RVRT Supporters Group Newsletter July 2025

​RVRT Supporters Group Newsletter July 2025

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 Contents :

1. Overview and General Information
2. Wine Country & Heritage Zone (S1 to S3)
3. Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone (S4, Part S5, S5a)
4. Coast & Lake Zone (Part S5, S6, S7 & S6a)
5. Ongoing Engagement with All Tiers of Government
6. Potential Approaches to Funding and Construction
7. Support, Promotion & Thanks

 
Overview and General Information:  A Stylised Map of the proposed Composite 120km Shiraz to Shore (S2S) and Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) Shared Pathway is presented above, together with some re-framed overlapping zones (or themes) to help characterise the diversity of locations, terrains and adventures that trail users will experience.
 
This Newsletter has two simple goals: to increase awareness/engagement with the Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway proposal and to help move this proposal forward. Following the general information below, some updated information is provided about each of the three S2S/RVRT zones, together with some observations and suggestions about engagement strategies and potential approaches to funding and construction. So, you can have either a ‘quick flick’ or a ‘detailed read’!

• The RVRT is a long-standing proposal to re-purpose parts of the former Richmond Vale Railway and disused water pipeline corridors to produce a 32+km walking and cycling trail from Kurri Kurri to Shortland via Minmi/Fletcher and Hexham/Tarro (within Cessnock, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle LGAs).
• The S2S is a newer, broader proposal from Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils (Hunter JO) for a 100+km regional cycle trail extending from Hunter Valley (‘Shiraz’) Wine Country to the Shores of Newcastle harbour/beach and Lake Macquarie (which runs from Singleton to Lake Macquarie LGA).
• Approx. one-sixth (20km) of the proposed Composite 120km S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway comprises direct overlap between the RVRT and the 8 core S2S sections (labelled on the Map from West to East as Section S1 to S7, & S6a) – namely, the rail trail segment from Log of Knowledge Park (Kurri Kurri) to Fletcher (S4 & Part S5).

 

It is now almost 12 months since Hunter JO released a finalised S2S Concept Plan, Business Case and Marketing Plan (August 2024), together with an overall Hunter Cycle Tourism Strategy (www.hunterjo.com.au/projects/shiraz-to-shore-cycle-tourism) and a promotional (3 Min. 45 Sec.) YouTube video (https://youtu.be/X4KlcOq7AJI) – so, it is definitely time to review and refine this proposal and move the Composite S2S/RVRT forward.

We continue to argue strongly for full, integrated S2S/RVRT development, funding and construction, including the 14.7km RVRT section (labelled as S5a on the Map) that was not included among the core S2S sections. This sub-section is critical for the overall success of the trail as it facilitates access to three growing communities (Minmi, Beresfield/Tarro, and Shortland) and a range of experiences/facilities (e.g., Blue Gum Hills Regional Park; Minmi Trailhead, township and proposed housing estates and pathways; Hunter Wetlands Centre and National Park; major Active Transport routes and links to the M1 Extension to Raymond Terrace), as well as providing the best construction access for the other sections.
 
There are also outstanding recreational and tourism opportunities along the full length of the Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway, not just at the ‘Shiraz’ and ‘Shore’ ends of the trail.

As illustrated in the Hunter Regional Plan 2041 (December 2022, Page 45) and elsewhere, the Composite S2S/RVRT provides a regional backbone for future trails and shared pathways, as well as being integrated with existing trails infrastructure. It is inherently a linked network with inter-dependent recreational, economic, tourism, health, and societal benefits (and costs).
 
In all likelihood, many of the non-core adjacent shared pathways will also inevitably be marketed as arms of the cross-regional S2S cycle trail. Moreover, quality regional trails such as the proposed S2S/RVRT and the existing Fernleigh/F.A.S.T. are long-life assets that will continue to generate regional benefits for decades to come.
 
Importantly, we are not starting from scratch, as approx. 37% 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).
 
In total, approx. 76km (or 63%) of the S2S/RVRT comprises ‘trails that need constructing’, with longer ‘new trail’ distances in Cessnock (approx. 48.7km), compared with Newcastle (approx. 24.4km) and Lake Macquarie (approx. 2.7km) LGAs. The estimated cost in the S2S Business Case (August 2024) was approx. $90m. Adding $25m for the omitted RVRT S5a section (including provision of a new Tarro Shared Pathway Bridge), plus a 15% Contingency, then the Composite S2S/RVRT cost would be approx. $132m.

Wine Country & Heritage Zone:  Western half of Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway (S1 to S3) - Hermitage Road (Belford) to Kurri Kurri (Midpoint), approx. 45km.
 
This Shared Pathway Zone offers a diverse range of experiences, including providing access to:

• An extensive range of Wine Country tourism, recreational and entertainment experiences (e.g., wineries, distilleries, restaurants, ballooning, existing cycling and sporting activities) - from Hermitage Road (Singleton LGA), through Rothbury and Pokolbin (including Hunter Valley Gardens) to the Visitor Information Centre (within Section S1) [including approx. 12km of existing trail];
• Lomas Lane (e.g., Hunter Valley Wildlife Park) and Werakata National Park, including gravel riding opportunities (within Section S2); and
• Heritage, Mining-related and Country Town experiences (e.g., Sir Edgeworth David Memorial Museum in Abermain, Kurri Kurri Town Centre, Murals & Log of Knowledge Park) (within Section S3).

 
Hunter JO received grants (in late 2022) from the NSW Government’s Business Case and Strategy Development Fund, which enabled them to develop the initial Hunter Cycle Tourism Strategy (August 2024) and to undertake the required background research and consultation to identify a potential core S2S cycle trail route. The Hunter Cycle Tourism Strategy focuses on the dynamic nature of the region and the diversity of cycling options, including mountain biking and gravel riding. Funding and development of parts of the S2S/RVRT trail could also be linked with and benefit from celebrations for the Bicentenary of Commercial Wine Growing in Australia in 2028.
 
While the lack of major S2S/RVRT trail funding to-date is frustrating, it is also important to continue to foster development of key interconnectors and associated community infrastructure, facilities and attractions.
 
Over the past few years, for example, Cessnock City Council has substantially improved the facilities at Bridges Hill Park (near Cessnock CBD) and used grant funding to develop a 5.3km shared pathway from Bridges Hill Park to Wine Country Drive in Nulkaba. Additionally, Cessnock’s recently approved 2025-2029 Delivery Program (June 2025) includes partial delivery of a shared pathway from Cessnock to Abermain. Together, these two shared pathways will provide a more urban, alternative route to Section S2 of the S2S/RVRT (see Map on first page).
 
Cessnock City Council has also undertaken a $7m upgrade to the Kurri Kurri Town Centre and Col Brown Rotary Park, which will further enhance its appeal to residents and visitors, including future S2S/RVRT users. These improvements won an Asset and Infrastructure Award at the recent Local Government Professionals Australia (NSW) Excellence Awards (June 2025).
 
Blending trail planning, construction, upgrades and extensions with other complementary local initiatives is also worthwhile (e.g., with Masterplans for Housing Estates, nearby Sporting/Recreational Centres; and Road/Transport upgrades and initiatives). For example, Composite S2S/RVRT Planning and Construction could be integrated with: further tourism and entertainment-related enhancements in and around Pokolbin; or with planned upgrades to Kurri Kurri Sports Precinct (April 2024 Masterplan) or Margaret Johns Park (May 2024 Masterplan).
 
Likewise, an opportunity exists to develop the S2S/RVRT Midpoint as an attraction in its own right, in combination with enhancements to Log of Knowledge Park. In the future, there may also be opportunities for shared pathway extensions to an upgraded Richmond Main Colliery site, given its proposed sale and potential re-development as a multi-museum tourist attraction; hopefully, with due consideration given to its rail and mining heritage and historic significance for the Hunter Region.

Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone:  Central portion of Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway (S4, Part S5, S5a) – Whole of Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT), from Kurri Kurri (Midpoint) through the Sugarloaf Range to Fletcher, and from Minmi to Shortland via Hexham/Tarro (Wetlands), approx. 34km [all requiring new trail].
 
This Shared Pathway Zone has a rich history and offers a fantastic opportunity to re-purpose parts of the former Richmond Vale Railway corridor (a private coal line that closed in 1987) as well as disused Hunter Water Corporation pipeline corridors:

• The RVRT Western Section (from Kurri Kurri to Stockrington, within Cessnock and Lake Macquarie LGAs) traverses Werakata and Stockrington State Conservation Areas and includes: a major trailhead at Log of Knowledge Park, Kurri Kurri; three historic brick railway tunnels in the Sugarloaf Range; and construction of two new concrete bridges (70m single-span bridge at Wallis Creek; 15m two-span bridge at Surveyors Creek);
• The RVRT Eastern Section (from Lenaghan to Shortland via Minmi/Fletcher and Hexham/Tarro, within Newcastle LGA) traverses Pambalong Nature Reserve, Stockrington State Conservation Area, Hexham Wetlands, and the western portion of Hunter Wetlands National Park. Construction will include: new concrete girder bridges (20m single-span bridge at Fishery Creek; 40m three-span bridge at Ironbark Creek); separated walking and cycling paths in the steeper section near Ironbark Creek; and boardwalks in Hunter Wetlands National Park and at Fletcher;
• The Zone Map below identifies the five local community hubs [at Kurri Kurri (Log of Knowledge Park), Minmi, Fletcher, Tarro and Shortland (near Hunter Wetlands Centre)], together with the Likely Points of Interest and a potential 13km Premier RVRT sub-section, which could be prioritised for Finalised Design and Construction funding;
• This Zone also features extensive, high-quality Coastal Wetlands, reinforcing our often-stated claim that the S2S/RVRT is effectively a Conservation Conduit to a host of conservation areas, national parks and reserves [Hunter Wetlands Centre at Shortland celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024];
• A future connection to Beresfield Station is also possible, via an off-road shared pathway through Beresfield and Tarro (e.g., across Tarro Recreation Area), in combination with a new Shared Pathway Bridge over the New England Highway to provide a safe community connection to Anderson Drive.

 
The RVRT was first proposed around 25 years ago, with active planning underway now for over a decade, following completion of a comprehensive feasibility study in 2014, the trail’s inclusion in Hunter Regional Plans (October, 2016; December, 2022) and numerous local strategic plans, and detailed environmental and other assessments between 2016 and 2023.
 
Most of the RVRT (27.5km) has received initial, concept-level approval (Eastern Section, Newcastle LGA: December 2021, from Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel, Ref: PPSHCC-55, DA2020/00641, subject to 100 Conditions of Consent; and Western Section, Cessnock LGA: May 2023, from Cessnock City Council, subject to 44 Conditions of Approval).

It is also important to recognise that the existing Regional Planning Panel approval for the Eastern Section currently has a 5-year approval window (lapsing on December 8th 2026). Consequently, it is highly desirable for some substantive construction work to be commenced before that expiration date. Getting some RVRT construction underway now will also serve as a solid stimulus for subsequent planning and grant applications by Councils (including those associated with the broader S2S cycle trail).

• City of Newcastle Council is currently undertaking Road Infrastructure Improvements in Woodford Street Minmi (near the proposed RVRT trailhead), which includes drainage, a short shared pathway 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].

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Aerial View of Ironbark Creek (above) – Little Planet View, Looking South Across King Trail, the route for the RVRT from Shortland – Near Point 19 on the Map above (Image Extracted from Bill Landenberger’s Drone Panorama – 18/10/2024).

The proposed RVRT sub-section from Shortland to Tarro will provide an invaluable active transport link, facilitating much safer off-road links to the Newcastle Cycleway Network than using either the New England Highway or Hexham Straight. Furthermore, this RVRT segment will provide a direct link to the M1 Extension that is currently under construction, for usage by experienced cyclists travelling between Newcastle and either Maitland or Raymond Terrace [via pathways up the embankments near the first section of the viaduct (see picture below)].
 
The proposed RVRT path from Shortland follows the water pipeline corridor (on the right-hand side).
 
Ideally, construction of this RVRT segment within Newcastle LGA should also be undertaken by mid-2028, to optimise the benefits arising from completion of the M1 Extension.

Coast & Lake Zone:  South-Eastern portion of Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway – Fletcher to Wallsend (Part S5), Wallsend to Newcastle Harbour/Beach (S6 & S7), and Wallsend to Lake Macquarie (S6a), approx. 41km [approx. 9km of new trail].
 
This Shared Pathway Zone (within Newcastle and Lake Macquarie LGAs) features:

• Wetland panoramas and Heritage Conservation Areas (e.g., Kau-Ma Park, Eagle Shelter and Rocky Knob at Fletcher); urban pathways and parklands; and riverside, harbour and lake views;
• Several existing and well used shared pathways, forming parts of the Composite S2S/RVRT trail (e.g., Islington Park to Newcastle Harbour & Beach cycleway; and the historic Tramway Track from Wallsend to Glendale, which links to the Glendale to Speers Point cycleway); and
• Opportunities to link with other existing cycleways (e.g., connections from Speers Point Park to the 8.5km picturesque path running along the edge of Lake Macquarie from the Museum of Art and Culture at Booragul to Eleebana Lions Park; and future links to the popular 27km Fernleigh Track and Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (F.A.S.T.) Extension, running from Adamstown to Murray’s Beach).

Approximately 9km of new trail construction is required within this Zone, spread between Fletcher and Islington (within Sections S5 and S6), linking existing and planned pathways; together with some upgrades to existing shared pathways. There are also opportunities to connect with other proposed regional developments, including housing, sporting, transport & entertainment initiatives associated with Broadmeadow Place Strategy.
 
When future S2S/RVRT users arrive at Wallsend (from the north or west) they will have the option of heading either east to Newcastle Harbour and Beach or south to beautiful Lake Macquarie, both of which are about 90km from the start of S2S Section S1 in Belford (Singleton LGA). Other future cycleways connections between Shortland RVRT trailhead and the University (at Callaghan) will provide additional access to an array of existing and proposed off-road shared pathways, including links to cycleways through Jesmond Park and towards Waratah and Mayfield.

• City of Newcastle’s recently approved 2025-2026 Works Program (June 2025, Page 143) allocates $300,000 for ‘Design work’ on the “Minmi and Fletcher shared path connections” that will form part of the S2S/RVRT. More broadly, Council’s 2025-2026 Operational Plan includes “$4.1 million on cycleway projects and another $1.9 million on cycleways as part of larger projects”.
• Likewise, Lake Macquarie City already has an extensive and expanding assortment of off-road shared pathways and cycleways (including the Fernleigh/F.A.S.T.) and has allocated $2.9m in their 2025-2026 Works Program to “footpaths, cycleways and shared paths”; this includes some initial planning for a Northlakes Way regional cycling route from West Wallsend to Glendale via Edgeworth, which will ultimately complement the S2S/RVRT, potentially via future links to Minmi and Fletcher through planned housing estates and intersection upgrades along Newcastle Link Road (A15).

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Ongoing Engagement with All Tiers of Government:

• In broad terms, the proposed Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway has received positive endorsement from Hunter residents, businesses, communities, groups and our elected representatives.
• However, given the current economic/regional outlook (e.g., uncertainty, transition, increasing infrastructure funding competition), securing S2S/RVRT funds will not be easy.
• According to Rail Trails Australia, for example, there are 189 Current and Potential Rail Trails in Australia (as of April 2025) – with 19 of the 33 Potential Trails here in NSW – so, there are plenty of other communities seeking funding support! [There are also clear success stories in NSW, including Northern Rivers (NRRT) & Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trails].
• We also need integrated joint trail development that strikes a good balance between Hunter Region wide tourism, recreational and economic benefits, and the potential impacts and benefits for local communities; after all, the majority of S2S/RVRT users will invariably be local community members.

 
So, any way you look at it, we need ongoing engagement and co-operation from all tiers of government if we are to make the Composite S2S/RVRT a reality.
 
Key Electorates and LGAs:

• The Composite S2S/RVRT traverses four Federal Electorates (Hunter, Paterson, Newcastle and Shortland), with approx. 60% of required new trail construction falling within the Hunter Federal Electorate (following the October 2024 re-distribution).
• Likewise, while five NSW State Electoral Districts are involved, three-quarters (90km) of the Composite S2S/RVRT falls within just two State Electorates, Cessnock and Wallsend, most of which requires new trail construction; with the remaining 30km located within Upper Hunter, Newcastle, and Lake Macquarie State Electorates.
• Importantly, the four Councils hosting the Composite S2S/RVRT (Singleton, Cessnock, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie) are likely to 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.
• Hunter Region Councils’ collective contributions and advocacy (through Hunter JO):  while the need for targeted efforts within some Electorates and LGAs is clear, the Hunter Region as a whole will be the major beneficiary, particularly when most of the S2S/RVRT sections have been completed – adding to regional and global tourism attractions; promoting the Hunter as a premier trail, eco-tourism and cycling destination (including mountain biking); and encouraging multi-day stays and repeat visits (to explore the vineyards, beaches, lakes, ranges and heritage areas, and undertake walking and cycling adventures, including exploring the Fernleigh Track/F.A.S.T. and Lake Macquarie).

 
Time for Renewed Focus/Commitment:
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There has also been a reasonable level of ‘political disturbance’ over the past 6-9 months, with Local Council Elections (September 2024) and a Federal Re-distribution (October 2024) and Election (May 2025). Three of the Mayors in LGAs hosting the S2S/RVRT are new to the role (Daniel Watton in Cessnock, Ross Kerridge in Newcastle, and Adam Shultz in Lake Macquarie) as are a further three of the ten Mayors on Hunter JO’s Board. Consequently, ensuring that the S2S/RVRT remains high in regional priorities and advocacy lists has been one of our more immediate concerns.
 
On the other hand, congratulations to the recently re-elected Federal Labor MPs in the four Electorates associated with the S2S/RVRT – who have all consistently expressed strong support for community-enhancing infrastructure projects like the proposed trails; and who, hopefully, will continue to do so during the current term [with the first sitting day for the 48th Federal Parliament set for July 22nd 2025].
 
At a State-level, we would also like to acknowledge Jenny Aitchison’s (Member for Maitland) additional Ministerial responsibilities. Jenny was sworn in as NSW Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport in March 2025 – a role that has direct relevance for the strategic development and delivery of safe, integrated, place-based transport options, including active transport.
 
Each new four-year term also provides an opportunity for Councils to re-assess their local community’s long-term vision and priorities (Community Strategic Plan) and to frame their medium- (Delivery Program) and short-term (Operational Plan) activities and projects to achieve and monitor those objectives; these various elements are part of the NSW Government’s mandated Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework.

Newcastle, Cessnock and Lake Macquarie Councils have all recently endorsed their revised Community Strategic Plans (CSPs) [as have other local Councils]. Community feedback about draft versions of these CSPs strongly endorsed the prioritisation of active transport infrastructure and the maintenance/upgrade of recreational and sporting facilities. Hunter JO has also released a draft version of their Strategic Plan 2035, mapped against the Council Plans.
 
Some examples of related goals/actions [by Priority area] identified in the endorsed CSPs include:

• “1.2.1  Develop accessible connected cycleways and pedestrian networks” [Liveable] and “3.3.3  Promote and support active and healthy communities” [Creative] (City of Newcastle);
• “4.1.2  Provide and maintain a range of shared pathways that connect our community” [Move]; “2.3.3  Explore opportunities for the construction of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail and additional Shiraz to Shore connections” [Thrive] and “1.3.3  Provide recreation and open space facilities that are connected and well utilised” [Live] (Cessnock City Council);
• “Increase and enhance access to active transport opportunities throughout the city, such as footpaths and shared pathways” [Social] and “Provide accessible sport, leisure and recreation infrastructure for community use” [Social] (City of Lake Macquarie);
• “3.3  Ensure sustainable movement of people and goods and enhance regional transport connectivity through diverse, multimodal and low-emission transport solutions, including infrastructure investments in air, rail and active transport infrastructure” (Linked Advocacy Priority: “Delivery of the Shiraz to Shore cycle trail from the Hunter Valley to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie”) [Infrastructure & Connectivity] and “6.2  Expand access to open spaces, green areas, and public amenities, fostering vibrant, healthy communities and enhancing the quality of life for the community through sustainable and inclusive urban design” [Community Liveability & Wellbeing] (Draft Strategic Plan, Hunter JO).

 Potential Approaches to Funding and Construction:
 
A mix of funding and construction approaches will almost certainly be needed to help optimise the varying opportunities/benefits along the trail’s 120km length – funded by a variety of sources/programs within the broader integrated and coherent regional plan for the overall Composite S2S/RVRT.
 
As illustrated below, we have identified four potential Composite S2S/RVRT sub-sections (A to D, totalling 18km) that could be prioritised for finalised design and construction funding, two each within Cessnock and Newcastle LGAs – in combination with the potential 13km Premier RVRT sub-section identified earlier (see Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone Map).

The identified sub-sections (A to D) are sufficiently small and self-contained to be suitable candidates for a range of different standalone grant applications (at both State and Federal levels). They were selected because they highlight the diversity of S2S/RVRT linkages and benefits:

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

 
Reasons for concurrently seeking funding for the Premier RVRT sub-section include:

• It will be a major regional rail trail and eco-tourism attraction in its own right (e.g., three historic railway tunnels, several bridges, unique access to varied conservation and heritage areas);
• A cross-regional S2S cycle trail is virtually impossible without this key 13km RVRT sub-section;
• It will provide a new, novel, attractive, and safe walking and cycling experience for the Hunter Region [There is no comparable experience to the proposed Sugarloaf Range RVRT sub-section, nor any easy cycling connections between Kurri Kurri and Fletcher/Minmi]; and
• Constructing this Premier RVRT section is likely to stimulate local interest and attract visitors at a faster rate than any of the other potential sub-sections.

 
It is also sometimes suggested that community-based projects like the S2S/RVRT are less deserving of public funds – relative to, for example, projects tagged as ‘cost of living’, ‘housing’, ‘employment generating’, ‘health service’, or ‘public transport’ related – when, in reality, projects like the S2S/RVRT are also likely to produce solid longer-term health, economic, environmental, social and liveability benefits for the communities that they service.

 
Support, Promotion & Thanks:
 
To achieve the desired community and regional outcomes within a reasonable timeframe, we need strong and ongoing support from community members and a broad range of agencies, including: local Councils, Transport for NSW (TfNSW), National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS), local business and community groups, all of our elected representatives, and State and Federal governments.
 
Now would also be a good time to (re-) establish an active, representative regional S2S/RVRT advisory committee – with the goal of fostering an attractive, recognizable, integrated and sustainable cross-regional trail. An associated forum or workshop to review and refine the current proposals and associated funding and construction strategies might also be useful.
 
Thanks to:

• All of our Members and Supporters;
• Our Supporters’ Group Committee Members (past and present);
• Everyone who has contributed to Development, Refinement, and Promotion of the S2S/RVRT;
• All of the other Local Agencies/Groups who continue to advocate strongly for the Trail and associated Walking & Cycling, Recreational & Community Infrastructure, including Local Councils, our Elected Representatives, Hunter JO, and the Newcastle Cycleways Movement (NCM); and

The various External Agencies/Groups who routinely support initiatives such as the S2S/RVRT, including Rail Trails Australia, Rail Trails for NSW, and Bicycle NSW.
 
Promotional Activities:  The first outing with our New Marquee was the Official Opening of the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (F.A.S.T.) in August 2024. At that event, RVRT Supporters' Group Committee Members enthusiastically promoted the RVRT and Shiraz to Shore (S2S) proposals, and responded to a broad range of questions from attendees.

Picture above: Boardwalk and Cold Tea Creek Bridge (F.A.S.T., Belmont Lagoon). Similar boardwalks could be used within the S2S/RVRT Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone.

We also plan to promote the S2S/RVRT and Hunter Region cycling/cycleways at other community events – just as we did at last year’s Living Smart Festival, Speers Point Park, Lake Macquarie (21/09/2024), in collaboration with Newcastle Cycleways Movement (NCM) (see picture above).
 
Please see our Facebook Page for further information & updates about the S2S/RVRT:
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/
or the News Page on our Website:
https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/news

Other Promotions:
 
A short (3 Min. 20 Sec.) Portrait-format Doodle-based YouTube video promoting the proposed Composite 120km Shiraz to Shore cycle trail and the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (S2S/RVRT) in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales (NSW, Australia).
 
May 2025; Link: https://youtu.be/PVg0Vv-jCqg
 

Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) Inc.
 
Our Members and Supporters have long-standing interests in developing and promoting the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) as a key Hunter Region shared pathway and community resource, in tandem with the broader Shiraz to Shore (S2S) cycle trail proposal. We are committed to working with local Councils, State/Federal representatives and agencies, local communities, other organisations and stakeholder groups, to help promote and deliver these important regional initiatives.
 
Please see Contact and Communication Details below, with e-mail and text messages being our preferred method for initial contacts.
 
President:  Terry Lewin  (0404 439 616)
     Email:  [email protected]
Vice-President:  Leigh Gibbens  (0433 570 920)
     Email:  [email protected]
Secretary & Treasurer:  Sam Reich  (0418 402 644)
     Email:  [email protected]
Founding President:  Billy Metcalf  (0417 453 152)
 
Website:  https://www.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)

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