Trails

National Tracks and Trails Conference - Update

Published Date

Sydney Olympic Park - April 13-15 

The 2011 National Tracks and Trails Conference is pleased to announce John Dunn Programme Manager, New Zealand Cycle Trail, Ministry of Economic Development.

John's presentation titled Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail will outline the unique approach that the NZ government took in determining how their economic stimulus package would be spent. For the NZ community, stimulus spend had to provide immediate economic activity but more importantly had to deliver longer term jobs creation. Tourism is an important provider for the NZ economy and the opportunity to invest in cycle tourism infrastructure was acknowledged at the strategic level as a priority.

Accordingly, the New Zealand Government invested $50M (topped up by substantial regional co funding), turning this idea into reality. The first step was inviting communities and trail builders to submit concept plans from across the country. Of the 54 submissions received, 18 have been selected to be Great Rides. The result is 18 discrete trails that run the length of the country - each providing a unique 'experience' to user.

Not only do these trails need to be built to national standards, but they must deliver long term economic benefits to the regions and they must also be successful stand alone 'businesses'. To ensure this happens, the Ministry of Economic Development is delivering a series of commercial workshops which are being held every three months with all 18 trails communities. The issues being addressed include - collaboration with local businesses, assisting tourism operators, maximising regional leadership and stakeholder buy-in, how to generate revenue to operate trails, marketing and promotion including websites and booking systems.

John's learning's in this multi-regional iconic trail development will provide valuable insights for other agencies and communities looking to develop whole-of-landscape trail assets.

GIS Mapping and the potential of the National Broadband Network

There is no doubt that mapping technologies and their capacity to plug directly into wireless telecommunications technology will be the next big driver in boosting visitation and providing valuable user feedback. The very nature of this rapidly growing industry makes it difficult for destination managers to know "where to start". GIS Australia will provide a how to guide on how to "jump aboard the GIS train".

Significantly, the 2011 conference will showcase international examples of innovative and sustainable partnership development. As leaders in their respective fields, the latest news in the business of trails from US, Canada, NZ and the UK will set the agenda for the three day conference.

Daffyd Davis MBE
UK trail innovator Daffyd Davis MBE will outline his role in the revolutionary approach in developing the UK's first officially sanctioned purpose built mountain bike trail network at Coed y Brenin in 1994 and the mountain bike trail development strategy for the Whole of Wales. As the brains behind the 'trail centre destination' model in the UK, Daffyd was also involved in policy development (both in Wales and the UK) with the Forestry Commission and other agencies, to facilitate recreation and trail management - initially on a district basis and later at the national level. Daffyd now works as a trail destination consultant across Ireland, UK, Japan, Israel and Canada.

Pam Gluck - Executive Director American Trails
With over twenty years experience as a trail professional, Pam will outline the vision of American Trails which seeks to provide a trail experience to all Americans within 15 minutes of every home or workplace. The need for a clear strategic intent and the ability to drive meaningful partnerships with government, business and the community are two KPI's that define Pam's work and her inspiring presentations will provide valuable insights that can be placed within the Australian context. More HERE

Michael Haynes
Canadian Michael Haynes has a broad background trail development and management. He is currently the Director of TransActive Solutions, a company dedicated to improving the walkability and bikeability of Canadian communities. He has been a member of project teams developing cycling and pedestrian plans, trail plans as well as Active Transportation plans. Previously, he was the National Active Transportation and TrailsCanada Coordinator of "Go for Green", managing the national trails website and was the Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Trails Federation, the provincial NGO coordinating the development of the Trans Canada Trail. Michael will dive into the issues of developing policy that delivers cost effective solutions and more sustainable health, transport, environmental, recreation and tourism outcomes to the community.

Each of these leading experts will treat delegates to an open and frank assessment of the work they do.

With its overarching theme of "The Business of Trails", the 2011 National Tracks and Trails Conference will provide the opportunity for land managers within local and state government agencies, district rangers, small business operators, community groups and trail developers to learn and share with a broad range of experts in their respective fields. 

Whether your business is tourism, recreation, transport or the environment - this conference will deliver something for everyone.

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Go to www.tracksandtrails.org.au or download the registration form  HERE.