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The Toowoomba Region Trails Network Strategy 2016 (TRTNS) has been developed following detailed community consultation, investigation and auditing of the existing trails network, review of current gaps and identification of future demands and opportunities. The TRTNS provides a framework for the future strategic direction and development of recreation trails across the Toowoomba region and will ensure a consistent approach to planning, managing and implementing a network of recreation trails. The TRTNS is a series of key documents encompassing Volume 1 – The Strategy, Volume II – Background information, Volume III – Existing Trails Audit, Volume IV – Consultation.
The Strategy (Volume I) includes an overview of a 5 year implementation plan to enhance the region’s recreational trails. It details desired key outcomes for the trails network and highlights the detailed strategies required to achieve the desired outcomes. Short, medium and long term strategies and actions are identified and reviewed.
The other supporting volumes of the Strategy are available by request.
Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) engaged Tredwell Management Services to develop a Toowoomba Region Trails Network Strategy to investigate, audit and provide a framework for the future strategic direction of trails across the Toowoomba region.
The Strategy provides a clear and comprehensive plan for the establishment of an integrated network of trails that promotes the use and values of quality and connected infrastructure. The establishment and improvements of the trails network will respect key values of environment and heritage.
As an outcome of the Strategy, Council will have a trail network that:
More information including the detail of this strategy, please refer to the Toowoomba Region Trails Network Strategy 2016 - Volume 1 - The Strategy (PDF for print) in 'related documents' area below.
Included here are some extracts from page 55 of Volume 1.
The following strategic approach to the delivery of a trails network across the region is proposed, principally based around recognising existing areas that offer a significant number of existing trails, are known areas of significant trail use or areas of significant future growth that will require additional trail provision. The Key Trail Activity Areas are:
Extract from page 63...
Strategy A1: Focus available resources at key existing trails and identified Key Trail Activity Areas (refer Figure 14), including the Bicentennial National Trail (national-level trail) and Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (regional-level trail).
Rationale: In the shorter term, trail development focuses on the Key Trail Activity Areas, enhancing linkages between existing trails within these areas and the key existing trails of the Bicentennial National Trail and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
Priority: HIGH
Extract from page 65...
Strategy A2: Enhance and develop the existing trails and support infrastructure within Jubilee Park, and promote as an integral part of a wider trail network
Rationale: Jubilee park currently offers a range of trail experiences including multi-use trails and the region’s only recognised network of single track mountain bike trails. Additional trail infrastructure is required to service the current users of this park, including upgraded facilities at Bridge Street, which will also service users of Redwood Park, and potentially any new use for the quarry site. The re-naming and assigning/identification of a purpose for individual trails, plus the installation of additional interpretation will assist in clarifying the nature of the trails within Jubilee Park. The mountain bike trail network crosses other trails at multiple locations and it recommended that additional signage is installed at key location to highlight these locations.
Priority: MEDIUM
Strategy A3: Enhance and develop the existing trails and support infrastructure within Redwood Park, and promote as an integral part of a wider trail network.
Rationale: Improving connectivity to and circulation around Redwood Park will build on the successes of recently completed projects around the trailhead adjacent to Warrego Highway, including infrastructure upgrades and the Rainforest Circuit. The challenging terrain of Redwood Parks means that relatively few people would likely tackle many of the longer trail loops that are currently available; the reinstatement of Fern Tree Gully Circuit would provide a shorter but still challenging loop trail experience.
Extract from page 67...
Strategy A4: Enhance and develop the existing trails and support infrastructure within Picnic Point Park, and promote as an integral part of a wider trail network.
Rationale: Picnic Point Park is a key attraction and destination within the region, offering excellent facilities, access to the escarpment and stunning views over Mount Table Top and the surrounding landscape. As such, trail infrastructure should be progressively upgraded and maintained to high standards. As with the other escarpment parks, improving connectivity within and into the park will be a priority.
Extract from page 69...
Strategy A5: Enhance and develop the existing trails and support infrastructure within JE Duggan Park, and promote as an integral part of a wider trail network.
Rationale: JE Duggan Park benefits from several short walks around a relatively small area of notable environmental value. Of note are localised areas of relatively flat land (rare within the escarpment parks network) that offer the potential to establish trails with universal access, and provide accessibility for all trail users. This trail network is currently isolated from the other trails networks along the escarpment and would benefit from upgraded infrastructure.
Extract from page 70...
Strategy A6: Enhance and develop the existing trails and support infrastructure within Glen Lomond Park, and promote as an integral part of a wider trail network.
Rationale: Hell Hole Track is a well-known destination within the local community, with a large grassed clearing at the end of the track. However existing trail signage is confusing in terms defining overall distance, and the ultimate destination is far from clear on the ground, with a second track leading off from the grassed clearing and continuing downhill. This second track eventually to end halfway down the escarpment, with no clear route through, although it is understood that locals are aware of an informal route that leads down to Upper Flagstaff Creek Road.
Extract from page 71...
Strategy A7: Clarify Mount Table Top as a site of significance to the local Aboriginal communities, by providing sufficient information for visitors to make informed and respectful choices regarding accessing the summit of Mount Table Top and completing the Mount Table Top Walk; and based on the condition/standard of the track.
Rationale: Mount Table Top is an important site for the local Aboriginal community. As an area of cultural significance it is recognised in the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register and is protected under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003. There is the view by many, that climbing to the summit is not to be encouraged. At the same time, Mount Table Top is also well-known feature of the region and popular with the local community and visitors to the region. Currently the informal track is not actively promoted, nor managed/ maintained by Council, resulting in potential safety concerns for those who do climb to the summit. Future discussions must involve the local Aboriginal communities and will be informed/ guided by the existing Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA).
Extract from page 72...
Strategy A8: Building on the existing trails network at Mount Peel continue to develop the reserve as a destination for walking, horse riding and mountain biking (beginner level)
Rationale: Mount Peel Bushland Reserve currently has a network of clearly defined trails / firebreaks that is used by walkers, horse riders and, to a lesser extent, mountain bikers. Proximity to the growing residential population at Westbrook means that there will be increasing pressures for recreational use of the Reserve (both authorised and unauthorised). Additional trail infrastructure is recommended to improve accessibility and navigation around the Reserve, as well as addressing unauthorised use of the reserve.
Extract from page 73...
Strategy A9: Investigate the potential to develop and formalise the existing informal trails and firebreaks network
Rationale: At the time of the development of this Strategy and the undertaking of the existing trail audit Cranley Escarpment Park was inaccessible, with temporary barriers in place at the main access points to the park. However, it is understood, through on-ground observations and the consultation process, that there exists a network of informal trails and firebreaks used by the local community. The nature of these informal trails, together with the challenging terrain and degraded environmental values of the park require careful consideration to deliver a network of sustainable trails.
Extract from page 74...
Strategy A10: Continue to develop Highfields Falls as a bushland reserve destination for locals and visitors to the region
Rationale: Highfields Falls provides a natural bushland setting in close proximity to Highfields. There is significant potential to improve wayfinding and interpretation and the overall trail experience through additional trail infrastructure. There are also opportunities to promote Highfields Falls to visitors to the region as a short walk destination.
Extract from page 75...
Strategy A11: Continue to develop and build upon the existing trails network in Crows Nest, incorporating Bullocky’s Rest, Applegum Walk and Hartmann Park
Rationale: There has previously been investment in upgrading Bullocky’s Rest as a stopping point for visitors to the town, with links into the adjoining Hartmann Park via Applegum Walk. Additional trailhead and wayfinding is required to promote the existence of these trails to visitors and clarify the trail alignments/distances/grade on the ground.
Extract from page 76...
Strategy A12: Enhance and develop sustainably located and designed existing trails at Lake Cressbrook, including development of additional infrastructure.
Rationale: Lake Cressbrook currently includes significant infrastructure suitable to support land and water based trail activities including campground, toilet/shower amenities, boat ramp and wayfinding signage. A priority is to improve navigation around the inlet and connect the main car park with the campground and the lakeside trails. Future opportunities might include investigation of extending the lakeside trail further around the lake, in collaboration with Somerset Regional Council.
Extract from page 77...
Strategy A13: Maintain sustainably located and designed existing trails at Lake Perseverance.
Rationale: There is currently limited trail infrastructure accessible to general public around Lake Perseverance with the exception of the lookout, which involves a short walk through a picnic area up to an elevated lookout point.
Priority: LOW
Extract from page 78...
Strategy A14: Enhance and develop sustainably located and designed existing trails at Lake Cooby, including development of additional infrastructure.
Rationale: Lake Cooby includes significant infrastructure suitable to support land and water based trail activities including car parking, toilet amenities, boat ramp and wayfinding signage. There is an 8km return walk trail adjacent to the lake, however, trail information on the ground is limited, poorly located and inconsistent. In addition, part way along the trail the alignment becomes unclear/unpassable, with limited wayfinding signage to confirm the route between the main car park and the dam wall.
Priority: MEDIUM / LOW
Extract from page 79...
Strategy A15: Enhance connectivity between Yarraman town centre, the sports reserve, Heritage Centre and Station Park to promote the existing formal and informal trail network
Rationale: Connectivity between the town centre and the existing formal and informal trailheads is currently limited due to an absence of appropriately located signage.
Extract from page 80...
Strategy A16: Continue to support the Munro Tramway Historical Group to implement current upgrade projects and consider future enhancements to the existing trail
Rationale: Munro’s Tramway is a significant historic route for the Toowoomba region, which joins the localities of Palmtree and Hampton. The tramway was a private investment from the Munro Family in the late nineteenth century to transport produce from their flourishing timber sawmill at Palmtree to the main railway at Hampton. In 2015 the Munro Tramway Historical Group Inc. was formed to support the development of this route as a walking track with interpretive signage. The alignment of the tramway is on a combination of private land and road reserve.
Extract from page 81...
Strategy A17: Continue to maintain other existing trails around the region, and upgrade in line with the actions detailed below, with projects prioritised where there is demonstrated community support, and where Council resources are available.
Rationale: There are a number of other trails across the region that would benefit from the address of current management/maintenance issues, additional trail infrastructure or upgrade of trail tread to improve and maximise accessibility.
From page 82...
Strategy B1 Trail Corridor Protection Policy
Strategy B2 Escarpment Parks Trails Network – Enhanced Connectivity
Strategy B3 Toowoomba Escarpment Trail – Multi-use Trail
Strategy B4 Mountain Bike Trails Network Development
Strategy B5 Primary Equestrian Activity Zone
Strategy B6 Highfields – Escarpment
Strategy B7 Crows Nest & Surrounds
Strategy B8 Yarraman & Surrounds
Strategy B9 Historic Stock Routes / Transport Corridors
Strategy B10 Other Trail Projects for Local Towns/Communities
Strategy B11 Vehicle Touring / Drive Trails
Strategy C1 Mapping & Information
Strategy C2 Promotion & Marketing
Strategy D1 Trail Planning Framework
Strategy D2 Management Structures
Strategy E1 Events
Extract from page 102...
Implementation year 2016/17
Strategy A2: Jubilee Park A2.7 Install trail user warning signage at key locations where shared -use/multi-use trails are crossed by mountain bike trails
Strategy A3: Redwood ParkA3.7 Review vehicular access arrangements into Warrego Highway trailhead (Redwood Park) to ensure current layout meets required safety standards
Strategy A4: Picnic Point Park A4.2 Investigate opportunities to re-instate the recently removed Bob Dodd LookoutA4.5 Review/update conflicting information on signage that identifies horse riding as not permissible on the Firebreak (Picnic Point Bridle Trail)A4.8 Review Warrego Highway crossing (north end of Stevenson St) to ensure that it is safe and suitable for use by walkers, cyclists and horse riders
Strategy A7: Mount Table Top A7.1 Undertake a risk assessment of the current ‘informal’ trail that leads to the summit
Strategy A7: Mount Table Top A7.2 In consultation with the community, review Council’s current position in relation to access to the summit and advice provided to the local community and visitors to the region (including the VIC official position statement)
Strategy A10: Highfields Falls A10.4 Install safety/warning signage at the base and top access/viewing points to the waterfall
Strategy A14: Lake Cooby A14.4 Assess the existing bridge along the trail to ensure it remains fit for purpose
Strategy A16: Munro Tramway A16.1 Upgrade signage on the trail in line with recent funding received (current project)A16.2 Work with the Munro Tramway Historical Group to investigate the feasibility of developing a display within Chapman Park (Hampton) comprising one of the Shum locomotive engines recently procured by the group
Strategy B3: Toowoomba Escarpment Trail – MultiUse trail B3.1 Undertake a feasibility study to establish the viability of developing the Toowoomba Escarpment Trail, connecting Harvey Street in the north with Bushland Reserve, Ruthven Street in the south
Strategy B4: Mountain Bike Trails Network Development B4.1 Establish the viability of further mountain bike trail expansion within Jubilee Park, including tunnel link between Defibrillator and Hyperlink trails
Strategy C2: Promotion & Marketing C2.2 Develop a coordinated approach to marketing the trails network through the development of a Trails Marketing Strategy
Strategy C2: Promotion & Marketing C2.3 Develop a Toowoomba region trail logo for inclusion on all future trail signage and trail brochures
Strategy C2: Promotion & MarketingC2.4 Develop and adopt a style guide for trail signage, facilities and infrastructure C2.5 Remove dysfunctional, damaged, incorrect and illegible signage and replace with new signage in line with the style guide C2.6 Develop a website (or webpage hosted by Council) that provides comprehensive details of all trail opportunities within the region, to include interactive mapping and downloadable resources with links to the DNPSR website
Strategy D1: Trail Planning Framework D1.3 Formalise mechanisms for inter-Council collaboration to implement mutually beneficial trail development projects for the wider region D1.4 Encourage, advocate and seek funding for a designated trail planning and development officer
Implementation plan for subsequent years can be found from page 105.
Toowoomba Region Trails Network Strategy 2016 - Volume 1 - The Strategy (PDF for print)
For more reading including the following additional volumes, please contact us.
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