The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting the community to comment on a draft O'Keefe Rail Trail Plan to guide the ongoing development, management and promotion of the 49 kilometre trail, which runs from Bendigo to Heathcote.
The O'Keefe Rail Trail is one of Greater Bendigo's primary nature-based attractions for both local residents, and visitors to the region for walking, cycling, trail running and horse riding in some sections.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said significant infrastructure and investment to develop the O'Keefe Rail Trail into what it is today, has already taken place and the draft plan aims to build on this to ensure that the trail can achieve its full potential as a sustainable recreational and tourist trail into the future.
"The draft plan outlines some key actions to improve the way the rail trail is governed, managed, maintained, promoted, funded, activated and evaluated," said Cr Metcalf.
"The recommendations and content of the draft plan will help create clarity with the City and the O'Keefe Rail Trail's key stakeholders, and reaffirm the City's commitment to working with the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail group.
"Having a plan will ensure that a clear, proactive and planned approach is taken to the ongoing development and management of the O'Keefe Rail Trail to help promote increased usage by local residents and visitors to the region."
Key actions and elements of the draft Plan include:
- Improving amenities along the Rail Trail (toilets, drinking fountains, wayfinding signage and seating)
- Improving safety along the Rail Trail (improved road crossings at high traffic areas, reviewing areas of shared use with motor vehicles)
- Ongoing management including detailing how the City will manage and maintain the Rail Trail along with confirming a commitment to continued working with the Friends of the Bendigo Kilmore Rail Trail (FBKRT)
- Ongoing marketing and promotion of the Rail Trail
- Defining level of infrastructure and maintenance service standards to help clearly define the expectations for the Rail Trail.
