FAQs

Q. What is the SVC Regional Tacks and Trails Master Plan?

The SVC Regional Tracks and Trails Master Plan will be a high-level strategic planning document that outlines a vision for tracks and trail development across the Snowy Valleys Region.

It will be an aspirational plan – a vision of what the region’s tracks and trails network could look like in the long term with a ten+ year horizon.

It will reflect community ideas and aspirations, land manager input, research on tracks and trail user needs, and best practice planning principles.

Its purpose is to better link the towns and villages across the Region to create a more cohesive and strategic approach to harnessing the opportunities that tracks and trails provide for outdoor recreation and tourism.

Q. Why is Council developing a Regional Tracks and Trails Master Plan?

The Master Plan is being developed to guide decisions about the management of, and investment in, tracks and trails development across the Snowy Valleys.

The Master Plan will also aim to provide a vision of what the tracks and trail network across the Snowy Valleys will look like in the future - for the community, council, land managers and state agencies such as National Parks and Forestry, and the private sector.

Q. How much will it cost and who’s paying for it?

Council has received $270,000 in funding through the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund Stream 2 for the master planning process.

There are no funds allocated in this funding for tracks and trails building or maintenance.

Q. What will the Regional Tracks and Trails Master Plan do?

The Master Plan aims to:

• Create a long-term blueprint for the future
• Provide a clearly outlined program of prioritised trail and track infrastructure development across the Snowy Valleys region over a minimum ten-year period.
• Provide a long-term view that allows for budget and concept planning for future prioritised infrastructure projects.
• Propose prioritised future upgrades to existing tracks and trails
• Purpose new tracks and trails for scoping and further investigation to assist with future funding applications.

Q. What’s involved in creating the Regional Tracks and Trails Master Plan?

The Master planning process will involve

• Economic analysis and market research
• Review of any existing documentation/plans
• Community and stakeholder engagement
• Physical geography review
• Development of an informed and prioritised plan for embracing the recommended key tracks and trail opportunities, including cost estimates and delivery options.

Q. Why do we need a plan, can’t we just start building tracks and trails?

Tracks and trails are expensive to build and maintain. Poorly planned or constructed trails, or unsanctioned trails, can negatively impact on the environment, are difficult to maintain, and provide a poor user experience. Having a well-documented plan demonstrates the broader strategic context to each project which will support future applications for funding to develop the region’s tracks and trails network.

Q. What is a track/trail?

A trail is defined as an established route, path, track or water body that can be used for non-motorised recreation, such as walking, running, cycling, mountain-biking, horse-riding and paddling.

Trails typically have unsealed or natural surfaces and pass-through natural areas, parks, reserves, or urban areas. Trails vary in distance and can be interconnected routes linked and navigated with signage and maps. Trails can be used for commuting, exercise, recreation, conservation, and tourism experiences.

Q. How will the Regional Tracks and Trails Master Plan deal with a priority list of projects?

The Master planning process will allow for community input into track and trail prioritisation and the ability for project scoping and feasibility reviews of existing and future trails to be undertaken.

Some of the tracks and trail proposals that will be described in the plan will be flagged as “Priority Trails”.

These trackes or trail networks will be selected based on their integral nature to achieving the region’s vision of becoming a world-class trails destination. They will be flagged to be incorporated into local and state government planning documents as projects of regional importance that require prioritised funding.

Other trail proposals included in the plan will still be important but will be of lower priority. They provide ‘value-added’ trail experiences for residents and visitors and should be incorporated into local trail plans and implemented as and when funding is available.

Q. How does the community get to be involved and when?

Your local knowledge is integral to the Master planning process.

Council is keen to connect with a variety of community groups and individuals to gain input into the development of the Master Plan.

• ONLINE SURVEY - take our online survey before the 22 May at Surveymonkey.com/r/SVTracksTrails
• COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS – register to attend a workshop – email: admin@tredwell.com.au

1. Tuesday 17th May | Time: 6pm - 7.30pm |Venue: Tumut Boys Club Hall
2. Wednesday 18th May | Time: 6pm- 7.30pm |Venue: Tumbarumba RSL Memorial Hall

• VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS – register to attend an online workshop
  1. Monday 9th May | Time: 6pm - 7.30pm |Platform: Zoom | Register: tinyurl.com/SVCTrailsVirtual1
  2. Tuesday 10th May | Time: 6pm - 7.30pm |Platform: Zoom | Register: tinyurl.com/SVCTrailsVirtual2

Q. When is the Regional Tracks and Trails Master Plan project expected to be finished?

The Master planning process aims to be completed by October 2022 and a Draft Snowy Valleys Regional Tracks and Trails Master Plan will then be presented to the Council in November 2022 for endorsement for public exhibition.

Q. Who can I talk to about this project and where can I find more information?

To discuss the project personally please contact Council’s Coordinator Place Activation, Kayley Dickinson on 1300 275 782 or email info@svc.nsw.gov.au.