Loddon Tracks and Trails Strategy - Loddon Shire Council

Recommendations

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Whilst trail users have indicated that they enjoy: • the natural views • proximity to water • peacefulness • tranquility • lack of traffic along tracks and trails in Loddon Shire • opportunity to see flora and fauna; there are some issues that need to be addressed to improve the tracks and trails network. The audit undertaken as part of the Strategy has identified examples of tracks and trails: • established in isolation of other trails – thereby limiting opportunities for linkages, connections and short self-contained loops • that have obstacles across them such as locked gates – thereby limiting their appeal and use • with limited maintenance – thereby causing rapid deterioration of the track and limited usage in the long term • that have been developed without consulting with the relevant land or water management authority – thereby potentially causing environmental damage • that have been developed in towns without a compact surface – thereby making them inaccessible to people with mobility issues • that have either no name or a series of different names – thereby causing confusion amongst potential trail users • that lack any form of signage or maps – thereby making it very difficult for people to identify where a track starts and ends and whether or not the user is still on the correct trail • state that they are accessible for people with disabilities when in fact they are not – thereby potentially causing injury to trail users • lack any form of supporting infrastructure such as seats, rest stops, picnic areas, etc – thereby making the experience less attractive for potential trail users • that do not provide interpretive signage – thereby limiting the experience of the trail user and reducing opportunities to encourage greater appreciation of the natural and cultural environments As a result of the research undertaken in the development of this Strategy, a number of gaps and opportunities have been identified in Loddon Shire’s current tracks and trails network. Gaps that have been identified include: • Signage is currently inadequate on most trails. There needs to be a trail head sign, directional signage and trail marker signage (signage that reassures you that you are still on the right track) at a minimum on most trails (except for level 5 trails, and to a lesser extent on grade 4 trails). • Consistent names of tracks need to be used on trails and on brochures. Some tracks appear to have up to three names on brochures, but none on the ground. 2
Each trail should be named on brochures and on trail head signage to avoid confusion by users • Some areas designed for people with disabilities do not actually meet regulations. Where access is provided for people of all abilities, it needs to meet current DDA standards. • Confusion regarding the correct route occurs on some trails as the route is not clear. Trails need to be free of hazards and barriers such as locked gates, rocks or branches across paths, etc. • Maintenance levels vary from track to track. There needs to be a greater emphasis on maintaining existing tracks to ensure that the asset is well used and does not deteriorate unnecessarily. • Connections and linkages between trails is limited, as are opportunities for shorter self-contained loops • Lack of trails in areas where people would expect to see or like to see trails. Opportunities that have been identified include: • To develop marketing materials so that both local residents and visitors to the area are aware of existing trails and are encouraged to use them. Promotional tools may include a link on or from Loddon Shire Council’s website with downloadable maps and information, as well as hard copy brochures and a number of other tools • To improve people’s understanding and appreciation of the natural environment and local history by providing interpretive information on trail head signage and on promotional material such as brochures and website. • To provide opportunities for increased physical activity participation by visitors and motorists by instigating a “Stop and Walk” campaign, whereby every recognised rest stop along highways becomes a trail head for a local walk, or at least provides directional signage and information about local walks. • To develop guided or self-guided packaged tours. These tours could incorporate options such as public transport, accommodation, dining and discounts to local attractions. • To develop, facilitate or bid for walking, running, orienteering, mountain biking, cycling, canoeing or horse riding events using existing or future trails. These events could form part of a local festival or be an event in their own right, e.g. World Orienteering Competition. • To develop a local management committee to oversee the Strategy’s implementation. It is recommended that the existing Loddon Shire Council Nature Tourism Committee, which includes representatives from Loddon Shire, nature based tourism groups and Parks Victoria, becomes the committee with this delegated responsibility. The role of this committee is to ensure that all relevant management bodies and organisations meet regularly to discuss issues pertaining to tracks and trails, plan for future developments, implement the recommendations contained within the Tracks and Trails Strategy and evaluate the Strategy. The committee may establish sub-committees as required to broaden its membership or to seek specialist advice. Additional groups may include relevant local management organisations such as community planning groups, Friends of Kooyoora, Department of Sustainability and Environment, VicRoads, relevant water authorities, health organisations, schools, etc. 3
Page 1: Loddon Tracks and Trails Strategy D
Page 4 and 5: Acknowledgements communityvibe, Kle
Page 6 and 7: 8.12 Trail Heads ..................
Page 10 and 11: This Strategy therefore aims to ide
Page 12 and 13: 2.1 Methodology The methodology ado
Page 14 and 15: 2.3 Definitions A range of differen
Page 16 and 17: 2.4 Benefits of Tracks and Trails A
Page 18 and 19: 2.6 The Cost of Not Providing Track
Page 20 and 21: Town Identified Community Needs •
Page 22 and 23: The following graph shows the proje
Page 24 and 25: & Trails may be in excess of 4,264
Page 26 and 27: Accommodation Food & Beverages Tran
Page 28 and 29: 6.0 Tracks and Trails within the Lo
Page 30 and 31: 6.2 Tracks and Trails in Surroundin
Page 32 and 33: BULOKE NORTHERN GRAMPIANS 30 0 30 6
Page 34 and 35: Issue Identified Needs Most importa
Page 36 and 37: Area Trail Provision State and Nati
Page 38 and 39: • Prefer off-road tracks - tracks
Page 40 and 41: • A cleared height of 3.5 metres
Page 42 and 43: 7.6 Potential Partners Numerous org
Page 44 and 45: o Canoeing / kayaking - approximate
Page 46 and 47: Category Example Surface Terrain /
Page 48 and 49: Each of these areas is described in
Page 50 and 51: It is therefore recommended that dr
Page 53 and 54: A hierarchy of different signs type
Page 55 and 56: • Insurance cover must be made av
Page 57 and 58: LSC = Loddon Shire Council COM = Co
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9.5 Gaps and Opportunities Based on
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10.0 Recommendations Based on infor
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No. Town / Area / Issue Strategy Ac
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No. Town / Area Strategy Action Res
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No. Town / Area / Issue Bridgewater
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No. Town / Area / Issue Reservoir T
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No. Town / Area / Issue Laanecoorie
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No. Town / Area / Issue Strategy Ac
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No. Town / Area / Issue Pyramid Hil
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No. Town / Area / Issue TARNAGULLA
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No. Town / Area / Issue Nardoo Trac
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Loddon Tracks and Trails Strategy - Loddon Shire Council

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