Richmond Vale Rail Trail

09/10/2026

Moving the Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway Forward within the Paterson and Surrounding Electorates:

Yesterday (8/10/2026), our RVRT Supporters’ Group President, Terry Lewin, had a good catch-up meeting with Meryl Swanson, Federal MP for the Paterson Electorate, at her Mobile Office in Maitland Central Shopping Centre (see Pic01). Meryl is a long-standing supporter and advocate for the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) and, more recently, for the proposed broader 120km Composite Shiraz to Shore and RVRT Shared Pathway (S2S/RVRT).

As illustrated in Pic02, 14km of the Composite S2S/RVRT sits within the Paterson Electorate, half of which falls along the common electoral boundary with the Newcastle Federal Electorate (from Pambalong Nature Reserve in Lenaghan to Hexham Junction). Interestingly, this “Tunnel #1 to Tarro” section of the Composite S2S/RVRT actually provides an excellent ‘taster’ for the whole trail – as it features former water pipeline and railway corridors, urban and non-urban elements, wetlands and conservation areas, an historic tunnel, and opportunities for both off-road and on-road cycling connections, including a direct interface with the recently opened M1 Extension.

Among the topics discussed yesterday were: opportunities to move the Shortland to Tarro RVRT Segment forward through applications to the Federal Active Transport Fund (ATF) (see Pic03); and the benefits of seeking targeted finalised design and construction funding for short, accessible non-urban sub-segments within the Premier Sugarloaf Range RVRT Section – in this instance, for the proposed 4.4km C-1 sub-segment from Dog Hole Road (Stockrington) to the Western side of Tunnel #1 (Seahampton) (see Pic04).

Please see our recent Facebook Posts and Blog-Posts for further details and discussion about funding strategies and associated opportunities (Link to News section on our webpage: https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/news).

It is also important to acknowledge that a ‘substantial collective and ongoing effort’ will be required to help make the Composite S2S/RVRT a reality – from the participating Councils, agencies such as Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), all tiers of Government, and local businesses and community groups.

Thanks again to all of our RVRT and S2S supporters.

Meryl Swanson MP
Sharon Claydon MP
Dan Repacholi MP
Pat Conroy MP
City of Newcastle
Cessnock City Council
Lake Macquarie City Council
Sonia Hornery MP
Clayton Barr MP, Member for Cessnock
Tim Crakanthorp MP
Hunter Joint Organisation

07/10/2026

Showcasing the Non-urban RVRT Sub-segment (C-1) Featuring Tunnel #1 – Some Panorama Extracts:

Our recent Posts have highlighted the need for targeted funding approaches for the non-urban trail segments.

We have also recommended two relatively short, non-urban sub-segments (C-1 and C-2, totalling approx. 9.4km) within the historic Premier Sugarloaf Range RVRT Section, which could be prioritised for finalised design and construction funding.

[Link to download a copy of our earlier Post: (13-page PDF): https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/facebook_post_-_rvrt_non-urban_sub-sections_-_funding_suggestions_-_september_2026_-_with_appendix.pdf].

Proposed sub-segment C-1 is an accessible 4.4km RVRT section between Dog Hole Road (Stockrington) and the Tunnel Fire Trail Crossing (West of Tunnel #1, Seahampton). This sub-segment sits fully within Stockrington State Conservation Area [managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)] and falls across two Council areas (Cessnock LGA: 2.6km; Lake Macquarie LGA: 1.8km).

Pic01 summarises the main features of the proposed C-1 RVRT sub-segment and provides additional location information. Pic02 to Pic14 provide sub-segment C-1 related extracted images from Spherical Panoramas taken by Bill Landenberger during the last few years, including four images from drone-based panoramas during the past month (Pic07, Pic08, Pic11 and Pic13). These images are presented in approx. trail order from North-East (Stockrington) to South-West (Seahampton).

Hopefully, these wonderful images further improve everyone’s knowledge about the trail and enhance appreciation of its beauty and benefits – whilst adding weight to the need for construction ASAP.

We would also like to take this opportunity to again congratulate and thank Bill Landenberger for producing this series of panoramas and for allowing us to extract images to promote the proposed Composite RVRT and Shiraz to Shore Shared Pathway (see Pic15 for further information and a link to Bill’s 360 cities account).

Thanks also to all of our RVRT and S2S supporters.

27/09/2026

Another Successful Spring Festival Open Day at the Hunter Wetlands Centre (September 27th 2026). Congratulations and Thanks to Everyone who Supported this Event - Especially, all of the Volunteers - and our own Band of Volunteers at the RVRT Supporters' Group Marquee.

26/09/2026

Progressing the RVRT Shortland to Tarro Section – September 2026:

[Link to download a copy of this Post: (13-page PDF): https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/facebook_post_-_progressing_the_rvrt_shortland_to_tarro_section_-_september_2026.pdf]

Our recent Posts have highlighted the need for different funding approaches for different sections of the proposed Composite Shiraz to Shore and Richmond Vale Rail Trail (S2S/RVRT) Shared Pathway – influenced by location (e.g., urban versus non-urban; coastal wetlands versus open forest or ranges), accessibility and complexity (e.g., proximity to roads and other trails; self-contained versus isolated; need for major structures), and potential funding sources (e.g., contributions through Councils; existing external recreational and active transport programs; special purpose or targeted funds).

Pic01 and the accompanying note illustrate some of the S2S/RVRT sub-sections that could be prioritised for finalised design and construction funding, to progressively move the overall trail forward.

The focus of the current Post is on the whole of the RVRT Shortland to Tarro Section (which largely follows the former water pipeline corridor), as well as encouraging local Councils, agencies like Transport for NSW and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and all tiers of government to seize the opportunity to co-operate with each other to advance this unique trail segment.

There are three immediate prompts for this current request/suggestion:
• City of Newcastle is about to start initial work on RVRT-related construction at the trailhead in Shortland (see Pic05);
• The Pacific Motorway (M1) Extension between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace is now open, so there are cyclist connection opportunities and on-road cycling routes that are now accessible (including links between Maitland and Raymond Terrace; see text and images in Pic08); and,
• Across the full Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway, the RVRT Shortland to Tarro Section is the most appropriate candidate for funding through the Federal Government’s expanded Active Transport Fund (ATF), given the program’s criteria (see Pic09).

Applications for the second tranche of the ATF are about to close (September 30th 2026); moreover, there is only one tranche per year – so, it’s time for all of the relevant agencies and groups to get their acts together to prepare a comprehensive application for submission during the next tranche (mid-to-late 2027). [A joint application by City of Newcastle and Transport for NSW would also be a very positive approach].

The remaining material in this Post is partly a reminder or refresher about what the Tarro to Shortland RVRT segment actually has to offer, as well as a guide to some of the planning and operational matters that still need to be addressed.

A considerable effort went into route, structures, amenities, environmental protection, pavement, safety and mitigation choices and measures prior to the major approval that was granted in December 2021 (DA2020/00641, PPSHCC-55) – with appropriate adjustments to the material presented in the Original RVRT Environmental Impact Statement from April 2019 (see Pic02 and Pic03), including provision of separated pathways in steeper sections (to improve safety) and provision of Disabled Parking closer to Ironbark Creek (see Pic05).

Notwithstanding, the Hexham Junction to Tarro sub-segment does not have formal approvals in place at present, and NPWS and City of Newcastle need to finalise arrangements for the sub-segment through Hunter Wetlands National Park (HWNP) that is covered by an existing Plan of Management. City of Newcastle also needs to incorporate findings from the Shortland and Tarro active transport project that was undertaken in 2023.

Three relatively major structures are required within the Shortland to Tarro Section – at Ironbark and Fishery Creeks (see Pic06) and a new Tarro Overpass Bridge (Option 1B) adjacent to the existing road overbridge into Anderson Drive (within sub-section E – see Pic01). An attractive Boardwalk is also proposed on both approaches to the Fishery Creek Bridge, together with suitable Observational and Rest Points elsewhere along the trail. Improved public access to HWNP will be a major bonus for local community members and visitors, given the wetland’s natural beauty, history and conservation value (see Pic04 and Pic07).

And, of course, it is important to emphasise that On-connections to local communities, Regional Routes within the Cycling Network, and Strategic Cycleway Corridors need to be part of the planning mix from the start and progressively developed and enhanced (see illustrated links in Pic10 and Pic11).

Thanks to all of our RVRT and S2S supporters.

19/09/2026

Congratulations to Lake Macquarie City Council on Another Successful Living Smart Festival (September 19th 2026, Speers Point Park).

Pictured are the CLEANaS Team (Clean Energy Association of Newcastle and Surrounds) with their popular stationary bike and electricity generation demonstration (and challenge).

Alec Roberts, who is also a Committee Member for the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) Supporters' Group, managed to divide his time between CLEANaS activities and advocating for development of the proposed Composite 120km Shiraz to Shore (S2S) and RVRT Shared Pathway from W**e Country to the Shores of Newcastle Harbour/Beach and Lake Macquarie. Thank You Alec and the CLEANaS Team!

Next Sunday (September 27th) the RVRT Supporters' Group Volunteers will have a marquee at the Spring Festival at the Hunter Wetlands Centre. We hope to see you there!

Lake Macquarie City Council

15/09/2026

RVRT Non-urban Segments – Some Funding Suggestions – September 2026:

[Link to download a copy of this Post: (13-page PDF): https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/facebook_post_-_rvrt_non-urban_sub-sections_-_funding_suggestions_-_september_2026_-_with_appendix.pdf]

In a recent Facebook Post [August 28th 2026: S2S/RVRT Funding Considerations - Revisited] we highlighted the need for different funding approaches for the longer, more isolated, non-urban trail segments (for which special purpose, targeted funding will almost certainly be required), compared with the shorter, self-contained and largely urban S2S/RVRT sub-sections (which are suitable candidates for existing recreational and active transport programs) [Link to Post: https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/posts/pfbid02YPvNqxHfkq4p6bwDrc5ZgfPH54dZvDzmmuNkU7orkfytMJnZLAEFuwRy6rrfzxMgl].

At that time, we identified four potential self-contained S2S/RVRT sub-sections (labelled A, B, D and E) that could be prioritised for finalised design and construction funding [which you can also read about on our News page - https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/news/s2srvrt-funding-considerations-revisited-august-2026]. They ranged in length from 3km to 6km, with approx. costs between $6m and $9m (totalling $28.5m). Two of the urban sub-sections [B: S2S/RVRT Midpoint in Kurri Kurri; and D: Fletcher/Minmi Key Transition & Construction Point] would be prime candidates for community connection focussed funding programs such as Get NSW Active. Sub-section A (a non-urban 5km W**e Country S2S segment) could attract tourism and related regional transition funding, while sub-section E (Beresfield/Tarro Connection) and the whole of the 7.5km Shortland to Tarro segment definitely meets the criteria for the Federal Government’s expanded Active Transport Fund [e.g., a self-contained bicycle or walking pathway that is ‘on or associated with a public road’ – in this instance, the New England Highway (Maitland Road) and the recently upgraded ‘Hexham Straight’].

The current Post is primarily about the non-urban, historic and magnificent Premier Sugarloaf Range RVRT Section (between Lenaghans Drive and Wallis Creek in Buchanan, which we have tagged as sub-section C). It is time to start moving on preserving, protecting, constructing and promoting this critical RVRT corridor, which sits largely within the Stockrington State Conservation Area.

Proposed Non-urban Sub-segments to Prioritise:
While it would be preferable to seek and secure funding for construction of the whole of the RVRT, or alternatively for the full 13km Premier Sugarloaf Range RVRT Section, the reality is that piecemeal but progressive construction of accessible non-urban sub-segments is a more achievable goal.

In considering which non-urban RVRT sub-segments to prioritise, we were mindful of several factors:
1) Uniqueness and Attractiveness, including Key Features (e.g., historic tunnels, cuttings and embankments) and Proximity to Other Nearby Attractions (e.g., creeks; dams; conservation areas; open spaces; and heritage engagement/promotion opportunities);
2) Accessibility (e.g., for both construction and operation, including distance to nearby public roads or trails) and Ease and Cost of Construction (e.g., relatively flat; no major structures required, or utilities or crossings to negotiate; manageable safety and fencing requirements); and
3) Absence of Other Constraints (e.g., existing or pending concept-level approvals; outside of Coastal Wetlands segments; no outstanding land ownership or acquisition issues).

The two accessible non-urban RVRT sub-segments that we are recommending (C-1 and C-2, totalling approx. 9.4km) are marked on the extracted Stylised Map of the ‘Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone’ in Pic01. This image also identifies the parts of the RVRT (brown line) that received concept-level approval in December 2021 [Eastern Section, Sections S5 and S5a, within Newcastle LGA (DA2020/00641)] or May 2023 [Review of Environmental Factors, REF, for Western section (Section S4), within Cessnock LGA].

The unmarked portion in sub-section C (no brown line) is the 2.7km segment within Lake Macquarie LGA, which includes Tunnel #1 and Tunnel #2. Notwithstanding, the REF also covered the Lake Macquarie LGA segment; moreover, it is our understanding that Lake Macquarie City Council will undertake the required internal approvals processes when construction is scheduled. So, both of the proposed RVRT sub-segments (C-1 and C-2) contain a short Lake Macquarie LGA section (approx. 1.8km & 0.9km respectively) and have a larger segment in Cessnock LGA (approx. 2.6km & 4.1km respectively).

The Modified REF General Arrangement Map in Pic02 further illustrates the location of the recommended sub-segments, together with the Tunnels and best Access Points. See Pic04 for recent photos of these Road Access Points (4/9/2026), which currently have locked gates.

The left-hand column of the Table in Pic03 summarises the main features of the 4.4km Proposed C-1 Sub-segment between Dog Hole Road (Stockrington) and the Tunnel Fire Trail Crossing (West of Tunnel #1, Seahampton). Pic05 presents an overview of the C-1 route, while Pic06 and Pic07 showcase the natural and man-made beauty within that area.

Likewise, the right-hand column of the Table in Pic03 summarises the main features of the 5km Proposed C-2 Sub-segment between the Tunnel Fire Trail Crossing (Seahampton) and the Hunter Expressway Construction Access Road (Buchanan). Pic08 presents an overview of the C-2 route, while Pic09 showcases its history and beauty, including some extracted drone images from Bill Landenberger.

We are not suggesting that construction of these sub-segments will be all ‘smooth sailing’; as, no doubt, some unexpected issues will arise and there are 44 Conditions associated with the REF Approval that need to be addressed. On the other hand, it does provide a good opportunity for a host of agencies to demonstrate that they can co-operatively work together [including the participating Councils (Cessnock and Lake Macquarie) and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)]; as well as an opportunity for a concerted collective effort by all tiers of Government, and local businesses and community groups, to support and promote an initiative with demonstrable long-term community and regional benefits.

Hopefully, construction of one accessible, attractive and comparatively straightforward (but otherwise difficult to fund) non-urban RVRT sub-segment within the Sugarloaf Range will, in effect, be a self-sustaining strategy (as users get to experience first-hand the iconic nature of this Hunter Valley trail) – providing a solid stimulus for subsequent grant applications and construction activities by local Councils.

Thanks to all of our RVRT and S2S supporters.

Cessnock City Council
Lake Macquarie City Council
City of Newcastle
Hunter Joint Organisation
Newcastle Cycleways Movement
Clayton Barr MP, Member for Cessnock
Sonia Hornery MP
Tim Crakanthorp MP
Yasmin Catley MP
Meryl Swanson MP
Dan Repacholi MP
Sharon Claydon MP
Pat Conroy MP
Bicycle NSW
Rail Trails for NSW
Rail Trails Australia

15/09/2026

Construction of the next stage of the Jesmond Cycleway Project is now underway … Apart from the local recreational and active transport benefits, this new pathway will improve linkages to Wallsend and the University … and, in the longer-term, contribute to the success of cross-regional projects such as the Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway. Congratulations to City of Newcastle and to the NSW Government for helping to fund this initiative (through the Get NSW Active program).
https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about-us/news-and-updates/latest-news/city-of-newcastle-rolling-out-active-transport-improvements-in-jesmond #

Construction of almost one kilometre of shared pathway is about to begin in Jesmond to help make it easier to walk and ride safely in the suburb. @

11/09/2026

Marquee Practice and Spring Festival Reminder (September 2026):

It has been a while since we used our RVRT Marquee, so we needed a quick refresher about how to efficiently set it up - and, just as importantly, how to get it back into the bag! Thanks to Prue and Paul for hosting yesterday's get-together.

Reminder: This year’s family-friendly Spring Festival Open Day at the magnificent Hunter Wetlands Centre is on the last Sunday in September (27/9/2026) and everyone is invited to attend - Free entry and "... plenty of things to do and see for visitors of all ages” .

Please also come and say ‘Hello’ to our wonderful volunteers at the RVRT Supporters’ Group Marquee (Stall).

09/09/2026

Thanks Meryl ... You have been a strong advocate for infrastructure improvements and the RVRT ...

22/05/2026

Congratulations (again) to We Ride Australia, Bicycle NSW and all of the other groups who advocated for increased Federal spending on Active Transport. The 'front-loaded' and COAG-based nature of these allocations means that there is approx. $11.2m for NSW during the 2026-27 year (Budget Paper No. 3) ... So, City of Newcastle and other Hunter Councils need to get moving if they hope to secure some of this funding for their Walking and Cycling initiatives.
City of Newcastle
Lake Macquarie City Council
Cessnock City Council
Maitland City Council
Newcastle Cycleways Movement

Budget update 22 May 2026 Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King is changing the game for walking and cycling and...