Updated Presentation About Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway (Hunter Valley, NSW) – March 202620/3/2026 Updated Presentation About Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway (Hunter Valley, NSW) – March 2026On behalf of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) Supporters’ Group. Facebook Post – RVRT Supporters’ Group – March 20th 2026 https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid0pqteFW5sEmMNvtBTe5edh7XKWfSGQv6qqRGzkrbBTr85s4GNYAw8A7Eha1iab1c9l Download Content 
This Updated Presentation supersedes our previous Conference-style presentations about the proposed Composite 120km Shiraz to Shore Cycle Trail and Richmond Vale Rail Trail (S2S/RVRT) Shared Pathway. The full 20-minute YouTube video presentation comprises the equivalent of 45 PowerPoint Slides, together with a range of overlaid images. In short, it offers an account of the ‘current status’ of the Composite S2S/RVRT and ‘how we arrived at this point’ [from a Supporters’ Group perspective]. The Background (history & planning context) for both proposals is described initially; in this instance, drawing on some of our more recent Posts and Images. The remaining sections of the presentation include some minor adjustments to the proposed route (within Cessnock LGA), some refinements to the Zone labels, and some updates to recent RVRT-related activities by Local Councils, as well as providing some clarification about regional strategies and advocacy/support priorities. Additionally, a useful summary is provided of the range of factors that need to be taken into account, including: Overall Benefits, Considerations & Opportunities; and Challenges, Strategies & Requested Actions. The relatively calm and methodical nature of this presentation also masks a growing sense of urgency that (collectively) we really do need to get on with some actual trail construction as soon as possible – as an acknowledgement of the decades of effort by an assortment of agencies and community groups, to avoid the lapse of existing RVRT-related Development Consents, and to begin to reap the widespread, long-term community benefits that the S2S/RVRT will bring. There are several ways in which you can engage with the material in this Updated Presentation:
Presentation Summary(From ‘Presentation Handout’, with links to current Post Images) [See Pic01 and Pic02 for Presentation Cover Image and Outline]. First half of presentation provides Background about the proposed Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) and the broader Shiraz to Shore (S2S) Cycle Trail in the Hunter Valley (NSW, Australia), a rationale for focusing on the Composite 120km S2S/RVRT [comprising the 3 overlapping Zones shown in Pic01], and a West to East Snapshot from Wine Country to the Shores of Newcastle Harbour/Beach and Lake Macquarie.  Pic01: Presentation Cover Image [Slide 1] - In part, this video draws on previous Conference-style presentations about the proposed Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) and the broader Shiraz to Shore (S2S) Cycle Trail in the Hunter Valley of NSW (Australia) [e.g., Rail Trail Forum, Murwillumbah, March 2023; Trails Reference Group, Cessnock City Council, March 2025]. Link to YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/x02tcNhvyOo (20 Min. + 3 Min. of Bonus Material). ![Pic02: Presentation Outline [Slide 2]. Blue slide titled “Presentation Outline” listing agenda items: Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) background; Shiraz to Shore (S2S) Cycle Trail background; composite S2S and RVRT shared pathway with a west‑to‑east snapshot; benefits, considerations and opportunities; and challenges, strategies and requested actions. A Richmond Vale Rail Trail logo with green leaves appears in the bottom right, and “RVRT Supporters’ Group” text appears in the bottom left.](/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/pic02-slide2_orig.png) Pic02: Presentation Outline [Slide 2]. Recent RVRT-related activities by Local Councils and S2S/RVRT Regional Advocacy are also briefly described [See Pic03 and Pic04], with concerns expressed about the potential lapse of existing 5-year approvals if RVRT construction does not commence soon. [Some illustrative Funding/Construction approaches are also presented in Pic05]. ![Pic03: Recent RVRT‑related activities by Local Councils [Slide 12]. The slide has a dark blue background and is titled “Recent RVRT‑related activities by local Councils:” in yellow text at the top left. On the left side, a bullet‑point list summarises recent actions and concerns related to the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT). The points state that proposed RVRT‑related and Shiraz to Shore (S2S) shared pathways have been included in updated strategic plans during 2025, alongside other local cross‑connector pathways. The list notes positive steps toward resolving outstanding land acquisition issues within the Newcastle and Cessnock local government areas. Another bullet highlights that the current 5‑year Newcastle approval, DA 2020/00641, will lapse in December 2026 if construction has not commenced. The final bullet explains that the City of Newcastle is currently focused on delivering two routes, Minmi to Minmi Junction and Fletcher to Minmi Junction, with an arrowed note indicating a target of late June 2026 for completion of detailed design and investigation documentation, followed by initiation of the construction tender process. The right side of the slide contains an annotated aerial photograph of a semi‑rural landscape showing grassy corridors, bushland, and nearby residential areas. Overlaid labels identify Fletcher, Minmi, Minmi Junction, and Orange Grove Platform, with a directional label pointing “To Kurri Kurri.” A dotted yellow line marks the proposed RVRT alignment, and orange square markers indicate pathway or boardwalk sections. Blue arrows and text label “Proposed Initial RVRT Segments for Construction”, with distances shown as approximately 800 metres and 2.0 kilometres, visually illustrating the scale and sequence of the planned works. Together, the text and map illustrate City of Newcastle’s planned course of action during 2026, while reinforcing ongoing concerns about timing and approval expiry if construction does not commence before December 2026. The words “RVRT Supporters’ Group” appear near the bottom of the slide as attribution.](/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/pic03-slide12_orig.png) Pic03: Recent RVRT-related activities by Local Councils [Slide 12] – While there have been some positive signs during the past 12 months, we continue to have concerns about the Current 5-year RVRT-related Newcastle Approval (DA 2020/00641), which lapses in December 2026 if construction has not commenced. This image illustrates City of Newcastle’s planned course of action during 2026. ![Pic04: Recent Advocacy by Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils (Hunter JO) [Slide 20]. The slide has a dark blue background and presents recent advocacy activities led by the Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils in support of the Shiraz to Shore (S2S) Cycle Trail. On the left side of the slide, a bulleted text section titled “Recent Advocacy by Hunter JO has focused on” outlines key advocacy themes. The bullets state that Hunter JO advocacy emphasises diversification of the Hunter’s economy, including housing and growth, tourism and transport, and resilience and sustainability. The text explains that S2S benefits are framed largely from a cycle tourism perspective, described as an “iconic hero experience” designed to attract high‑value cycle tourists. A further bullet highlights a positive return on S2S investment, with an estimated 230,000 users. Additional bullets note that S2S advocacy remains a priority in Hunter JO’s Strategic Plan 2035, and that recent pre‑budget submissions to the NSW and Federal Governments, dated December 2025 and January 2026, include requests for $23 million to fund the ‘Shiraz’ section of S2S, supporting the 2028 Bicentennial of Commercial Wine Growing. On the right side of the slide, several overlapping document images are displayed at an angle, visually representing advocacy materials. These include Hunter JO publications and submissions, such as strategic planning documents and pre‑budget submission covers, featuring branding, charts, icons, and headings related to regional strategy, investment, and cycle tourism. One prominent image shows a photograph of a long, elevated wooden boardwalk through a rural or vineyard landscape, visually reinforcing the cycle tourism theme. Other documents display infographic‑style layouts with headings, monetary figures, and outcome summaries. The arrangement of the documents suggests active, multi‑channel advocacy across strategic planning and government funding processes. The slide visually reinforces that S2S advocacy remains an ongoing priority for Hunter JO, with a particular focus on funding the Shiraz section to align with the 2028 bicentennial milestone. The text “RVRT Supporters’ Group” appears at the bottom of the slide as attribution.](/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/pic04-slide20_orig.png) Pic04: Recent Advocacy by Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils (Hunter JO) [Slide 20] - S2S Advocacy remains a priority in Hunter JO’s Strategic Plan 2035. Additionally, their recent Pre-Budget Submissions to the NSW & Federal Governments (Dec. 2025, Jan. 2026) include requests for $23m to fund the ‘Shiraz’ S2S section - supporting the 2028 Bicentennial of Commercial Wine Growing. ![Pic05: Illustrative Funding / Construction Approaches [Slide 22]. The slide has a dark blue background and is titled “Illustrative Funding / Construction Approaches” in large yellow text at the top right. On the left side of the slide, a series of bullet points explains the purpose and selection of proposed project sections. The text states that four potential composite Shiraz to Shore (S2S) and Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) sub‑sections, totalling 18 kilometres, have been identified as priorities for finalised design and construction funding. These would be delivered in combination with a previously identified 13‑kilometre Premier RVRT sub‑section. The bullets note that the four sub‑sections are distributed across Cessnock and Newcastle local government areas, with two sub‑sections in each. Additional bullets explain that sub‑sections labelled A to D are sufficiently small and self‑contained to be suitable candidates for stand‑alone grant applications, and that they were selected on pragmatic and achievability grounds. The text also highlights that these sections were chosen to demonstrate the diversity of S2S and RVRT linkages and benefits. The right side of the slide contains a detailed, annotated map diagram set within a white border. The diagram shows a stylised, linear route map of the composite S2S and RVRT shared pathway, oriented diagonally across the slide. The map includes labelled trail segments, distances in kilometres, junction points, and connecting paths. Several red circles mark four prioritised sub‑sections labelled A, B, C, and D, visually distinguishing them from the rest of the route. A highlighted section identifies the Premier RVRT segment from Wallis Creek to Lenaghans Drive, shown as approximately 13 kilometres. Explanatory text boxes on the map describe the intent as seeking funding for design and construction of prioritised self‑contained S2S/RVRT sub‑sections, in combination with the Premier RVRT section. The overall mapped corridor is labelled “Composite 120km Shiraz to Shore & RVRT Shared Pathway (S2S/RVRT)”. A note indicates the image is rotated slightly for layout purposes. The map footer includes the attribution “RVRT Supporters’ Group, January 2026.” Together, the text and map visually explain how four discrete, achievable S2S/RVRT sub‑sections totalling 18 kilometres could be prioritised for funding and construction, alongside the 13‑kilometre Premier RVRT section, as an illustrative and pragmatic approach to staged project delivery.](/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/pic05-slide22_orig.png) Pic05: Illustrative Funding/Construction Approaches [Slide 22] – Here are four potential Composite S2S/RVRT sub-sections (totaling 18km) that could be prioritised for finalised design & construction funding – in combination with the 13km Premier RVRT sub-section identified previously. These sub-sections were chosen on pragmatic (and achievability) grounds and because they highlight the diversity of S2S/RVRT linkages & benefits. Second half of presentation considers potential ‘Directions & Strategies’ [See Pic06 to Pic08]. Approx. 40% of the Composite pathway already exists. The Trail’s Benefits are multi-layered [See Pic06], with Regional, Local and Personal Elements, including: recreational, economic, health, liveability and active transport benefits; and promotion of the Hunter Region as a premier cycle tourism destination. Some key planning/funding Considerations & Opportunities [see Pic06] include: beneficial for a broad range of user groups; long-life assets; provides backbone for other pathways and enhancements; opportunities along its full length, and to blend planning with complementary initiatives (e.g., housing estates, sporting facilities & urban renewal). ![Pic06: Overall Benefits, Considerations and Opportunities [Slides 35-38]. The image is a four‑panel montage of presentation slides set against a dark blue background, collectively titled “Overall Benefits, Considerations and Opportunities.” Each panel presents text‑based content framed with thin borders, using yellow headings and white body text, and together they summarise the established benefits, key considerations, and future opportunities associated with the composite Shiraz to Shore (S2S) and Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) shared pathway. The top‑left panel, titled “Overall Benefits (Multi‑layered – Regional, Local and Personal)”, explains that completing the S2S and RVRT as connected local shared pathways will deliver valuable and cost‑effective region‑wide recreational resources for residents and visitors. The text highlights economic development opportunities through tourism, particularly by promoting the Hunter Region as a premier cycle tourism destination. It also emphasises showcasing the region’s natural beauty, landscapes and attractions, linking existing infrastructure, and delivering benefits directly to local communities, families and businesses. Additional listed benefits include improved community access and connection, health, lifestyle and liveability improvements, environmental and cultural heritage appreciation, enhanced cycling safety, active transport and commuting benefits, and reduced reliance on private vehicles. The top‑right panel, titled “Considerations,” outlines factors to be addressed in planning and delivery. These include ensuring that composite S2S and RVRT investments bring cost‑effective, multi‑layered regional benefits to a broad range of users, including residents, commuters and visitors. The text notes that the project does not start from scratch, as some sections already exist, but stresses the importance of quality regional trail‑scale design, acknowledging that trails of this nature are long‑life assets expected to generate benefits for decades. It also references the interconnected nature of the cycling, tourism, health and social outcomes associated with the network. The bottom‑left panel, titled “Considerations (Continued),” focuses on governance, delivery and balance. It notes outstanding opportunities along the full length of the composite S2S and RVRT route, including through urban, regional and rural settings. The text highlights the need to balance visitor tourism and recreation benefits with the needs and amenity of local communities. It also emphasises the importance of careful design and connection of other shared pathways into the composite backbone, and notes that the four participating councils will have primary responsibility for final design, construction, integration, operation and maintenance, with an emphasis on achieving quality outcomes while minimising long‑term maintenance costs. The bottom‑right panel, titled “Opportunities,” outlines forward‑looking directions. It highlights the potential to blend trail planning, construction and upgrades with other complementary local initiatives where alignment exists. The panel references several external timeframes and events that could be leveraged, including anticipated regional developments, major infrastructure milestones, and celebratory events such as the 2028 Bicentennial of Commercial Wine Growing. The text also points to capitalising on the Hunter Region’s strengths, natural beauty and attractions, including parklands, conservation areas, vineyard landscapes and tourism assets, to maximise the value and impact of the composite S2S and RVRT network. Collectively, the four panels communicate that the overall benefits of the composite S2S/RVRT are well established, and that pursuing coordinated planning, staged construction, and alignment with wider initiatives and regional strengths represents a worthwhile and strategic direction. The RVRT Supporters’ Group attribution appears at the bottom of the slides.](/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/pic06-benefits-considerations-opportunities-montage_orig.jpg) Pic06: Overall Benefits, Considerations and Opportunities [Slides 35-38] – The Composite S2S/RVRT’s likely Overall Benefits are well established. Blending trail planning, construction and upgrades with other initiatives, and capitalising on external timeframes and events, as well as the Hunter Region’s strengths, natural beauty and attractions, all seem to be worthwhile directions to pursue. Clear Challenges [see Pic07] include: obtaining funding for timely construction; being ‘shovel ready’; ensuring full and integrated cross-regional development; and retention in regional priorities lists. Strategies outlined [see Pic07] include: establishment of regional advisory committee; promotion and periodic re-assessment; identification of potential representative self-contained sub-sections, plus concurrent funding for Premier 13km historic rail trail section through the Sugarloaf Range [see Pic05]. ![Pic07: Challenges and Strategies [Slides 40-43]. The image is a four‑panel montage of presentation slides displayed on a dark blue background, collectively titled “Challenges and Strategies.” The panels are arranged in a two‑by‑two grid, with yellow section headings and white body text, and together they outline key challenges facing the composite Shiraz to Shore (S2S) and Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) project, along with proposed strategic responses. The top‑left panel, titled “Challenges,” identifies major obstacles to progress. The first and most prominent challenge listed is that obtaining funding for timely trail construction continues to be the biggest challenge. Supporting text notes the scale of funding required and the difficulty of securing coordinated investment across multiple councils and jurisdictions. A further highlighted challenge is the potential lapse of existing 5‑year RVRT‑related Development Consents during 2026, which are described as hard‑fought approvals that may expire if construction does not commence in time. Additional points reference the complexity of coordinating funding from a variety of programs and agencies, and the risk that delays could undermine momentum built to date. The panel also notes that beginning some construction would act as a stimulus for subsequent planning and grant applications by councils. The top‑right panel, titled “Challenges (continued),” expands on these issues. It states that there is a need to ensure the S2S and RVRT remain high priorities in regional, state and local plans and funding programs. The text emphasises the importance of advocacy to demonstrate that a fully integrated S2S/RVRT network is in everyone’s interest. Additional bullets highlight the challenge of accessing multiple plans and programs across different government levels and sectors, and the need to align active transport, tourism, health, and regional development objectives. The panel concludes that achieving desired community outcomes within a reasonable timeframe will require strong and ongoing support from community members and a broad range of agencies. The bottom‑left panel, titled “Strategies,” presents proposed responses to the identified challenges. One strategy is the establishment of an active, prospective regional S2S/RVRT advisory committee, intended to support advocacy, coordination and shared decision‑making across councils. Another strategy focuses on taking a pragmatic, staged approach, including initiating construction of 20 kilometres or more of new S2S/RVRT sections as early as possible, alongside the previously identified 18‑kilometre composite sub‑sections and the 13‑kilometre Premier RVRT section. The panel also references the importance of pursuing complementary funding sources and removing barriers to progress, such as land, approvals, and delivery sequencing issues. The bottom‑right panel, titled “Strategies (continued),” further develops these responses. It emphasises maintaining momentum through incremental construction, continued advocacy, and community engagement. The text highlights the role of high‑quality trail outcomes in demonstrating value, attracting further investment, and building long‑term support. It also notes that progressing visible, usable trail sections can help stimulate broader interest in the Hunter Region as a cycle tourism destination and reinforce the case for future funding. A note at the bottom of the panel references bonus material, indicating that extracts from related YouTube videos are included at the end of the presentation. Collectively, the four panels communicate that while funding delays and the possible lapse of 2026 development consents are pressing concerns, a combination of strong advocacy, staged delivery, coordinated governance, and pragmatic funding strategies offers a pathway to maintaining progress on the composite S2S/RVRT project. The RVRT Supporters’ Group attribution appears at the bottom of the slides.](/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/pic07-challenges-strategies-montage_orig.jpg) Pic07: Challenges and Strategies [Slides 40-43] - Obtaining funding for timely trail construction continues to be a serious challenge. The potential lapse of some of the existing hard-fought-for 5-year RVRT-related Development Consents during 2026 is also a pressing concern. Requested Actions [see Pic08] include: commencement of RVRT construction (to avoid DA lapses); improved local S2S/RVRT co-ordination; targeted advocacy linked to the March 2027 NSW State Election; and increased ongoing funding for Local Councils, Hunter JO and Other Agencies supporting development of trails, cycleways and greenways. ![Pic08: Requested Actions [Slide 44]. The slide has a dark blue background and is titled “Requested Actions”, with a subtitle indicating “Commitments & Direct Support” from multiple stakeholders. The heading specifies that the requested actions are directed toward local councils, state and federal governments, associated organisations and agencies, and are supported through advocacy and engagement from elected representatives, the Hunter Joint Organisation, local businesses, community groups, RVRT Supporters’ Group, and Hunter residents. The main body of the slide consists of a vertically arranged bullet‑point list, with key phrases highlighted in yellow and supporting explanatory text in white. The first bullet calls for stakeholders to take necessary steps to ensure existing RVRT consents do not lapse, with a specific emphasis on ensuring that at least one self‑contained RVRT section is constructed as soon as possible. This point reinforces urgency in maintaining previously secured development approvals. The second bullet advocates for improved local Shiraz to Shore (S2S) and Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) coordination, with the stated aim of ensuring the trail network is integrated, valued, and ultimately completed across jurisdictions. The third bullet highlights the next NSW State Election, scheduled for 13 March 2027, and calls for seeking support and specific commitments from political parties and candidates. These commitments are to align with individual councils’ and the Hunter Joint Organisation’s plans for S2S and RVRT design, funding, construction, and strategic planning. The fourth bullet seeks increased ongoing funding support for local councils and the Hunter Joint Organisation, particularly through state and federal grants and targeted programs. The slide specifies that these programs should facilitate more rapid delivery of approved and proposed community‑building infrastructure projects, including recreational facilities, active transport, tourism infrastructure, open space, and trails or cycleways. The final bullet calls for increased funding and support for other agencies that contribute to the development of trails, cycleways and greenways. Examples listed include NSW Parks, regional development and tourism bodies, and community groups such as cycling, walking, running and rail‑trail organisations. At the bottom of the slide, the attribution “RVRT Supporters’ Group” is displayed. Overall, the slide presents a coordinated set of practical and policy‑focused actions, intended to mobilise all levels of government and relevant agencies to maintain momentum, secure funding, and deliver the composite S2S and RVRT trail network.](/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/pic08-slide44_orig.png) Pic08: Requested Actions [Slide 44] - Here are some proposed Actions for all layers of government and relevant Agencies & Groups to consider. Further Information about Full YouTube Version of Presentation: https://youtu.be/x02tcNhvyOo (20 Min. + 3 Min. of Bonus Material). Depending on your familiarity with the Composite S2S/RVRT, you may want to skip some sections – For example, to Skip the Background sections and Start at the West to East Snapshot, please begin around the 10:24 Minute Mark; or to Skip to the Challenges, Strategies and Requested Actions, please begin around the 16:11 Minute Mark [Hint: You can Click on the Chapter Starting Points within the YouTube Description]. 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)
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