Regional Trails Management Strategy

Regional Trails Management Strategy Project background

The Authority has received funding from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to develop a Regional Trails Management Strategy for the Great Ocean Road region, extending from Point Impossible in the east, through to Warrnambool City in the west. The strategy will provide an overarching guide for the consistent and coordinated planning, development, management and marketing of world class trail experiences that reflect the region’s unique character, environmental and cultural importance and diverse offerings.

The Regional Trails Management Strategy is a collaboration between the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, DELWP, Traditional Owners Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, the local governments of Colac-Otway, Corangamite, Moyne, Surf Coast and Warrnambool, DELWP, Parks Victoria, Department of Transport, Regional Development Victoria and Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism.

Key outputs from the Strategy will include:

  • An integrated set of trails audit data and mapping for the network of trails in the Great Ocean Road region
  • A trail management guide that informs the governance, coordination, management and funding strategy for each trail and responsible agency
  • A trail infrastructure guide that informs and standardises the future provision, design, development and levels of service (maintenance) of significant trails in the region
  • A trail marketing and promotion guide that informs brand and style guide development, marketing and promotional strategies.
Project Stages

Stage 1: Project Establishment (Complete)

Gathering background information on trails in the region, meeting key stakeholders and setting a methodology.

Stage 2: Discovery and Situation Analysis (Currently underway)

Setting the scene – identifying key trails, undertaking trail audits and outlining issues, opportunities and considerations.

Stage 3: Draft Strategy

Drafting a Regional Trail Management Strategy and Guidelines that will undergo stakeholder and community engagement.

Stage 4: Final Strategy

Using consultation feedback to inform the Regional Trail Management Strategy