Goulburn River Trail 

Overall, this Feasibility Study and Development Report generally found that the Goulburn River Trail is feasible from a technical perspective. Existing infrastructure for the majority of the trail is pre-existing on public land through a variety of trails, bush tracks and back roads.

Background

The Goulburn River Trail seeks to provide a multi-use trail that connects these towns and works with the natural environment of the Goulburn River.

Greater Shepparton City Council is also mindful that the trail network is designed so that it showcases the key attractions of the region, is complimentary to and links with existing trails, and provides a range of tracks catering to all rider ages, abilities, and a wide range of user types.

It is proposed the Goulburn River Trail would generate several benefits for individuals, the wider community, and local businesses, including:

1. Improving the safety of children and adults when travelling to and from school or work by creating a designated commuter trail.
2. Providing additional outdoor recreation options, complementary to the existing walking and cycling opportunities in the area, to improve health outcomes for the local population. The additional facilities can also be used by schools or for events.
3. Creating social connectivity between the townships along the Goulburn River.
4. Increasing tourism visitation leading to greater business activation, driving economic growth.
5. Improved environmental protection by allowing users to gain a larger appreciation of natural assets and undertaking regular maintenance or conservation activities 

Recent work

In order to better understand the cost and infrastructure requirements of the proposed Goulburn River Trail, Council commissioned an Exploratory Study to be undertaken to;

• build on the vision for the Goulburn River Trail created the Goulburn Valley Trails Group (GV Trails Group);
• provide a more detailed feasibility/business case;
• provide opportunities for tourists;
• identification of required permits; and
• identify all alignment, construction and planning issues before preparing detailed designs and costings.

Goulburn River Trail Exploratory Study Report

The Exploratory report assessed the different alignments presented in the Goulburn River Trail Development Report and some proposed new alignments.

The suggested alignment includes sections of track pre-determined by the Goulburn River Trail Development Report with some revisions. The alignment builds on these existing tracks and trails by linking, expanding, and improving on the existing infrastructure.

A map of the suggested alignment is depicted in the Exploratory Study Report (see page 9).

The investigation undertaken in developing the Exploratory Report provides the foundation to embark on some of the next steps including updated route options, economic appraisal, permit requirements, land leasing arrangements, land management and more detailed cultural and ecological impact assessments.

The Exploratory Study report has been completed and provides the necessary foundation to embark on the critical next steps including, economic appraisal, permit requirements, land leasing arrangements, land management and more detailed cultural and ecological impact assessments.

Next steps

Before the alignment of the trail route can be finalised there are several activities that need to be resolved to guide the finalisation of the preferred trail alignment. Council at its meeting dated 27 May 2025 noted the Goulburn River Trail Exploratory Study report and the preferred trail route outlined in the report and that the final trail route will be subject to further refinement dependant on the allocation of adequate budget to:

• conduct detailed route investigations and assessments to accurately reflect current site conditions;
• undertake detailed ecological and cultural heritage assessments;
• develop concepts plans of the preferred alignment;
• develop a detailed business case; and
• negotiate with Parks Victoria to secure leasing arrangements and resolve the ownership of the existing assets along the Goulburn River Trail.