News

Gap analysis makes way for draft Alpine Shire Tracks and Trails Master Plan 2025

31 October 2025

Three cyclists ride along a path with small mountains in the backgrounds.

Alpine Shire Council invites users of tracks and trails across Alpine Shire to review the draft Alpine Shire Tracks and Trails Master Plan 2025.

In August 2024, users of tracks and trails were invited to have their say on Council's Tracks and Trails Gap Analysis, which assessed the existing networks to address gaps and identify opportunities for improvement.

Based on this foundational engagement, alongside extensive mapping, background research, and site visitations by Tredwell Management Pty Ltd, the draft Master Plan 2025 is a strategic framework for the sustainable planning, development, and maintenance of specific and shared-used trails across the region.

Community members are now invited to review the draft Master Plan 2025 before it is put forward to Council for adoption in 2026.

Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said that users should be able to see their feedback reflected in the draft Master Plan 2025.

"We had 222 contributions to the Tracks and Trails Gap Analysis during our engagement period between July and August 2025," she said.

"The draft Master Plan 2025 has incorporated this feedback into a document that identifies network gaps and priority linkages, especially in our smaller townships, and outlines concept designs for key locations across Alpine Shire.

"It also puts forward a prioritised Action Plan with recommendations for governance, infrastructure, signage, marketing, and, most importantly, environmental management."

Cr Nicholas emphasised the importance of community engagement for strategic and sustainable planning in open spaces across the region.

"We know that our communities have great passion for our natural environment," she said.

"By having your say now, you will have a direct impact on how our tracks and trails will function into the future."

Community members can have their say on the draft Master Plan 2025 via Engage Alpine by visiting: https://engage.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/tracks-and-t...

The public exhibition period will close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 4 January 2026.