Alpine Shire Council adopted their Tracks and Trails Master Plan 2025-2034 at the ordinary council meeting held on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
The plan was developed in consultation with Alpine Shire communities and received 227 contributions over two engagement periods, which took place between June 2024 and January 2026.
The adopted plan outlines four strategic outcomes, which aim to develop an integrated and coordinated approach to trail planning and management, create a quality, safe, and sustainable network of trails, ensure that trail information is well-promoted, consistent, and reliable, and enhance community, tourism, and economic development.
Cr Nicholas said that the detail in the plan puts Council in a better position to apply for external funding opportunities, as it clearly identifies specific actions alongside priority timeframes, key partners, and approximate costings.
"We needed a strategy that not only addressed pressures on our existing tracks and trails, but also identified missing connections so that we can look towards new opportunities that promote sustainable trail use for both residents and visitors," she said.
"It's terrific that we now have a plan that will help to guide how we prioritise and invest in our tracks and trails to create a connected and resilient network."
Implementation of the plan will be delivered in stages over time, depending on availability of funding and assessment of ongoing operational and maintenance cost.
Cr Nicholas thanked every person who contributed to the development of the plan, noting that their contributions helped to identify some of the key tracks, trails, and signage that are now listed as items for action, particularly in and around the main townships of Myrtleford, Porepunkah, Bright, and Mount Beauty.
"One of the main messages that we heard across both engagement periods was that we need to prioritise the maintenance of our existing trails to ensure that they are safe for users of appropriate ages and abilities," she said.
"This also ties into other feedback around improving the connectivity between our existing trails, making sure that our signage is consistent and legible, and protecting environmentally sensitive areas from erosion and overuse.
"It is important that our tracks and trails remain accessible and sustainable so that they can continue to support our businesses, the tourism economy, and the wellbeing of our communities."
The four strategic outcomes outlined in the plan include:
- Integrated planning and management: underpinning a sustainable, integrated, and accessible trails network is a strategic framework and coordinated approach with prioritised investment and appropriate allocation of resources
- Quality, safe, and sustainable network of trails: existing trails are improved and new trails are created to offer high-quality, safe, and sustainable experiences for residents and visitors, catering to a variety of interests and abilities
- Information and marketing: well-promoted, consistent, and reliable trail information encourages recreational trail users to Alpine Shire and to safely and sustainably explore the region's natural areas and attractions
- Community, tourism, and economic development: trails play a vital role in enhancing the Shire's community value, tourism, and economic growth
The Tracks and Trails Master Plan 2025-2034 can be viewed online on Council's website by visiting https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/building-business/strategic-planning/strategic-planning-projects/alpine-shire-tracks-and-trails