West Tamar Council is looking to expand its trail network to better cater for people riding for transport and recreation, including a commuter trail from Swan Point to Launceston.
It has released a Trails Strategy and is asking people which of the proposed trails should be prioritised.
The strategy has a focus on active transport links, in line with the council’s vision for the area and also seeks to create trails which would be used by tourists as well as locals for recreation.
It is looking to fill the gaps in the current trail network by extending and building new trails and upgrading existing trails.
This is a long-term plan for what would be desirable for the region rather than an action plan for the council, which is why the council is asking which work should be prioritised.
Shared trails
Shared trails being proposed would be 2.5–3 metres wide, sealed with asphalt or concrete and have low gradients.
Some of the proposed trails are an upgrade of what’s there, such as the West Tamar Fitness Trail, or construction of an existing informal trail, such as the Riverside Trail, but others involve starting from the beginning, such as the Legana Foreshore Trail.
The aim of the consultation is to assist the council to prioritise sections of trail which cater to the highest number of users and advance its sustainability goals by encouraging active transport.
The shared trails being proposed which could be used by people walking, riding or jogging include:
- Beaconsfield to Beauty Point Foreshore Trail
- Exeter to Gravelly Beach Link *
- Gravelly Beach Trail
- Grindlewald Lakeside Trail
- Kelso Foreshore Trail
- Legana Foreshore Trail *
- Little Swan Point Trail
- Rosevears Trail *
- Swan Point Trail
- Riverside Foreshore Trail *
- Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area Trails
- West Tamar Fitness Trail *
* These are the top five trail sections which would make up a continuous active transport link through residential areas down to Launceston.
You can view the Trails Strategy by downloading it here: WTC Trails Strategy – Public Exhibition and you can provide feedback via the online form on the West Tamar Council trails page.
