Shiraz to Shore Snapshotfrom RVRT Supporters’ Group (August 2nd 2024) This Snapshot is drawn from a mix of documents (detailed on page 6), including our initial assessments of the finalised Shiraz to Shore Concept Plan and Business Case and the Hunter Cycle Tourism Strategy, together with conversations with other stakeholders and our first-hand knowledge of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) proposal and its broad array of plans and documents. Note: Any direct quotes presented below were selected by us and may not reflect the priorities of the documents’ authors or other stakeholders. Download Content
Congratulations and Thanks: Once again, ‘congratulations and thanks’ to Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils (Hunter JO) [and to Kim Carland and Tim Askew in particular], together with the participating Councils and numerous stakeholder groups, for their ongoing efforts developing and refining the Shiraz to Shore Proposal. Hunter JO’s official public release of Proposal details occurred today (2/8/2024), in conjunction with associated promotional events and materials (www.hunterjo.com.au/projects/shiraz-to-shore-cycle-tourism). RVRT Supporters’ Group Endorsement: We fully endorse development of the Shiraz to Shore cycle trail, which includes a substantial portion (20km) of the RVRT among its core elements. It will provide an exceptional opportunity to simultaneously support and strengthen our diverse range of Hunter communities and to promote an image of the region as an active lifestyle and cycle tourism destination. Project Rationale: From Hunter JO’s perspective, two main concerns are driving regional enthusiasm for this project – the need for economic diversification; and missed opportunities in cycle tourism sector growth. “Cycle tourism will play a role in safeguarding the community's quality of life and preserving its opportunities in several ways: diversification of the economy; economic benefits (supporting local businesses, creating jobs, improving economic stability, and enhancing quality of life); promotion of healthy lifestyles; cultural enrichment (through deeper appreciation of local history, art and institutions); community engagement; infrastructure improvements; and preservation of natural resources”. Project Objective: “The objective of the Shiraz to Shore initiative is to provide both a valuable region wide recreational resource for residents, and the foundation upon which to generate economic and business development by holistically promoting the region as a premier cycling destination”. Basic Information about Proposal: The proposed 100+ km Shiraz to Shore cycle trail extends from Hunter Valley Wine Country to the port of Newcastle and the shores of Lake Macquarie on the Pacific Coast – “offering an exceptional and diverse suite of experiences for visitors and locals”.  The 120-page finalised Shiraz to Shore Concept Plan touches on a broad range of relevant considerations, including: The Opportunities; Overarching Principles; Unique Regional Features; The Domestic and Non-domestic Visitor Economy; Cycle Trail Markets; Proposed Trail Sections and Concepts; Trail and Visitor Infrastructure; Planning and Feasibility Issues; Indicative Costs; Potential User Experiences and Services; and Management and Marketing Options. As noted in the Concept Plan: “The much beloved Richmond Vale Rail Trail is the critical connector between the Hunter Valley and Newcastle” and “There is significant opportunity to deliver the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) as a major component of the Shiraz to Shore experience and brand”. Similarly, the Business Case notes: “The Shiraz to Shore project is intrinsically related and dependent on the RVRT project proceeding”. While the RVRT’s route had already been confirmed (and has largely received Concept-level approvals), one of the early primary goals for the Shiraz to Shore project was identification of an optimal Shiraz to Shore route. Hunter JO engaged TRC Tourism and Destination Marketing Store as advisors during development of the Concept Plan and Cycle Tourism Strategy, preparation of which was based on “a literature review, in-region site visits and extensive stakeholder consultation”. It is also useful to understand some of the broader principles and opportunities that impacted on the current choice of a Shiraz to Shore route, including:
Core Sections: The finalised Shiraz to Shore Concept Plan identifies 8 core sections (from West to East), labelled as S1 to S7, & S6a. See Table below for associated themes, route, distances and costs, while Picture 1 presents a stylised version of the 100+ km Shiraz to Shore cycle trail, together with the whole of the 32+ km RVRT from Kurri Kurri to Shortland.
Re Approx. Distance (as shown in Concept Plan) - While the combined S4 & S5 distance is correct, the actual distance from Log of Knowledge Park, Kurri Kurri, to the Fletcher end of the proposed RVRT boardwalk is approx. 20km (based on detailed RVRT chainages).  Picture 1. Stylised version of 100+ km Shiraz to Shore cycle trail (June 2024) - showing core sections (S1 to S7, & S6a) and whole of RVRT. Note (from RVRT Supporters’ Group): Understandably, several existing and planned shared pathways that do not lead directly from Wine Country to the Beach or Lake were excluded from the finalised Concept Plan (e.g., links from Cessnock CBD to Wine Country; and the approved 14.7km RVRT section from Minmi to Shortland via Tarro/Hexham identified in Picture 1, which could also be labelled as Section S5a). However, in all likelihood, these and other Hunter Region (non-core) shared pathways will inevitably be badged and marketed as arms of the Shiraz to Shore. Some Illustrative Section Descriptors from the Finalised Documents: (See Picture 2 for Sample Images)
Benefits vs. Costs Analysis: When compared with the projected capital costs for the staged development of the new trails ($89.29m), the benefits for the entire network over the 10 years from 2025 to 2034 yielded an estimated total benefit of $207m (in 2025 $ terms); this analysis also assumed that the specific rail trail benefits did not commence until 2029. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) was 1.8 for a 3% discount rate (and 1.4 for a 7% discount rate). It was also noted that “… Trails are a long-life asset and if these trails were analysed over a 20-year period, the BCRs would be considerably higher”. Importantly, the economic assessment report also stressed the need to treat the trails as a linked network, with many users riding several sections. As acknowledged in the report: “The Shiraz to Shore Trail is designed to provide locals and visitors with the opportunity to choose their own experience ranging from short rides within sections, to complete sections, multiple sections or to ride the whole Shiraz to Shore route”. Likewise, while the rail trail sections are likely to have the highest capital costs, they will contribute much more to regional job generation and income during the construction phase. Governance: “Creating the Shiraz to Shore will require an integrated and co-operative approach by all stakeholders”. “The combination of roadside trail, rail trail and public land trails … with the myriad of ownership and management responsibilities suggests the optimal governance model would be a partnership governance model”, focusing on: enabling trail delivery; directing mutually agreed joint initiatives; advocating for funding initiatives; and communicating with key stakeholders and funding partners – with roles formalised via mutually agreed terms of reference through a steering committee. Where to from Here: Collectively, a solid case for pushing forward with the Shiraz to Shore Proposal arises from the array of documents and resources that Hunter JO has drawn together – all of which are designed to simultaneously promote the region as a major cycling tourism destination and to directly benefit local communities, families and businesses. These include: the Shiraz to Shore Concept Plan and Business Case, and broader Hunter Cycle Tourism Strategy (which were based on an initial Situation Analysis, Extensive Stakeholder Consultation, and an Economic Impact Assessment); together with initial Engagement and Marketing Plans, and promotional materials such as the Shiraz to Shore Pitch Video. Importantly, the potential multi-layered Shiraz to Shore (and RVRT) benefits are now clearly articulated, including: 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 and commuting benefits – and the Trail will essentially be free to use. The Shiraz to Shore will also link metropolitan and rural communities and attractions, and provide a unique conservation conduit for accessing coastal wetlands, national parks and reserves. Across the region, we also need to continue to ensure that other shared pathways are carefully designed and inter-connected with the Shiraz to Shore – facilitating improved linkages between local schools, parks, recreational/sporting facilities, and shopping/business centres – contributing to increased patronage and optimising the Trail’s longer-term benefits and sustainability. With increasing competition for infrastructure funding, we also need to continue to foster the strong regional co-operation, support and advocacy that has already been demonstrated – from Hunter JO, local Councils and businesses, government agencies, community groups, and all of our elected representatives – if we are to succeed in making the Shiraz to Shore (and RVRT) a reality. Concurrent Development of Full RVRT and Shiraz to Shore: Finally, we need to continue to jointly argue for full development, funding and construction of both Trails. As illustrated in Picture 1, 100% of the RVRT Western Section (within Cessnock & Lake Macquarie LGAs) contributes to the core Shiraz to Shore sections; however, only 2.9km of the RVRT Eastern Section is included (from Pambalong Nature Reserve to Fletcher, within Newcastle LGA). Notwithstanding, the omitted 14.7km section is critical for the overall success of both trails: it facilitates access to three growing communities (Minmi, Tarro/ Beresfield, and Shortland) and a range of experiences/facilities (e.g., Blue Gum Hills Regional Park; Minmi Trail Head, township and proposed housing estates and pathways; Hunter Wetlands Centre and National Park; M1 Extension to Raymond Terrace, and potential Coastal Wetlands Loop Trail); moreover, in purely practical terms, the 2km Minmi to Minmi Junction section of the RVRT provides the best construction access for the other three connecting sections. While it is inevitable that funding for the RVRT and Shiraz to Shore will be delivered on a prioritised segment-by-segment basis, it is imperative that we continue to promote integrated joint Trail development that optimises the identified benefits for local communities and the overall Hunter Region. As an example, in order to optimise access and integration with the Shiraz to Shore cycle trail, City of Newcastle’s currently preferred construction sequence for the Eastern RVRT begins at the Fletcher/Minmi hubs; essentially, moving ahead, section by section, progressively refining and updating the RVRT designs for the next section as construction moves along the trail. Similarly, Cessnock City Council is currently seeking Federal Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program funding for a sub-section of the Shiraz to Shore between Pokolbin and Abermain, as well as some RVRT-related land acquisition funds from NSW Government’s State Voluntary Planning Agreement Program. It is anticipated that progressive trail construction will help to stimulate more rapid funding and development of the remainder of these trails.  “The Hunter Region is a year-round cycling destination featuring the coast, beaches, mountains, forests, rivers, swimming holes, wineries, cities. The region offers great hospitality with many towns and cities across the Hunter having good cycling experiences and making great bases for adventures by bike” (Hunter Cycle Tourism Strategy, Part 5); with the proposed Shiraz to Shore cycle trail viewed as a “signature experience for the region” (Hunter Global Tourism Marketing Strategy). Hunter Global Tourism - Increasing International Visitors Supporting Documents and Links: From Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils Successful Official Launch of Shiraz to Shore Initiative: Thanks to everyone who contributed to this Official Launch on August 2nd 2024, which was spread across two locations, at Nobby's Beach, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley Resort and Farm, Pokolbin. Special thanks to Hunter JO’s staff and to Yasmin Catley (MP for Swansea and NSW Minister for the Hunter), Sue Moore (Mayor of Cessnock and Chair of Hunter JO) and Jay Suvaal (Mayor of Cessnock and Deputy Chair of Hunter JO), as well as to our regional media organisations (Newcastle Herald and NBN Television).  Shiraz to Shore Promotional YouTube Video (3 Min. 45 Sec): https://youtu.be/X4KlcOq7AJ  Picture 2. Some updated images from our April 21st, 2024 Facebook Post: ‘An Unofficial Taster for the Proposed Shiraz to Shore Trail’ – which presented a set of (West to East) Montages highlighting the range of experiences that you might expect to have as you travel along the proposed 100+ km Shiraz to Shore Trail. Link to YouTube Video Link to Facebook Post
RVRT Supporters’ Group (RVRT Inc.) Contact Information:
WEBSITE: https://richmondalerailtrail.org.au/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail
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