Resources:
RVRT Western Section (17+ km within Cessnock & Lake Macquarie LGAs) - Illustrated Likely Points of Interest (July 2023 YouTube Video, 4 Min. 41 Sec.):
RVRT Eastern Section (15+ km within Newcastle LGA) - Illustrated Likely Points of Interest (July 2023 YouTube Video, 5 Min. 52 Sec.):
Suggested Strategic Zones (or Themes) – For characterising broad segments within the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT)
[and ‘Shiraz to Shore’ Hunter Cycle Trail]
By Terry J. Lewin (RVRT Inc. Vice-President - RVRT Supporters’ Group)
Extracted from RVRT Inc. Facebook Post – July 31st 2023:
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid0whK3UCx8dmpVtWCThVTQCKk44wnAUpnznez85LZxKHQ7QAGN4eimUjSY4Ti9hbQHl
View here...
Or download below
Extracted from RVRT Inc. Facebook Post – July 31st 2023:
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid0whK3UCx8dmpVtWCThVTQCKk44wnAUpnznez85LZxKHQ7QAGN4eimUjSY4Ti9hbQHl
View here...
Or download below
| facebook_post_rvrt_suggested_strategic_zones_or_themes_july_31st_2023.pdf |
RVRT Snapshot & Points of Interest – July 2023
by Terry J. Lewin (RVRT Inc. Vice-President - RVRT Supporters’ Group)
Extracted from RVRT Inc. Facebook Post – July 8th 2023:
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid02ty3yq2cQy9Q1fiUvLRqscDd4grg87xpthySxqk4nUVWY5nwNKtCtmestfJ6zjh46l
View here...
Or download below
Extracted from RVRT Inc. Facebook Post – July 8th 2023:
https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid02ty3yq2cQy9Q1fiUvLRqscDd4grg87xpthySxqk4nUVWY5nwNKtCtmestfJ6zjh46l
View here...
Or download below
| facebook_post_rvrt_snapshot_and_points_of_interest_july_8th_2023.pdf |
RVRT-related Minutes Agenda and Enclosure documents CessnockCouncil-Meeting-17-05-2023
| rvrt-related_minutes_agenda_and_enclosure_documents_cessnock_council-meeting-17-05-2023.pdf |
Relevance of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) for
Lake Macquarie Residents and Visitors
| facebook_post_rvrts_relevance_for_lake_macquarie_residents_and_visitors_june_21st_2023.pdf |
Speers Point (Lake Macquarie) to the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT)
– Building on Existing and Proposed Shared Pathways
| facebook_post_speers_point_to_rvrt_shared_pathways_june_12th_2023.pdf |
Extracted from Cessnock City Council webpages: agenda and enclosures (17/05/2023 meeting)
| rvrt-related_agenda_and_enclosure_documents_cessnock_council-meeting-17-05-2023.pdf |
Appreciating the Multi-layered Benefits of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) – at a Local, Regional, and State/National Level (Extract from Facebook Post)
| extract_from_facebook_post_-_appreciating_the_richmond_vale_rail_trails_benefits_-_march_9th_2023.pdf |
Cessnock City Council – Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT): Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for Western Trail Section (“Stockrington to Kurri Kurri”) Now On Public Exhibition (May 12th, 2022)
Overview
The Western Trail section is 17km long and crosses two LGAs - Lake Macquarie LGA: 2.7km; and Cessnock LGA: 14.4km.
Submissions have now closed.
Thankyou to all that provided submissions to Cessnock City Council and Lake Macquarie City Council for the RVRT REF.
Submissions closed: 5:00pm, Sunday July 3rd, 2022.
The Western Trail section is 17km long and crosses two LGAs - Lake Macquarie LGA: 2.7km; and Cessnock LGA: 14.4km.
Submissions have now closed.
Thankyou to all that provided submissions to Cessnock City Council and Lake Macquarie City Council for the RVRT REF.
Submissions closed: 5:00pm, Sunday July 3rd, 2022.
Overall Trail: The 32km RVRT (40km with connections) will be a continuous off-road shared pathway running from Shortland (near the Hunter Wetlands Centre) to Kurri Kurri (Log of Knowledge Park). It will be a multi-purpose trail, supporting a broad range of user groups. The RVRT will also improve access to a host of environmental attractions adjacent to the trail (e.g., Hunter Wetlands National Park, Pambalong Nature Reserve, Stockrington and Werakata State Conservation Areas), as well as providing opportunities for future regional network connections, effectively becoming the spine that links an array of Hunter communities, cycleways and trails.
Western Trail Section Features: This 17km section will typically have a 3m wide flexible sealed pavement and run along the former Richmond Vale railway alignment. The current proposal includes: restoration and repair of three historic brick railway tunnels; new bridges at Surveyors Creek (15m two-span) and Wallis Creek (70m single span); four local road crossings; and provision for new car parks and other amenities. Importantly, initial development approval for this section will add to previous approvals within Newcastle LGA, helping to facilitate integrated trail development across the region.
RVRT Benefits:
The RVRT …
Health and Lifestyle Benefits
… promotes active lifestyles, which will have positive physical and mental health benefits;
… will benefit a broad range of users, across all age groups;
… encourages locals and visitors to actively explore an array of Hunter Valley landscapes and attractions;
Community Access and Connection Benefits
… provides a safe, pleasant pathway between communities;
… thoughtfully considers users with reduced mobility;
… strengthens Hunter recreational opportunities and promotes connections between metropolitan and rural communities;
… will foster precinct development and a mixture of cycling and other activities for families (encouraging return visits);
Cycling-specific Benefits
… increases safety via alternatives to road network usage;
… facilitates daily bicycle commuting, reducing emissions and road congestion;
… will promote increased recreational cycling by casual riders, as well as those who enjoy a longer group ride;
… will improve the Hunter’s image as an active lifestyle and cycling destination;
… will add to the other dedicated local cycleways (e.g., Fernleigh & Tramway Tracks), encouraging multi-day regional cycling visits;
… will expand the Australian rail trail network, which already contributes positively to many communities;
Environmental and Heritage Benefits
… improves accessibility to a host of environmental attractions adjacent to the RVRT (e.g., coastal wetlands, nature reserves, and national parks);
… includes well-constructed bridges and boardwalks;
… promotes biodiversity and habitat protection (through education, specialised groups and community participation);
… increases access to local environmental, cultural and heritage features, promoting community appreciation (including indigenous, mining and rail heritage);
… minimises potential negative impacts on the local environment, by using previously cleared areas;
Economic, Tourism and Other Regional Benefits
… is clearly cost effective (BCR = 2.4), so the sooner we build it, the better;
… will support local businesses and new initiatives (e.g., trail side coffee shops, bike hire, fun-runs, guided walks);
… will further stimulate local economic growth and diversity;
… will provide the spine for future regional network connections (e.g., to the Newcastle Cyclesafe Network, BGH Regional Park, other Maitland and Cessnock trails); and
… has such obvious merits, it should have already been built.
The RVRT …
Health and Lifestyle Benefits
… promotes active lifestyles, which will have positive physical and mental health benefits;
… will benefit a broad range of users, across all age groups;
… encourages locals and visitors to actively explore an array of Hunter Valley landscapes and attractions;
Community Access and Connection Benefits
… provides a safe, pleasant pathway between communities;
… thoughtfully considers users with reduced mobility;
… strengthens Hunter recreational opportunities and promotes connections between metropolitan and rural communities;
… will foster precinct development and a mixture of cycling and other activities for families (encouraging return visits);
Cycling-specific Benefits
… increases safety via alternatives to road network usage;
… facilitates daily bicycle commuting, reducing emissions and road congestion;
… will promote increased recreational cycling by casual riders, as well as those who enjoy a longer group ride;
… will improve the Hunter’s image as an active lifestyle and cycling destination;
… will add to the other dedicated local cycleways (e.g., Fernleigh & Tramway Tracks), encouraging multi-day regional cycling visits;
… will expand the Australian rail trail network, which already contributes positively to many communities;
Environmental and Heritage Benefits
… improves accessibility to a host of environmental attractions adjacent to the RVRT (e.g., coastal wetlands, nature reserves, and national parks);
… includes well-constructed bridges and boardwalks;
… promotes biodiversity and habitat protection (through education, specialised groups and community participation);
… increases access to local environmental, cultural and heritage features, promoting community appreciation (including indigenous, mining and rail heritage);
… minimises potential negative impacts on the local environment, by using previously cleared areas;
Economic, Tourism and Other Regional Benefits
… is clearly cost effective (BCR = 2.4), so the sooner we build it, the better;
… will support local businesses and new initiatives (e.g., trail side coffee shops, bike hire, fun-runs, guided walks);
… will further stimulate local economic growth and diversity;
… will provide the spine for future regional network connections (e.g., to the Newcastle Cyclesafe Network, BGH Regional Park, other Maitland and Cessnock trails); and
… has such obvious merits, it should have already been built.
RVRT Inc Group Submission about REF for Western Section of RVRT - July 2nd 2022
| rvrt_inc_group_submission_about_ref_for_western_section_of_rvrt_-_july_2nd_2022_-_with_contents_page.pdf |
REF Extracted Summaries and Recommendations - RVRT - Stockrington to Kurri Kurri - with Highlighting - April 2022
| ref_extracted_summaries_and_recommendations_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri_-_with_highlighting_-_april_2022.pdf |
For ease of use the documents associated with the REF by Cessnock City Council for the Richmond Vale Rail Trail are contained below.
Works and Infrastructure Report
| doc01_-_works_and_infrastructure_report_wi15-2022_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri.pdf |
Review of Environmental Factors
| doc03_-_ref_sections_1-5_without_appendices_-_wi15-2022_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri.pdf |
| doc04_-_ref_sections_6-10_without_appendices_-_wi15-2022_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri.pdf |
| doc05_-_appendix_a_-_design_drawings_-_wi15-2022_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri_-_ref.pdf |
| doc06_-_appendix_b_-_hydrology_and_hydraulics_-_wi15-2022_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri_-_ref.pdf |
| doc07_-_appendix_c_-_geotechnical_assessment_-_wi15-2022_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri_-_ref.pdf |
| doc08_-_appendix_d_-_phase_1_contaminated_site_assessment_-_wi15-2022_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri_-_ref.pdf |
| doc09_-_appendix_e_-_traffic_and_transport_assessment_-_wi15-2022_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri_-_ref.pdf |
| doc10_-_appendix_f_-_flora_and_fauna_-_wi15-2022_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri_-_ref.pdf |
| doc11_-_appendix_g_-_socio-economic_impact_-_wi15-2022_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri_-_ref.pdf |
| doc12_-_appendix_h_-_visual_impact_-_wi15-2022_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri_-_ref.pdf |
| doc13_-_appendix_i_-_aboriginal_archaeological_survey_-_wi15-2022_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri_-_ref.pdf |
| doc14_-_appendix_j_-_heritage_impact_-_wi15-2022_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri_-_ref.pdf |
| doc15_-_appendix_k_-_strategic_options_and_engineering_heritage_-_wi15-2022_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri_-_ref.pdf |
| figure_3-1_from_ref_-_wi15-2022_-_rvrt_-_stockrington_to_kurri_kurri.pdf |
Please “Have Your Say” and show your ongoing support for the RVRT by making a written submission about the comprehensive Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the Western Trail Section that is currently on exhibition by Cessnock City Council, on behalf of both Councils (who will then undertake their own approvals processes).
Useful Links:
1) Link to RVRT Supporters’ Group “REF Update #1” – which provides: additional trail, planning and REF information; submission guidance; and the Complete REF Document List & Links.
2) [Or, if you would prefer less detail … ] Link to RVRT Supporters’ Group “Basic Submission Information & Possible Talking Points”.
3) Direct link to Council’s “Have Your Say” page about this proposal.
How You Can Help: Everyone is encouraged to send emails/letters supporting the RVRT (regardless of where you live), including personal and organisational submissions. A detailed submission isn’t necessary - All contributions are valued and appreciated. You are also encouraged to tell other people and groups about the current exhibition period.
Draw on your own personal knowledge and experiences, based on the current documentation and/or what you already know about the RVRT or similar community pathways elsewhere (e.g., as a cyclist, walker, bird watcher, fun-runner, wheelchair user, Fernleigh Track consumer, etc).
Written submissions should be titled: “Richmond Vale Rail Trail REF” and addressed to The General Manager - via Email ([email protected] ), Post (PO Box 152, Cessnock NSW 2325), or In Person (62-78 Vincent Street, Cessnock NSW 2325).
Thank You
Useful Links:
1) Link to RVRT Supporters’ Group “REF Update #1” – which provides: additional trail, planning and REF information; submission guidance; and the Complete REF Document List & Links.
2) [Or, if you would prefer less detail … ] Link to RVRT Supporters’ Group “Basic Submission Information & Possible Talking Points”.
3) Direct link to Council’s “Have Your Say” page about this proposal.
How You Can Help: Everyone is encouraged to send emails/letters supporting the RVRT (regardless of where you live), including personal and organisational submissions. A detailed submission isn’t necessary - All contributions are valued and appreciated. You are also encouraged to tell other people and groups about the current exhibition period.
Draw on your own personal knowledge and experiences, based on the current documentation and/or what you already know about the RVRT or similar community pathways elsewhere (e.g., as a cyclist, walker, bird watcher, fun-runner, wheelchair user, Fernleigh Track consumer, etc).
Written submissions should be titled: “Richmond Vale Rail Trail REF” and addressed to The General Manager - via Email ([email protected] ), Post (PO Box 152, Cessnock NSW 2325), or In Person (62-78 Vincent Street, Cessnock NSW 2325).
Thank You
Additional Guidance:
- The Possible Talking Points and Sample Brief Emails below are provided only as a guide.
- Focus on what is most important and/or relevant to you and, preferably, use your own words.
- Please clearly indicate your overall support for the RVRT at the beginning of your submission.
- Areas that you might like to mention include: What the RVRT means to you and your family (personally); likely RVRT-related benefits for your local area and the Hunter Region; future local & regional opportunities arising from the RVRT; and any specific suggestions that you have (relating to the Lake Macquarie & Cessnock section or the whole trail) – please try to be constructive.
Review of Environmental Factors (REF)
On Exhibition Update #1
| rvrt_ref_update1_trail_and_submission_info_and_documents_may_12th_2022.pdf |
Basic Submission Information & Possible Talking Points
| rvrt_basic_ref_submission_info_and_possible_talking_points_may_12th_2022_v2.pdf |
RVRT Western Section On Public Exhibition – A Call for Support (June 2022)
| rvrt_western_section_on_public_exhibition_please_have_your_say_before_5pm_july_3rd_2022_v2.pdf |
Some Sample Brief Emails to Council:
Please show your support for the RVRT and “Have Your Say” by sending a brief email to The General Manager, Cessnock City Council – Email: [email protected]. Your comments should be titled: “Richmond Vale Rail Trail REF”. It is best to use your own words.
Sample Email 1 (General)
To: The General Manager, Cessnock City Council ([email protected])
From: Name and Basic Contact Information
Re: Richmond Vale Rail Trail REF
I strongly support current plans for the 17km western section of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail.
In particular, my family looks forward to being able to actively explore new areas in the Lower Hunter, including beautiful bushland settings and historic railway tunnels.
The RVRT will benefit cyclists, walkers and runners, promote healthy active lifestyles, and provide safer off-road connections between communities.
The RVRT is long overdue and approval for this western section by Lake Macquarie and Cessnock Councils is critical. I also call on the local Councils to actively pursue funding to construct the trail.
Sincerely,
Xxxxxxx
Sample Email 2 (Cyclist)
To: The General Manager, Cessnock City Council ([email protected])
From: Name and Basic Contact Information
Re: Richmond Vale Rail Trail REF
As a cyclist, I can’t wait to ride both the eastern and western sections of the RVRT, which will provide an off-road round trip exceeding 50-60km. Safety is one of my main concerns. So, having a major new trail that is totally separated from cars is exactly what I want in my local area.
The RVRT will also benefit a broad range of other user groups, promote healthier lifestyles, attract cycling groups to the area, and encourage local Hunter businesses and tourism initiatives.
Approval for this 17km western section by Lake Macquarie and Cessnock Councils is critical and I strongly support the current plans outlined in the REF. I would also like to encourage the local Councils to seek trail funding as soon as possible and to commence trail construction.
Regards,
Xxxxxxx
Please show your support for the RVRT and “Have Your Say” by sending a brief email to The General Manager, Cessnock City Council – Email: [email protected]. Your comments should be titled: “Richmond Vale Rail Trail REF”. It is best to use your own words.
Sample Email 1 (General)
To: The General Manager, Cessnock City Council ([email protected])
From: Name and Basic Contact Information
Re: Richmond Vale Rail Trail REF
I strongly support current plans for the 17km western section of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail.
In particular, my family looks forward to being able to actively explore new areas in the Lower Hunter, including beautiful bushland settings and historic railway tunnels.
The RVRT will benefit cyclists, walkers and runners, promote healthy active lifestyles, and provide safer off-road connections between communities.
The RVRT is long overdue and approval for this western section by Lake Macquarie and Cessnock Councils is critical. I also call on the local Councils to actively pursue funding to construct the trail.
Sincerely,
Xxxxxxx
Sample Email 2 (Cyclist)
To: The General Manager, Cessnock City Council ([email protected])
From: Name and Basic Contact Information
Re: Richmond Vale Rail Trail REF
As a cyclist, I can’t wait to ride both the eastern and western sections of the RVRT, which will provide an off-road round trip exceeding 50-60km. Safety is one of my main concerns. So, having a major new trail that is totally separated from cars is exactly what I want in my local area.
The RVRT will also benefit a broad range of other user groups, promote healthier lifestyles, attract cycling groups to the area, and encourage local Hunter businesses and tourism initiatives.
Approval for this 17km western section by Lake Macquarie and Cessnock Councils is critical and I strongly support the current plans outlined in the REF. I would also like to encourage the local Councils to seek trail funding as soon as possible and to commence trail construction.
Regards,
Xxxxxxx
