Goulburn River Trail 

In 2020 a group known as Goulburn River Trails Group prepared the Goulburn River Trail Feasibility Study (Feasibility Study) and the Goulburn River Trail Development Report (Development Plan) for the possible development an off-road trail from Shepparton to Murchison, via Mooroopna, Toolamba and Old Toolamba, with a 12km link to Tatura (locally referred to as the Jodie Ridges Trail).

Overall, this Feasibility Study and Development Report generally found that the Goulburn River Trail is feasible from a technical perspective. Existing infrastructure for the majority of the trail is pre-existing on public land through a variety of trails, bush tracks and back roads. 

Context

The Goulburn River Trail seeks to provide a multi-use trail that connects these towns and works with the natural environment of the Goulburn River.

Greater Shepparton City Council is also mindful that the trail network is designed so that it showcases the key attractions of the region, is complimentary to and links with existing trails, and provides a range of tracks catering to all rider ages, abilities, and a wide range of user types.

It is proposed the Goulburn River Trail would generate several benefits for individuals, the wider community, and local businesses, including:

  1. Improving the safety of children and adults when travelling to and from school or work by creating a designated commuter trail.
  2. Providing additional outdoor recreation options, complementary to the existing walking and cycling opportunities in the area, to improve health outcomes for the local population. The additional facilities can also be used by schools or for events.
  3. Creating social connectivity between the townships along the Goulburn River.
  4. Increasing tourism visitation leading to greater business activation, driving economic growth.
  5. Improved environmental protection by allowing users to gain a larger appreciation of natural assets and undertaking regular maintenance or conservation activities 

Current work

Building on the work of the Goulburn River Trails Group in order to better understand the cost and infrastructure requirements of the proposed Goulburn River Trail, Council has commissioned an Exploratory Study to be undertaken to;

  • build on the vision for the Goulburn River Trail created the Goulburn Valley Trails Group (GV Trails Group);
  • provide a more detailed feasibility/business case;
  • provide opportunities for tourists;
  • identification of required permits; and
  • identify all alignment, construction and planning issues before preparing detailed designs and costings.

Next steps

The investigation undertaken in developing the Exploratory Report will provide the foundation to embark on some of the next steps including updated route options, economic appraisal, permit requirements, land leasing arrangements, land management and more detailed cultural and ecological impact assessments.