Moving the Proposed Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway Forward – March 11th 2025

Moving the Proposed Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway Forward – March 11th 2025​

Facebook Post – RVRT Supporters’ Group – March 11th 2025
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid02HfVGB7y3UfiTKjmWgreCSNNr26ytccFMqQUc922r4QhtuYNgTHxftTQR8hiqgxcRl

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Flicking through the attached images will give you a good feel for the 'overall message' that we are trying to convey - or, you can read the detailed Post below.
 
For some time now we have been arguing for full integrated development, funding and construction of the Shiraz to Shore (S2S) cycle trail and the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) in the Hunter Valley (NSW, Australia) – which, for convenience, we have been describing more recently as the Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway. This Post briefly reviews the proposed route and anticipated benefits, and identifies some potential sub-sections to prioritise in order to help move the trail forward.
  
Proposed Route and Multi-layered Benefits (Recap):
 
As illustrated in Pic07, this proposed 120km Shared Pathway will link Hunter Valley (‘Shiraz’) Wine Country to the Shores of Newcastle harbour/beach [via Core Sections S1 to S7] and Lake Macquarie [via Core Section S6a], as well as facilitating access [via (RVRT) Section S5a] to growing communities around Minmi, to Hexham and Hunter Wetlands, and to active transport links from Tarro to Shortland and, through the M1 Extension interface, to Maitland and Raymond Terrace. [Approx. 20km of the RVRT (from Kurri Kurri to Fletcher) directly overlaps with core S2S sections, as identified in the August 2024 Concept Plan and Business Case from Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils].

Pic07. Stylised Map of Composite 120km S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway, comprising core S2S Sections plus remainder of RVRT.

Crucially, the Composite S2S/RVRT and its extensions will bring cost-effective multi-layered regional benefits (e.g., economic and tourism benefits and diversification; community access and connection; health, lifestyle and liveability benefits; environmental, cultural and heritage appreciation; as well as cycling-specific safety benefits) and to a broad range of user groups (e.g., recreational cyclists, walkers, runners, and bird watchers; active/regular commuters; families and social groups; individuals/families with mobility constraints; general and eco-tourists; and participants engaged in community and sporting events). Maintaining a balanced focus is also essential – ensuring that the ‘Shiraz’ and ‘Shore’ ends of the trail do not dominate deliberations - as there are outstanding opportunities along the full length of the Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway.
 
Importantly, we are not starting from scratch, as approx. 36% of the Composite S2S/RVRT already exists (e.g., Hermitage Road cycleway; Islington Park to Newcastle Harbour and Beach; historic Tramway Track from Wallsend to Glendale; and Glendale to Speers Point cycleway). It is also important to acknowledge that the four Councils hosting the Composite S2S/RVRT (Singleton, Cessnock, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie) will have primary responsibility for its final designs, construction, integrated operation and maintenance; consequently, we need to build a quality trail that optimises local and regional benefits as well as minimising ongoing maintenance costs.
  
Potential Self-contained S2S/RVRT Sub-sections to Prioritise:
 
Of course, it would be good to secure some firm up-front funding commitments and construction timelines (from State/Federal Governments and local Councils) for the majority of the Composite S2S/RVRT. However, given the current economic and regional outlook (e.g., uncertainty and transition) and increasing competition for infrastructure funding, it also makes sense to develop a positive, incremental approach to funding and construction – within the broader integrated and coherent regional plan for the overall Composite S2S/RVRT. Blending trail planning, construction, upgrades and extensions with other complementary local initiatives is also worthwhile (e.g., with Masterplans for Housing Estates and nearby Sporting/Recreational Centres; Road Network Upgrades or other Transport Initiatives).
 
Getting some construction underway now will also serve as a solid stimulus for subsequent planning and grant applications by Councils, as well as partially satisfying obligations associated with existing Development Approvals (e.g., Eastern RVRT Section within Newcastle LGA: December 2021; and Western RVRT Section within Cessnock LGA: May 2023).
 
Pic01 identifies four potential sub-sections (A to D) that could be prioritised for finalised design and construction funding, two each within Cessnock and Newcastle LGAs. Together they total 20km, but importantly they are sufficiently small and self-contained that they could be suitable candidates for a range of different standalone grant applications (at both State and Federal levels).

Pic01. Potential Self-contained S2S/RVRT Sub-sections (A to D) to Prioritise for Design and Construct Funding (February, 2025).

Pic02 to Pic05 further illustrate the chosen locations and key features associated with each of these four sub-sections. These sub-sections were also selected because they highlight the diversity of S2S/RVRT linkages and benefits:

• Sub-section A [Wine Country, Pic02] - tourism and local economic benefits;
• Sub-section B [Kurri Kurri - S2S/RVRT Midpoint, Pic03] - community connection and recreational benefits;
• Sub-section C [Fletcher/Minmi/Pambalong - Key Transition (Urban to Rural/Sugarloaf Range) and Construction Point, Pic04] – links to conservation areas and planned housing estates; and
• Sub-section D [Beresfield/Tarro Connection, Pic05] - active transport and links to M1 Extension and Coastal wetlands (with a potential further public transport link to Beresfield Station).

Pic02. Sub-section A: Hunter Valley Gardens to Visitor Information Centre [Wine Country] – Approx. 7km.

Pic03. Sub-section B: Weston Peace Park to Pokolbin Street Crossing in Pelaw Main [S2S/RVRT Midpoint] – Approx. 4km.

Pic04. Sub-section C: Fletcher/Minmi to Pambalong Nature Reserve [Key Transition & Construction Point] – Approx. 6km.

Pic05. Sub-section D: Beresfield/Tarro Connection to M1 Extension Interface [Major Active Transport Link] – Approx. 3km.

​It should be relatively easy to complete final designs and construction for Sub-sections A and B (which fall within the Hunter Federal Electorate), while Sub-section C (primarily within the Newcastle Federal Electorate) includes a short boardwalk across the wetlands in Fletcher, and Sub-section D (within the Paterson Federal Electorate) requires construction of a Shared Pathway Bridge over the New England Highway at Tarro.
 
Several external timeframes/events could also add weight to timely construction of these S2S/RVRT sub-sections, including: opening of the International Airport in Newcastle in 2026 [as a general stimulus for regional tourism, including cycle and eco-tourism]; expected completion of the M1 Extension to Raymond Terrace in mid-2028 (or earlier), which includes a direct interface with the RVRT [see Pic05]; and the bi-centennial of commercial wine growing in Australia in 2028.
 
Finally, the four self-contained sub-sections highlighted here were essentially chosen on pragmatic (and achievability) grounds – to help accelerate overall construction of the Composite S2S/RVRT. From our (perhaps, somewhat biased) perspective, the actual Shared Pathway section that is likely to attract the most long-term interest (particularly from Rail Trail enthusiasts and eco-tourists) is the 13km Sugarloaf Range Zone Sub-section that falls between sub-sections B and C – which includes three historic brick-lined railway tunnels and traverses Stockrington State Conservation Area [see Pic06]. On the other hand, while this critical sub-section already has some approvals in place, it is also more isolated (i.e., further away from local communities, with fewer opportunities for cross-connections) and will be proportionately more expensive to construct and maintain. 

Pic06. RVRT Zones and Points of Interest. Sub-section likely to attract more interest from Rail Trail Enthusiasts and Eco-tourists: 13km Sugarloaf Range Zone from Wallis Creek RVRT bridge (Point 3) to Lenaghans Drive road tunnel (Point 11, near Pambalong Nature Reserve), which traverses Stockrington State Conservation Area and includes three historic brick-lined railway tunnels.

All of which further highlights the fact that the Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway is inherently a linked network with inter-dependent recreational, economic, tourism, health, and societal benefits (and costs) – which will necessitate integrated planning and funding, potentially from a wide variety of sources and programs.
 
In addition, we need to ensure that the Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway remains high in regional priorities lists (through organisations such as Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils and Business Hunter, our elected representatives, and other key State and Federal agencies).
 
Thanks to all of our RVRT and S2S supporters.
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)