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Track Development
IMPORTANT NOTICE OF A SECOND MEETING for mountain bikers interested in upgrading and promoting responsible mtb activity on the current GDT walking track. Wed 22 October, 7.45 pm, Mitchell (Uniting Church) Hall, one and a half blocks up the hill from the Daylesford PO. Please invite others. There is the potential for the central 'Goldfields Track' part of the GDT track to be promoted by and for use by mountain bikers.
More, Very Recent News on Track Development on the News Page
CYCLING ON THE GREAT DIVIDING TRAIL
The Great Dividing Trail has been developed as a walking trail and the Great Dividing Trail Association is keen for the Trail to be converted to make it suitable for mountain bike cyclists as well as walkers. In the meanwhile, some mountain bikers have been observed using the Trail. The GDTA does not currently encourage this as formal permission for cycling has yet been negotiated with the various land managers through whose property the trail passes. Some physical changes to the trail will need to be made to avoid narrow and steep areas and environmentally sensitive locations as well as to ensure walker safety.
Mountain bikers who do decide to use the Trail are advised against riding on some very steep areas (and potentially erosion prone areas) on Mount Alexander, between Bacchus Marsh and Blackwood (on the Daylesford to Hepburn Springs section, Mt Buninyong and the narrow water race sections of the Wallaby Track in the Creswick Forest. The Andersons Tramway Walk is also unsuitable for bike riders. Steep hills are experienced on some parts of the Trail.
Intended Actions For 2008
1. Ensure the management and maintenance of the GDT are sustainable: we are formulating a practical plan and strategies to make sure the necessary GDT infrastructure, people and funding are in place in the medium and long term. This will ensure the GDTA is enhanced - and that the GDTA Committee and membership are relieved of some of the bigger and more onerous jobs we have created for ourselves. That way we can all enjoy our walking more often.
2. Existing Track Re development: Inspect existing tracks to determine and make any minor track changes and improvements required, including track markers, location markers and steps and erect interpretation boards at appropriate places. Arrange working bees of community-based organisations and members to undertake light track maintenance.
3. Publications: Publish all four track maps in standard scale and format, and prepare a GDT book or booklet.
4. Investigate the fesibility of extensions and connection to the existing four tracks: Survey and determine a possible future extensions from Mt Macedon to Blackwood, Castlemaine to Maldon, Bendigo to Echuca, Bacchus Marsh to Geelong as well as West toward the Grampians through Skipton and Ararat.