27/08/2026
S2S/RVRT Funding Considerations - Revisited: August 2026
[Link to download a copy of this Post: (8-page PDF):https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/facebook_post_-_s2s-rvrt_funding_considerations_-_revisited_-_august_2026.pdf ]
In a Facebook Post from earlier this year [April 27th 2026: It’s Time to Start Constructing the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT)] we noted: “It is also becoming increasingly obvious that local Councils find it very difficult to accumulate, attract or allocate funding for major community-enhancing cross-regional recreational, active transport and/or tourism-oriented projects like the RVRT or the broader Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway. Essentially, we need the State Government to make major funding contributions, with proportionate assistance from Federal sources”.
Similarly, in our July 2026 Newsletter (https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/news/july-2026-newsletter-extracted-topics) we said: “Shorter, localised trail segments that connect established facilities like schools, parks and town centres are likely to be suitable candidates for existing programs (e.g., Get NSW Active), which typically fund short-term (deliverable) projects costing up to $5m”. By comparison, the “… long, non-urban segments of the proposed Composite S2S/RVRT” … “will require targeted funding to help move them forward” – which includes the majority of the outstanding 34km 'Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone' (the middle portion of the S2S/RVRT - see Pic01).
The Federal Government’s expanded Active Transport Fund will make a major contribution in this regard, particularly for shorter, self-contained projects; although smaller, regional Councils may have difficulty meeting the co-contribution requirements.
S2S/RVRT Cost Estimates:
During the last decade, several Planning Reports have provided cost estimates for parts of the RVRT (e.g., Socio-economic Impact Assessments; Environmental Impact Statements; DA and REF Reports; and the 2023-24 S2S Concept Plan and associated documents); however, there is no single up-to-date estimate that can be referenced. We have reviewed all of these documents and applied an Inflation Component (at a cumulative rate of 3% per year) based on the year in which the original estimate was provided. On this basis, a current ballpark estimate for full construction of the RVRT would be around $52m to $58m. The full Composite 120km S2S/RVRT would be expected to cost around $110m, or roughly double the cost of the RVRT on its own.
It is also important to acknowledge that none of the 34km RVRT trail exists at present; on the other hand, the non-RVRT components of the Composite S2S/RVRT comprise approx. 86km, of which approx. 47k already exists [e.g., the Hermitage Road Cycleway, Nulkaba to Cessnock Shared Pathway, Tramway Track and Glendale to Speers Point Shared Pathway, and a mix of pathways between Wallsend and Newcastle City/Beach]. It should also be noted that the remaining funds required for the urban S2S/RVRT components are likely to progressively drop (slightly) over time as local Councils secure grants for small sub-sections or make use of other contributions.
Moreover, as we have noted on several occasions - individual Councils are ultimately responsible for the S2S/RVRT shared pathways within their LGAs, including: route choices; staging, funding and construction strategies; timelines, promotion and maintenance – and, in the latter regard, having sufficient funds to construct a quality trail, as well as an integrated, cross-regional approach, should help to reduce ongoing maintenance costs and optimise the trail’s benefits.
Prioritising S2S/RVRT Sub-sections:
Our Conference-style Presentation from earlier this year (March 2026) included some illustrative approaches to funding the S2S/RVRT (https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/news/updated-presentation-about-composite-s2srvrt-shared-pathway-hunter-valley-nsw-march-2026). Pic02 provides an updated image, with adjusted cost estimates; in this instance, we have used an anticipated base cost per km of $1.5m (for Sub-sections A, B and D) and $2.0m per km for the more complex Sub-sections (C and D), which require either additional structures (e.g., bridges or retaining walls) or will have higher pavement costs.
The four potential self-contained S2S/RVRT sub-sections (A, B, D and E) in Pic02 range from 3km to 6km and could be prioritised for finalised design and construction funding, two each within Cessnock and Newcastle LGAs. These were selected because they are sufficiently small and self-contained to be suitable candidates for standalone grant applications. They were also chosen on pragmatic (and achievability) grounds and because they highlight the diversity of S2S/RVRT linkages and benefits.
Construction of Sub-section A could be tied in with celebrations for the 2028 Bicentennial of Commercial Wine Growing, while construction of Sub-section E will certainly contribute to improved active transport links between Beresfield/Tarro and Newcastle, as well as links to the new M1 Extension. Sub-sections B and D are important community linkage and transition points.
Our RVRT Supporters’ Group members and affiliates have a very strong preference for the initiation of construction within Sub-section C – that is, the middle portion of the RVRT (see Pic02).
Again, as noted in our recent Newsletter:
“The other critical non-urban segment is the historic Premier Sugarloaf Range RVRT section between Stockrington and Wallis Creek in Buchanan (within Cessnock and Lake Macquarie LGAs), which is effectively the ‘jewel in the crown’ for the Composite S2S/RVRT – given its uniqueness, overall attractiveness and tourist-drawing potential (e.g., three brick-lined 1904 railway tunnels; embankments and cuttings; access to several conservation areas; and heritage and educational value)”.
An initial goal (for the non-urban trail segments) would be to find some targeted funding for Sub-section C, or a commitment to design, construct and open the 5km sub-segment between Dog Hole Road and the Tunnel Fire Trail crossing (West of Tunnel #1) [approx. cost $10m] – which is showcased in Pic03, Pic04 and Pic05.
This 5km sub-segment would be: accessible from either end (via public roads – Dog Hole Road and George Booth Drive); relatively straightforward to construct; introduce the public to the beauties of the Stockrington State Conservation Area; and provide an opportunity for a host of agencies to co-operatively work together [including the participating Councils (Cessnock and Lake Macquarie), NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), all tiers of Government, and local businesses and groups]; as well as featuring former railway embankments, cuttings and Tunnel #1, views to the Hunter Expressway, and access to nearby natural features such as Burrenjim Dam and Blue Gum Creek – essentially, an encapsulated version of the Sugarloaf Range segment of the RVRT.
Again, as noted in our July 2026 Newsletter:
“We need a concerted collective effort to secure targeted funding for the ‘Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone’ to both preserve and protect these historic corridors and ensure that the 120km Composite S2S/RVRT becomes a reality”.
Thanks to all of our RVRT and S2S supporters.
Constructive Comments and Feedback Welcome.
Cessnock City Council
Lake Macquarie City Council
City of Newcastle
Hunter Joint Organisation
Dan Repacholi MP
Meryl Swanson MP
Sharon Claydon MP
Pat Conroy MP
Clayton Barr MP, Member for Cessnock
Sonia Hornery MP
Tim Crakanthorp MP
Yasmin Catley MP
Newcastle Cycleways Movement
