RVRT Non-urban Segments – Some Funding Suggestions – September 2026

RVRT Non-urban Segments – Some Funding Suggestions – September 2026

Facebook Post – RVRT Supporters’ Group – September 15th 2026
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid02ZnkHzonQjy3nQEiJQEqeJCm2oEKa7H2MYXZQ8khy7q8zSpv4RSRfouMi4a7KzVyNl

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In a recent Facebook Post [August 28th 2026: S2S/RVRT Funding Considerations - Revisited] we highlighted the need for different funding approaches for the longer, more isolated, non-urban trail segments (for which special purpose, targeted funding will almost certainly be required), compared with the shorter, self-contained and largely urban S2S/RVRT sub-sections (which are suitable candidates for existing recreational and active transport programs) [Link to Post: https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid02YPvNqxHfkq4p6bwDrc5ZgfPH54dZvDzmmuNkU7orkfytMJnZLAEFuwRy6rrfzxMgl].

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At that time, we identified four potential self-contained S2S/RVRT sub-sections (labelled A, B, D and E) that could be prioritised for finalised design and construction funding [which you can also read about on our News page - https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/news/s2srvrt-funding-considerations-revisited-august-2026] – See Appendix below. They ranged in length from 3km to 6km, with approx. costs between $6m and $9m (totalling $28.5m). Two of the urban sub-sections [B: S2S/RVRT Midpoint in Kurri Kurri; and D: Fletcher/Minmi Key Transition & Construction Point] would be prime candidates for community connection focussed funding programs such as Get NSW Active. Sub-section A (a non-urban 5km Wine Country S2S segment) could attract tourism and related regional transition funding, while sub-section E (Beresfield/Tarro Connection) and the whole of the 7.5km Shortland to Tarro segment definitely meets the criteria for the Federal Government’s expanded Active Transport Fund [e.g., 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 the recently upgraded ‘Hexham Straight’].
 
The current Post is primarily about the non-urban, historic and magnificent Premier Sugarloaf Range RVRT Section (between Lenaghans Drive and Wallis Creek in Buchanan, which we have tagged as sub-section C). It is time to start moving on preserving, protecting, constructing and promoting this critical RVRT corridor, which sits largely within the Stockrington State Conservation Area.

​Proposed Non-urban Sub-segments to Prioritise:

While it would be preferable to seek and secure funding for construction of the whole of the RVRT, or alternatively for the full 13km Premier Sugarloaf Range RVRT Section, the reality is that piecemeal but progressive construction of accessible non-urban sub-segments is a more achievable goal.
 
In considering which non-urban RVRT sub-segments to prioritise, we were mindful of several factors:

1. Uniqueness and Attractiveness, including Key Features (e.g., historic tunnels, cuttings and embankments) and Proximity to Other Nearby Attractions (e.g., creeks; dams; conservation areas; open spaces; and heritage engagement/promotion opportunities);
2. Accessibility (e.g., for both construction and operation, including distance to nearby public roads or trails) and Ease and Cost of Construction (e.g., relatively flat; no major structures required, or utilities or crossings to negotiate; manageable safety and fencing requirements); and
3. Absence of Other Constraints (e.g., existing or pending concept-level approvals; outside of Coastal Wetlands segments; no outstanding land ownership or acquisition issues).

The two accessible non-urban RVRT sub-segments that we are recommending (C-1 and C-2, totalling approx. 9.4km) are marked on the extracted Stylised Map of the ‘Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone’ in Pic01. This image also identifies the parts of the RVRT (brown line) that received concept-level approval in December 2021 [Eastern Section, Sections S5 and S5a, within Newcastle LGA (DA2020/00641)] or May 2023 [Review of Environmental Factors, REF, for Western section (Section S4), within Cessnock LGA].
 
The unmarked portion in sub-section C (no brown line) is the 2.7km segment within Lake Macquarie LGA, which includes Tunnel #1 and Tunnel #2. Notwithstanding, the REF also covered the Lake Macquarie LGA segment; moreover, it is our understanding that Lake Macquarie City Council will undertake the required internal approvals processes when construction is scheduled. So, both of the proposed RVRT sub-segments (C-1 and C-2) contain a short Lake Macquarie LGA section (approx. 1.8km & 0.9km respectively) and have a larger segment in Cessnock LGA (approx. 2.6km & 4.1km respectively).

The Modified REF General Arrangement Map in Pic02 further illustrates the location of the recommended sub-segments, together with the Tunnels and best Access Points. See Pic04 for recent photos of these Road Access Points (4/9/2026), which currently have locked gates.
 
The left-hand column of the Table in Pic03 summarises the main features of the 4.4km Proposed C-1 Sub-segment between Dog Hole Road (Stockrington) and the Tunnel Fire Trail Crossing (West of Tunnel #1, Seahampton). Pic05 presents an overview of the C-1 route, while Pic06 and Pic07 showcase the natural and man-made beauty within that area.
 
Likewise, the right-hand column of the Table in Pic03 summarises the main features of the 5km Proposed C-2 Sub-segment between the Tunnel Fire Trail Crossing (Seahampton) and the Hunter Expressway Construction Access Road (Buchanan). Pic08 presents an overview of the C-2 route, while Pic09 showcases its history and beauty, including some extracted drone images from Bill Landenberger.
 
We are not suggesting that construction of these sub-segments will be all ‘smooth sailing’; as, no doubt, some unexpected issues will arise and there are 44 Conditions associated with the REF Approval that need to be addressed. On the other hand, it does provide a good opportunity for a host of agencies to demonstrate that they can co-operatively work together [including the participating Councils (Cessnock and Lake Macquarie) and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)]; as well as an opportunity for a concerted collective effort by all tiers of Government, and local businesses and community groups, to support and promote an initiative with demonstrable long-term community and regional benefits.
 
Hopefully, construction of one accessible, attractive and comparatively straightforward (but otherwise difficult to fund) non-urban RVRT sub-segment within the Sugarloaf Range will, in effect, be a self-sustaining strategy (as users get to experience first-hand the iconic nature of this Hunter Valley trail) – providing a solid stimulus for subsequent grant applications and construction activities by local Councils.

Pic01: Illustrative Funding Approach (for Non-urban Segments) – Stylised Map featuring the Premier RVRT Section (C) within the Sugarloaf Range (from Wallis Creek to Lenaghans Drive) and two Accessible Sub-segments (C-1 & C-2) that could be prioritised for Design & Construction funding.

Pic02: Modified version of General Arrangement Map from approved Concept Design Plans - Review of Environmental Factors (REF, May 2023). Proposed Sub-segment C-1 (purple shading: across Sheets 20 - 26) and Sub-segment C-2 (blue shading: across Sheets 26 - 33); note Access Points.

Pic03: Proposed Accessible Non-urban RVRT Sub-segments (C-1 & C-2) – Location & Key Features within the former Railway Corridor and Nearby.

Pic04: Potential Road Access Points within Proposed Non-urban Sub-segments C-1 & C-2 – Via Dog Hole Road and George Booth Drive.

Pic05: Extracted Figure from approved Review of Environmental Factors (REF, May 2023) showing proposed Sub-segment C-1 within Premier RVRT Section (Chainage: 13600 to 18000); for further information see Pic03 and Sheets 20 to 26 in the approved Concept Design Plans.

Pic06: Western Portion of Proposed Sub-segment C-1 within the Premier RVRT Section – Some sample images highlighting our Planning-related RVRT Visit to this area in September 2023 [mostly West of Tunnel #1].

Pic07: Eastern Portion of Proposed Sub-segment C-1 within the Premier RVRT Section – Some sample images from past Landcare-related and other visits to Stockrington State Conservation Area [North-East of Tunnel #1 to Dog Hole Road].

Pic08: Extracted Figure from approved Review of Environmental Factors (REF, May 2023) showing proposed Sub-segment C-2 within Premier RVRT Section (Chainage: 18000 to 23000); for further information see Pic03 and Sheets 26 to 33 in the approved Concept Design Plans.

Pic09: Proposed Sub-segment C-2 within the Premier RVRT Section – Some sample images from past visits to Stockrington State Conservation Area [mostly between Tunnel #2 and the Ridge (Haul) Road Access; see Pic02].

APPENDIX – First Two Images from Previous Post ​

 [August 28th 2026: S2S/RVRT Funding Considerations – Revisited]

Appendix - Pic01: Simplified Stylised Map of the Proposed 120km Composite Shiraz to Shore and Richmond Vale Rail Trail (S2S/RVRT) Shared Pathway.

Appendix - Pic02: Illustrative Funding Approaches (Updated, September 2026) – 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). The 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. Our RVRT Supporters’ Group members and affiliates have a very strong preference for the initiation of construction within Sub-section C – the middle portion of the RVRT. 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).

 
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)