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Call for Support: Please “Have Your Say”
and Help make the RVRT a Reality!

Cessnock City Council Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT): Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for Western Trail Section (“Stockrington to Kurri Kurri”) is Now On Public Exhibition - Your Support is Needed!

You are receiving this special newsletter as you were involved in or attended the Active Transport: The Richmond Vale Rail Trail Conference and "Towards The Richmond Vale Rail Trail" Book Launch in 2017 (was it really 5 years ago?)

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Now you're caught up,
Alec Roberts

We Need to Demonstrate Strong Community Support for the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT)

RVRT – Western Section “Stockrington to Kurri Kurri” Lake Macquarie & Cessnock LGAs

The Western Section of the RVRT crosses two LGAs - Lake Macquarie LGA: 2.7km; and Cessnock LGA: 14.4km. The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for this trail section is currently On Public Exhibition by Cessnock City Council, on behalf of both Councils (who will then undertake their own approvals processes). The REF presents Concept Design Plans, key trail features and benefits, environmental assessments and potential mitigation measures.

Exhibition period ends: 5.00pm, Sunday July 3rd, 2022

Below you can generate a sample email - Please ensure you edit this to include your name and contact details (suburb/town) and update it to make it your own. A copy of these sample emails is provided in the newsletter below.

Generate Sample Email 1 (General)...

Generate Sample Email 2 (Cyclist)...

Basic Trail Characteristics

Overall Trail: The 32km RVRT (40km with connections) will be a continuous off-road shared pathway running from Shortland (near the Hunter Wetlands Centre) to Kurri Kurri (Log of Knowledge Park).

Western Section Features: This 17km RVRT section will typically have a 3m wide flexible sealed pavement and run along the former Richmond Vale railway alignment. The current proposal includes: restoration and repair of three historic brick railway tunnels; new bridges at Surveyors Creek (15m two-span) & Wallis Creek (70m single-span); four local road crossings; and provision for new car parks and other amenities. Importantly, initial development approval for this section will add to previous approvals within Newcastle LGA, helping to facilitate integrated trail development across the region.

How You Can Help

Please “Have Your Say” and show your support for the RVRT by sending a brief email/letter to The General Manager, Cessnock City Council. Your comments should be titled: “Richmond Vale Rail Trail REF”. Email: recreation@cessnock.nsw.gov.au; Post: PO Box 152, Cessnock NSW 2325; or In Person (62-78 Vincent Street, Cessnock NSW 2325). These can include personal, community group, and organisational submissions.

Everyone is encouraged to send emails/letters supporting the RVRT (regardless of where you live). A detailed submission isn’t necessary. All contributions are valued and appreciated.

Draw on your own personal knowledge and experiences, based on the current documentation and/or what you already know about the RVRT or similar community pathways elsewhere (e.g., as a cyclist, walker, bird watcher, fun-runner, wheelchair user, Fernleigh Track consumer, etc).
▪ The Possible Talking Points and Sample Brief Emails below are provided only as a guide.
▪ Focus on what is most important and/or relevant to you and, preferably, use your own words.
▪ Please clearly indicate your overall support for the RVRT.
▪ Areas that you might like to mention include: What the RVRT means to you and your family (personally); likely RVRT-related benefits for your local area and the Hunter Region; future local & regional opportunities arising from the RVRT; and any specific suggestions that you have (relating to the Lake Macquarie & Cessnock section or the whole trail) – please try to be constructive

Need more information:

1) Link to RVRT Supporters’ Group Recent Facebook Post or to our Home Webpage.
2) Direct link to Council’s “Have Your Say” page (N.B. This is not a Submissions Portal).

If you have trouble accessing any of this material, please go to the Resources page on our RVRT website: https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/resources.html

Thank You

Video taken by Simon Mapstone for the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment as part of the research for the book "Towards the Richmond Vale Rail Trail" and for research and planning purposes for the development of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail as an Active Transport corridor. Watch on YouTube here...

Possible Talking Points to Consider:

The RVRT...
Health and Lifestyle Benefits
… promotes active lifestyles, which will have positive physical and mental health benefits;
… will benefit a broad range of users, across all age groups;
… encourages locals and visitors to actively explore an array of Hunter Valley landscapes and attractions;

Community Access and Connection Benefits
… provides a safe, pleasant pathway between communities;
… thoughtfully considers users with reduced mobility;
… strengthens Hunter recreational opportunities and promotes connections between metropolitan and rural communities;
… will foster precinct development and a mixture of cycling and other activities for families (encouraging return visits);

Cycling-specific Benefits
… increases safety via alternatives to road network usage;
… facilitates daily bicycle commuting, reducing emissions and road congestion;
… will promote increased recreational cycling by casual riders, as well as those who enjoy a longer group ride;
… will improve the Hunter’s image as an active lifestyle and cycling destination;
… will add to the other dedicated local cycleways (e.g., Fernleigh & Tramway Tracks), encouraging multi-day regional cycling visits;
… will expand the Australian rail trail network, which already contributes positively to many communities;

Environmental and Heritage Benefits
… improves accessibility to a host of environmental attractions adjacent to the RVRT (e.g., coastal wetlands, nature reserves, and national parks);
… includes well-constructed bridges and boardwalks;
… promotes biodiversity and habitat protection (through education, specialised groups and community participation);
… increases access to local environmental, cultural and heritage features, promoting community appreciation (including indigenous, mining and rail heritage);
… minimises potential negative impacts on the local environment, by using previously cleared
areas;

Economic, Tourism and Other Regional Benefits
… is clearly cost effective (BCR = 2.4), so the sooner we build it, the better;
… will support local businesses and new initiatives (e.g., trail side coffee shops, bike hire, fun-runs, guided walks);
… will further stimulate local economic growth and diversity;
… will provide the spine for future regional network connections (e.g., to the Newcastle Cyclesafe Network, BGH Regional Park, other Maitland and Cessnock trails).

Sample Brief Emails to Council:

Sample Email 1 (General)
To: The General Manager, Cessnock City Council (recreation@cessnock.nsw.gov.au)
From: Name and Basic Contact Information
Re: Richmond Vale Rail Trail REF

Attn. The General Manager, Cessnock City Council
Re: Richmond Vale Rail Trail REF

I strongly support current plans outlined in the REF for the 17km western section of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail.

In particular, my family looks forward to being able to actively explore new areas in the Lower Hunter,
including beautiful bushland settings and historic railway tunnels.

The RVRT will benefit cyclists, walkers and runners, promote healthy active lifestyles, and provide
safer off-road connections between communities.

The RVRT is long overdue and approval for this western section by Lake Macquarie and Cessnock Councils is critical. I also call on the local Councils to actively pursue funding to construct the trail.

Sincerely,
XxxxxxxYOUR NAME
YOUR BASIC CONTACT INFORMATION

Generate Sample Email 1 (General)... (Please edit this to include your name and contact details - suburb/town and update it to make it your own)

Sample Email 2 (Cyclist)

To: The General Manager, Cessnock City Council (recreation@cessnock.nsw.gov.au)
From: Name and Basic Contact Information
Re: Richmond Vale Rail Trail REF

Attn. The General Manager, Cessnock City Council
Re: Richmond Vale Rail Trail REF

I strongly support current plans outlined in the REF for the 17km western section of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail.

As a cyclist, I can’t wait to ride both the eastern and western sections of the RVRT, which will provide an off-road round trip exceeding 50-60km. Safety is one of my main concerns. So, having a major new trail that is totally separated from cars is exactly what I want in my local area.

The RVRT will also benefit a broad range of other user groups, promote healthier lifestyles, attract cycling groups to the area, and encourage local Hunter businesses and tourism initiatives.

Approval for this 17km western section by Lake Macquarie and Cessnock Councils is critical and I strongly support the current plans outlined in the REF. I would also like to encourage the local Councils to seek trail funding as soon as possible and to commence trail construction.

Regards,
Xxxxxxx

Generate Sample Email 2 (Cyclist)... (Please edit this to include your name and contact details suburb/town and update it to make it your own)