Richmond Vale Rail Trail

27/08/2026

S2S/RVRT Funding Considerations - Revisited: August 2026

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 and Pic04.

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

25/08/2026

Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) Supporters’ Group – Postcard-based Promotion: August 2026

In preparation for future community events, we have produced a DL sized Postcard which showcases the three distinct zones within the proposed Composite 120km Shiraz to Shore and Richmond Vale Rail Trail (S2S/RVRT) Shared Pathway in the Hunter Valley Region of NSW, Australia; see illustration in Pic01.

Ongoing goals: to increase awareness about the Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway proposal and its benefits; and to help progressively move this proposal forward.

A simplified Stylised Map is shown on the Front of the Postcard (see Pic02), while the Back presents an overview of the trail and the key themes and locations within each zone (see Pic03). Additionally, News Items on our website can be accessed via the QR code on the Postcard.

The Links referred to on the Postcard are listed in the Notes to Pic03. You can also download a Postcard ‘Handout’ containing the contents from this Post and related links (see Pic01).

As illustrated in Pic04, there is an associated YouTube video (3 Min. 41 Sec. Link: https://youtu.be/y4KMahuBcw0 ); and you can read more about the current status of the S2S/RVRT proposal in our July 2026 Newsletter.

Ongoing support for the Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway is required from local communities, businesses and all tiers of government.

Shorter, localised trail segments (e.g., connecting schools, parks and town centres) are likely to be suitable candidates for existing funding programs; however, non-urban trail segments will require targeted funding – which includes the majority of the outstanding ‘Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone’.

Please express your support for the Composite S2S/RVRT in communications with your local Council and Councillors, and with your State and Federal representatives, especially over the next 6 months during the lead up to the NSW Election (March 2027).

You can also show your support by joining (no fees) or following the RVRT Supporters’ Group.

Separate Posts will provide information about the community events that we are attending and S2S/RVRT funding strategies.

Thanks to all of our RVRT and S2S supporters.

RVRT Supporters’ Group Contacts:
E-mail: [email protected] ; Webpage: https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/ .

16/08/2026

M1 Extension Community Open Day - From an RVRT Perspective - Photos from an Afternoon Visit (16/8/2026). Please see the individual images for further information - and the other posts for more images from today. See link to Newy's related Reels Post in Comments to first Picture.

16/08/2026

Some more Shared images from today's M1 Extension Community Open Day ...

16/08/2026

M1 Extension - Community Open Day (16/8/2026): Congratulations to everyone who contributed to making today's event a success - and to all of the workers, planners and agencies that have developed and constructed this massive piece of community infrastructure.

14/08/2026

Save Link Road Forest Petition ...

This shows the stepping stones that remain of the green corridor that once linked Sugarloaf through to Glenrock on the coast. A vital corridor for wildlife including insects, birds and bats, but sadly no longer other animals now cut off by roads and dwellings.

Link Road Forest (574 ha) is the largest of the urban green spaces, and the area to west of it has already been rezoned for housing. The NSW govt is now preparing to rezone Link Road Forest.

It's time for the community to stand up and fight for homes for wildlife. Native habitat of this size is an asset for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Lower Hunter, and once it's gone, we can never get it back.

Our epetition to the upper house of the NSW parliament closes today. This is one way you can add your voice to demonstrate collectively to the government that we don't want housing here. It's already more importantly, providing homes for wildlife.

The link is in our bio and on our website https://linkroadforest.com/

31/07/2026

Congratulations to Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) for developing an iconic trail and for your ongoing engagement with local communities and the many new and returning visitors to the area ...

22/07/2026

Our July 2026 RVRT Supporters' Group Newsletter in 5 Pictures:

The 5 pairs of pages in this Post should make it easier for you to quickly scan through the July 2026 Newsletter to decide what you want to know more about.

The Nine Keynote Dot Points that were covered in our earlier Post (July 19th 2026) are now marked with red text labels in the Newsletter; these are the issues that we feel have more immediate relevance for advancing the Composite S2S/RVRT proposal and its advocacy - and which you might like to discuss with your friends, colleagues and local elected representatives.

Link to Download the full (10-page PDF, 3.3Mb) Newsletter:https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/rvrt_supporters_group_newsletter_july_2026.pdf

Link to the current News items (and Archive) on our webpages: https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/news

19/07/2026

Some Extracted Topics from our July 2026 Newsletter (18/7/2026):

Pic01 presents a Montage of the 10 pages in our RVRT Supporters’ Group July 2026 Newsletter. Link to Download the full Newsletter:https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/rvrt_supporters_group_newsletter_july_2026.pdf

Once again, this Newsletter has a few simple goals: to increase awareness about the Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway proposal and its benefits; to provide an update about recent and ongoing activities, strategies and concerns; and to help progressively move this proposal forward. Each topic contains a set of labelled dot points, so you can skim through the Newsletter to find what interests you.

Please note: Only 9 of the 22 dot points are presented in this Post - those that have more immediate relevance for advancing the Composite S2S/RVRT proposal and its advocacy. See Pic02 for the full list of Topics and Dot Points discussed in the Newsletter.

History & Proposed Route – A Quick Recap:

 Revised Route Map: The Newsletter banner image (see Pic03) presents a Stylised Map of the Revised Proposed Composite 120km S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway, featuring three Zones, the Core Route (Sections S1 to S7, S2a and S6a) from Wine Country to the Shores of Newcastle Harbour/Beach and Lake Macquarie, and the remainder of the RVRT (Section S5a). The associated Table presents an LGA Breakdown of the currently proposed route (see Pic04), showing: key locations, approx. distances and overlap with the RVRT. Almost 80% of the route falls within Cessnock and Newcastle LGAs, with approx. a 20km overlap between the RVRT and Core S2S sections (between Kurri Kurri and Fletcher).

Proposed route adjustments to date have mainly been within Cessnock LGA [e.g., preferring a straight pathway along Broke Road (i.e., removing the proposed Halls Road & DeBeyers Road segment); and making the primary route from Nulkaba to Abermain via Cessnock CBD (with the originally proposed gravel pathway via Werekata National Park as a secondary pathway – see Section S2a on the Stylised Map).

 Minmi to Shortland RVRT Section: We continue to argue strongly for full, integrated S2S/RVRT development, funding and construction, including the 14.7km (Non-core S2S) section within Newcastle LGA labelled as S5a - which facilitates access to growing communities (Minmi, Beresfield/Tarro, and Shortland), potential future connections to Beresfield station, and a range of experiences/facilities (e.g., Blue Gum Hills Regional Park; and Hunter Wetlands Centre and National Park), as well as providing the best construction access for nearby sections.

The Tarro to Shortland sub-section will also provide an invaluable future active transport link, facilitating safe off-road connections to Newcastle, as well as providing a direct link to the new M1 Extension (see Pic05) - for usage by experienced cyclists travelling between Newcastle, Maitland and Raymond Terrace.

Council Activities and Plans:

 LGA Responsibility: Most of the approved route within the ‘Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone’ falls within former railway and pipeline corridors. However, more broadly, the individual Councils are ultimately responsible for the S2S route choices within their LGAs, as well as staging, funding and construction strategies, timelines, promotion and maintenance of those segments. Optimising usage of existing and planned pathways is a key consideration, especially those linking local schools, facilities and attractions, and/or associated with recent Masterplans or proposed upgrades (e.g., Broadmeadow Place Strategy; proposed Creek Road Sports precinct at Maryland; historic Federal Park at Wallsend; Central Sports facility and Margaret Johns Park in Kurri Kurri).

See Pic06 for Cover Images from City of Newcastle’s and Cessnock City Council’s (June 2026) Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2026/2027. Links to current IP&R documents: Newcastle – https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about-us/our-responsibilities/integrated-planning-and-reporting; Cessnock – https://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/Council/Integrated-planning-and-reporting.

 City of Newcastle’s Operational Plan for 2026-27: Over the next 12 months, City of Newcastle plans to spend approx. $128.5m in capital works, including $4.3m on cycleways projects, $7.6m on footpath and pedestrian access and mobility projects, and $29m on road renewal and road upgrades. The RVRT was specifically mentioned in the Capital Works Program Figure (showing Major Projects over $1m, on Pages 92-93) and within the Cycleways items (on Pages 150-151), with ‘Delivery’ related activities flagged during each of the remaining financial years of the current Council term. In both sections of the Operational Plan, the relevant item was identified as: "Shared path connections, Minmi and Fletcher - Richmond Vale Rail Trail".

Council also needs to commence construction of one segment of the RVRT before the end of this year (to activate DA2020/00641 within the 5-year approval window). In all likelihood, and based on the recent Staging Plan Modification application (MA2026/01169), this will involve construction of a short segment within King Trail in Shortland - as this is a relatively straightforward RVRT segment (e.g., accessible, flat, and with a single owner, Hunter Water Corporation) and because compliance with the 100 (modified) Conditions of Consent will be easier in this location. As this will involve associated road works, drainage, parking spaces and so on, it can be viewed, in the overall scheme of things, as preparing for two of the three ends of Section S5a - in conjunction with Stage 2 of the proposed Woodford Street Minmi infrastructure improvements (https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about-us/news-and-updates/projects-and-works/roads-bridges/woodford-street,-minmi-road-infrastructure-improvements).

 Cessnock City Council’s Operational Plan for 2026-27: Cessnock City Council’s budgets are relatively constrained at present, as they seek to improve their financial sustainability and to deal with a ‘growing structural operating deficit’ and the ‘ageing condition of many Council assets’. Approx. $74.3m in capital works is planned for 2026-27, $60.8m of which is assigned to roads (including extensive grant-funded upgrades to Wollombi Road). While no capital works funds have been directly allocated to the S2S/RVRT this year, Council planners and staff continue to move these initiatives forward (e.g., design, consultation, reporting, grant application activities). A recently added Operational Plan Action also reflects this – (‘Move’) Objective/Strategy 4.1.2: “In conjunction with adjoining Councils, Hunter Joint Organisation and Transport for NSW, pursue State and Federal grant funding opportunities as they arise to continue with concept designs for active walking and cycling trails such as Shiraz to Shore and the Richmond Vale Rail Trail”. Cessnock City Council has also been relatively successful in obtaining grant funds for shared pathways from programs such as Get NSW Active, which will assist with progressive S2S development, in conjunction with key interconnectors (e.g., completion of 5.3km of shared pathways from Bridges Hill Park to Wine Country Drive in Nulkaba).

 Composite S2S/RVRT Proposal and Route Needs a Heightened Level of Council Endorsement, Promotion and Reporting: The timing of Hunter JO's public launch of the suite of documents associated with the S2S Concept Plan (August 2024) was probably a little unfortunate – as all of the NSW Council terms were coming to an end (with elections held on September 14th 2024); so, there was limited scope at that time for related Council endorsements or displays of support. Across the participating Councils, relatively large sections of the Composite S2S/RVRT either already exist (approx. 40+%) or are effectively ready for construction – about which members of the public would be largely unaware.

As we approach the second anniversary of the S2S’s launch (by Hunter JO) … Local Councils need to commit to actively working together to refine, promote, progressively develop and regularly report on the Composite S2S/RVRT Shared Pathway and its interconnectors; for example, by way of complementary Council Resolutions, Mayoral Minutes, etc. Far from being an additional burden, this largely represents an opportunity to showcase, upgrade (refresh) and co-badge cycleway and walking corridors that exist or are already planned [e.g., the long-standing R5 (Newcastle City to Wallsend) and R6 (Newcastle City to University) Regional Cycleways Routes; interconnectors with the Fernleigh and Tramway Tracks); shared pathways leading to Cessnock CBD].

Multi-layered Perspectives & Opportunities:

 Regional Co-operation, Co-ordination and Advocacy: To achieve the desired local and regional outcomes (within a reasonable timeframe), we need strong and ongoing support and advocacy from community members and a broad range of agencies. Several Hunter-based groups have already begun their Advocacy Campaigns in the lead up to the next NSW Election (March 2027), including Hunter JO and Local Councils. These activities include media releases and discussions with our State and Federal elected representatives (and Ministers and Shadow Ministers). Where possible, we need to support and amplify these advocacy efforts.

From our Group’s perspective, it also still makes sense to establish an active cross-regional S2S/RVRT advisory group (or similar), to improve overall S2S/RVRT co-ordination, monitoring and reporting and ensure that the trail is integrated (within and across LGAs), valued, appropriately staged, and progressively completed and promoted – multiple-agency involvement should include: Local Councils and Community Groups, Hunter JO, Business Groups, NPWS and Transport for NSW.

Targeted Funding Required for Non-urban Segments:

 Funding and construction approaches: Clearly, as a long-term cross-regional project, the Composite S2S/RVRT will require a mixture of planning, funding and construction strategies, as well as ongoing co-ordination and integration efforts. [Additionally, having Councils compete against one another for funding is potentially a very wasteful approach for such projects].

 Distinguishing between Segments suitable for Progressive Construction and those Requiring Targeted Funding: 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. Similarly, newer housing and commercial areas are likely to include shared pathways as a development requirement and/or be obliged to provide developer contributions to local Councils for a range of community infrastructure.

Beyond that, it is becoming increasingly difficult for local Councils to accumulate, attract or allocate funding for major recreational trails, active transport, cross-regional and/or tourism-oriented projects. Essentially, we need the State Government to make major funding contributions for such projects, with proportionate assistance from Federal sources.

In simplistic terms, it is the long, non-urban segments of the proposed Composite S2S/RVRT that will require targeted funding to help move them forward – which includes Sections S1 and S2a within the ‘Wine Country & Heritage Zone’ and the majority of the ‘Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone’ (see Map and Sample Images in Pic07, Pic08 and Pic09). With regards to the first of these, Hunter JO’s recent Pre-Budget Submissions to the NSW and Federal Governments (Dec. 2025, Jan. 2026) included requests for $23m to partially fund the ‘Shiraz’ section of the S2S (potentially supporting the 2028 Bicentennial of Commercial Wine Growing in Australia).

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). 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.

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

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...