Progressing the RVRT Shortland to Tarro Section – September 2026

​Progressing the RVRT Shortland to Tarro Section – September 2026

Similar material was presented in a recent Facebook Post – RVRT Supporters’ Group – September 26th 2026 – Link:
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid027FmHc71mukyHX9j5wLy676n2gfoX2NoiqAep4GP9gfwpt4MB1RkehCLgUTfbQQJSl

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Funding Approaches:
 
Our recent Posts have highlighted the need for different funding approaches for different sections of the proposed Composite Shiraz to Shore and Richmond Vale Rail Trail (S2S/RVRT) Shared Pathway – influenced by location (e.g., urban versus non-urban; coastal wetlands versus open forest or ranges), accessibility and complexity (e.g., proximity to roads and other trails; self-contained versus isolated; need for major structures), and potential funding sources (e.g., contributions through Councils; existing external recreational and active transport programs; special purpose or targeted funds).
 
Pic01 and the accompanying note illustrate some of the S2S/RVRT sub-sections that could be prioritised for finalised design and construction funding, to progressively move the overall trail forward.

Pic01: Illustrative Funding Approaches (Updated, September 2026) – Previously, we have prioritised four self-contained sub-sections (A, B, D & E) and segments within the Premier RVRT Section (C) in the Sugarloaf Range (from Wallis Creek to Lenaghans Drive). None of the 34km RVRT trail exists at present, while approx. 47k of the non-RVRT section of the Composite S2S/RVRT already exists (out of approx. 86km). Cost estimates provided here use an anticipated base cost per km of $1.5m (for Sub-sections A, B and D) and $2.0m per km for the more complex sub-sections (C and E), which require either additional structures (e.g., bridges or retaining walls) or will have higher pavement costs. The whole of the Beresfield/Tarro to Shortland section (including sub-section E) totals around 8km and would cost approx. $16m.

Rationale for Focussing on the RVRT Shortland to Tarro Section:
 
The focus of the current Post is on the whole of the RVRT Shortland to Tarro Section (which largely follows the former water pipeline corridor), as well as encouraging local Councils, agencies like Transport for NSW and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and all tiers of government to seize the opportunity to co-operate with each other to advance this unique trail segment.
 
There are three immediate prompts for this current request/suggestion:

• City of Newcastle is about to start initial work on RVRT-related construction at the trailhead in Shortland (see Pic05);
• The Pacific Motorway (M1) Extension between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace is now open, so there are cyclist connection opportunities and on-road cycling routes that are now accessible (including links between Maitland and Raymond Terrace; see text and images in Pic08); and,
• Across the full Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway, the RVRT Shortland to Tarro Section is the most appropriate candidate for funding through the Federal Government’s expanded Active Transport Fund (ATF), given the program’s criteria (see Pic09).

 
Applications for the second tranche of the ATF are about to close (September 30th 2026); moreover, there is only one tranche per year – so, it’s time for all of the relevant agencies and groups to get their acts together to prepare a comprehensive application for submission during the next tranche (mid-to-late 2027). [A joint application by City of Newcastle and Transport for NSW would also be a very positive approach].
 
Opportunities and Current Status - RVRT Shortland to Tarro Section:
 
The remaining material in this Post is partly a reminder or refresher about what the Tarro to Shortland RVRT segment actually has to offer, as well as a guide to some of the planning and operational matters that still need to be addressed.
 
A considerable effort went into route, structures, amenities, environmental protection, pavement, safety and mitigation choices and measures prior to the major approval that was granted in December 2021 (DA2020/00641, PPSHCC-55) – with appropriate adjustments to the material presented in the Original RVRT Environmental Impact Statement from April 2019 (see Pic02 and Pic03), including provision of separated pathways in steeper sections (to improve safety) and provision of Disabled Parking closer to Ironbark Creek (see Pic05).
 

Pic02: Extracted Figures 3-1a and 3-1b from Original RVRT Environmental Impact Statement (April 2019), showing initial part of proposed trail from Shortland to Tarro (Chainage: 0 to 3600) within Newcastle LGA; some adjustments occurred subsequently (Approved DA2020/00641, Dec. 2021).

Pic03: Extracted Figures 3-1c and 3-1d from Original RVRT Environmental Impact Statement (April 2019), showing part of proposed trail from Shortland to Tarro (Chainage: 3600 to 5450), mostly covered by Approved DA2020/00641 (Dec. 2021), plus the draft route from there to Tarro.

Notwithstanding, the Hexham Junction to Tarro sub-segment does not have formal approvals in place at present, and NPWS and City of Newcastle need to finalise arrangements for the sub-segment through Hunter Wetlands National Park (HWNP) that is covered by an existing Plan of Management. City of Newcastle also needs to incorporate findings from the Shortland and Tarro active transport project that was undertaken in 2023.
 
Three relatively major structures are required within the Shortland to Tarro Section – at Ironbark and Fishery Creeks (see Pic06) and a new Tarro Overpass Bridge (Option 1B) adjacent to the existing road overbridge into Anderson Drive (within sub-section E – see Pic01). An attractive Boardwalk is also proposed on both approaches to the Fishery Creek Bridge, together with suitable Observational and Rest Points elsewhere along the trail. Improved public access to HWNP will be a major bonus for local community members and visitors, given the wetland’s natural beauty, history and conservation value (see Pic04 and Pic07).

Pic04: Sample Tarro/Beresfield to Shortland Images – Tarro Investigative Area (City of Newcastle 2023) & Recreation Area; historic & recent images of pipeline corridor; four images around Ironbark Creek & King Trail, including proposed trailhead location near Mort Lane; and Hunter Wetlands Centre.

Pic05: Proposed Initial RVRT-related Construction (Trailhead) on King Trail & King Street Shortland – Scheduled by City of Newcastle for Late 2026.

Pic06: Approved Plans (December 2021) for Ironbark Creek Bridge (7m width) and Fishery Creek Bridge, which will provide trail access to Hunter Wetlands National Park and facilitate development of a quality Active Transport link between Newcastle and its northern suburbs (see Pic02).

Pic07: Beyond the cycling, walking and active transport opportunities and benefits, the proposed route will showcase the Hunter and Hexham Coastal Wetlands, whose beauty, diversity and history were featured in a wonderful Newcastle Herald series in January 2024.

Pic08: Proposed RVRT-M1 Ext. Interface - Experienced cyclists can now use sections of the recently opened Pacific Motorway (M1) Extension to ride (on road) between Maitland and Raymond Terrace. Construction of the off-road Shortland to Tarro RVRT section (along the former water pipeline corridor) will add a safe and substantial active transport link with Newcastle, benefiting both experienced cyclists and recreational cyclists & walkers.

Pic09: The proposed Shortland to Tarro RVRT section would be a prime candidate for funding from the expanded Federal Active Transport Fund (ATF). This section of the trail definitely meets the grant criteria, which require a self-contained bicycle or walking pathway that is ‘on or associated with a public road’ – in this instance, the New England Highway (Maitland Road) and recently upgraded ‘Hexham Straight’, as well as the interface with the newly opened Pacific Motorway (M1) Extension (see Pic08).

On-connections:
 
And, of course, it is important to emphasise that On-connections to local communities, Regional Routes within the Cycling Network, and Strategic Cycleway Corridors need to be part of the planning mix from the start and progressively developed and enhanced (see illustrated links in Pic10 and Pic11).

Pic10: Critical Need for On-connections to local communities and current and proposed Regional Routes within the Cycling Network. Some of the Regional Routes of particular relevance for the RVRT are highlighted (R2, R5, R6 and R8), together with potential connections to the proposed trailheads at Fletcher, Tarro and Shortland [Mostly extracted from City of Newcastle’s ‘On our bikes’ 2021 – 2030 Cycling Plan].

Pic11: The proposed Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway’s role and contribution to current and future cross-regional Strategic Cycleway Corridors within the Lower Hunter and Newcastle Region also needs to be acknowledged and built upon – including regular reporting by the participating Councils and Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils [Extract of part of an image from the initial October 2024 Overview Report].

​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:  [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)