Community input invited into the Draft O’Keefe Rail Trail Plan 2024

The City of Greater Bendigo (COGB) Council is now inviting the wider community to provide feedback and further comment on the Draft O’Keefe Rail Trail Plan 2024.  The drive for this plan was identified as a key action of the COGB’s Walk, Cycle Greater Bendigo Strategy. The plan was prepared by Community Vibe Consultants and is now available to download at https://letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/okeefe-rail-trail-plan

The COGB has shown great financial commitment and ongoing management of the 49km popular trail that commences at Bendigo and finishes at Heathcote.  The recent flooding in the area again impacted the trail and the COGB were very quick in responding to clearing trees and repairing damaged sections of the trail.

In January 2024 the draft plan has been released with the intention of finalising the report to go to Council in June 2024 for final endorsement.  Community comment is now invited until March 22, 2024 and can be done so by completing a short survey on the website.

What is pleasing to note within the plan there is the clear and positive acknowledgement of the Friends of the Bendigo Kilmore Rail Trail Group (FBKRT).  The plan identifies the active and responsive voluntary support provided by the FBKRT to the COGB and the willingness to enter a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties.  The MOU will formalise the important relationship and will provide greater clarity of the roles and responsibilities of both the COGB and FBKRT.

In summary the plan covers an overview of the trail, vision and proposed outcomes of the plan, governance and management, growing participation, promotion, activation, supporting business growth, infrastructure development, maintenance/service standards, risk management, signage and prioritised projects.

Community engagement in developing the plan included over 22 participants in key stakeholder meetings including the FBKRT, as well as 7 submissions, 4 tourism submissions and 290 community survey responses.

The Vision for the trail is “The O’Keefe Rail Trail is the first choice for local residents and visitors to actively explore the unique features and natural environment of the Greater Bendigo region.  The plan identifies that there is a need for a strong emphasis on safety, risk management, positive benefits – health and economic, initiatives in partnership, increase usage, sustainable practice and inclusiveness.

The plan outlines the types of things that could be introduced that will help the experience more enjoyable and user friendly.  These include rest stops, wayfinding, amenities, events, interpretative signage, public art, ride loops and public transport.  The plan also looks at ways to encourage, support and attract current and potential business to connect with the trail.  A marketing plan and budget to allow for a website, maps, brochures, itineraries and presence on traditional and social media was also suggested.  The plan also provides detailed information on how the trail can align with the COGB’s Public Space Plan in regards to infrastructure, the COGB’s Road Management Plan in regards to proactive maintenance and the COGB’s Risk Management Policy/ISO standards in regards to risk management of the trail.  A signage audit is also recommended and the plan refers to utilising the Rail Trails Australia Signage for Development for Rail Trails.

The last section of the plan outlines a long list of high, medium and low prioritised projects for the trail.  The list is a combination of the highest priorities of the FBKRT, key stakeholders and the broader community.  The next stage of the community consultation will further fine tune the list.  The COGB is clear that not all can be achieved with the current resources available.

Congratulations to the City of Greater Bendigo for their ongoing commitment to deliver a high standard trail, their responsiveness in the maintenance of the trail and their vision for the future of increased activation and usage.  And massive congratulations to the Friends of the Bendigo Kilmore Rail Trail Group for working in partnership to refine the plan, as well as their ongoing voluntary support of the trail and advocacy for further developments.