https://www.360cities.net/st/image/minmi-junction-2#395.68,22.79,90.0.

PicF: Little Planet views from four Bill Landenberger (360 Cities) Panoramas along Minmi to Minmi Junction RVRT section

Urban Access to a Wetlands Rail Trail Walk/Ride:
 
Finally, the progressive images from a recent walk between Minmi and MJ (Sept. 2025, see slide show of Pic01 to Pic13) further highlight the natural beauty of this coastal wetlands area; they were all taken within or adjacent to the boundary of the Stockrington State Conservation Area (and the historic Tank Paddock) - and they also highlight a small component of the regionally significant Watagans to Stockton Bight Green Biodiversity Corridor.

Please continue to advocate for the importance of getting started on RVRT construction during the next 12 months, to avoid compromising the existing hard-fought-for DA approval, and as a solid stimulus for subsequent detailed planning, funding and construction of the remainder of the RVRT and the broader S2S cycle trail.
 
Constructive Comments and Feedback Welcome.

RVRT Supporters’ Group (RVRT Inc.) Contact Information:
WEBSITE: https://richmondalerailtrail.org.au/ 
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail

President:  Terry Lewin
Email:  [email protected]
Telephone:  0404 439 616 (Terry)
 
Vice-President:  Leigh Gibbens
Email:  [email protected]
Telephone:  0433 570 920 (Leigh)

​Secretary & Treasurer:  Sam Reich
Email:  [email protected]
Telephone:  0418 402 644 (Sam)
 
Founding President:  Billy Metcalfe
Email:  [email protected]
Telephone:  0417 453 152 (Billy)