GDTA Survey Completed October 2008

During October 2008) GDTA members were involved in a survey of people using the track at strategic points along the track in the vicinity of Bendigo, The Monk, Vaughan Springs, Daylesford and Ballarat. People on the track were asked to volunteer to fill out a survey (and get counted as they walked or rode past). The process was being supported by Goldfields Tourism (through Elissa O'Connor) and undertaken by Denise Friend: 04193822335.

Notice of GDTA AGM (NB CHANGED DATE)

NOTE CHANGE OF MEETING DATE

The Annual General Meeting of the Great Dividing Trail Association will be

held on Wednesday 28 January 2009 at 7.30 pm, Mitchell Hall, Central Springs

Road, Daylesford.

 

Financial members are welcome to attend and are invited to nominate for a

position on the Committee.

 

RSVPs and apologies to Alison Lanigan, Secretary, GDTA,

alanigan@netconnect.com.au or 5345 2958.

Thanks!

Our sincere thanks to all track users who volunteered to answer our questions!!

Some promising early results from the survey

Some very early results are in, based on a survey of around 230 track users. The data are consistent with our desire to increase recognition of the track with walkers (residents & tourists), increase to range of options for people who want to use the track (including mtb riders) and to improve marketing of these options.

* We now know that around three quarters of our track users are walkers (and one quarter are mtb riders).

*Only around half of people who use the track know they are on the GDT.

* One third of track users are from Melbourne and six out of ten are from regional Victoria, and two thirds are staying overnight in the area, typically for two nights.

* Most people (57%) come for enjoyment/relaxation, 45% for physical exercise and 20% to experience nature.

*85% of GDT users definitely will use the track again and 82% will recommend the GDT to family & friends.

New (Trial) Public Transport Option on Lerderderg Track

There is a new (12 month trial) bus service between Blackwood and Bacchus Marsh on Fridays that will increase the options for walking the Lerderderg track without a car. Bus leaves Blackwood Friday 9.05am and gets to Bacchus Marsh at 9.40 am connecting to the 9.45am Melbourne train or 9.55am Ballarat train.A bus leaves Bacchus Marsh at 2.15pm Fridays and gets to Blackwood at 2.50pm.

Third GDTmtb Working Group Meeting

NOTICE OF THIRD MEETING for mountain bikers interested in upgrading and promoting responsible mtb activity on the current GDT walking track, Tuesday 9 Dec at 7.45 pm, Mitchell (Uniting Church) Hall, one and a half blocks up the hill from the Daylesford PO. Please invite others. This mtb driven Working group is scoping the potential for the central 'Goldfields Track' which forms part of the GDT to be promoted by and for use by mountain bikers as well as walkers, with the necessary diversions where necessary.

Goldfields Tourism

The GDTA has finalised discussions with Goldfields Tourism, Parks Victoria, People and Parks Foundation and Conservation Volunteers Australia to set up a new and more sustainable way of managing, maintaining, funding, marketing and promoting the existing track network.

In summary, there is a proposal to collectively enhance and promote the three GDT tracks between Ballarat and Bendigo and promote/market them as 'The Goldfields Track'. This will happen over the next few years.

The Draft Anticipated Outcomes 

A signed Memorandum of Understanding between project partners detailing management structure, roles and responsibilities of each partner organization and project outcomes and time frames

An assessment of existing track infrastructure and a recommendations for prioritised and costed infrastructure improvements of the four existing GDT tracks in the wider Goldfields area, to be known for the purposes of improved marketing and promotion as the 'Goldfields Track'.

1. A Business and Marketing Plan incorporating:

§     the findings of commissioned research

§     an audit of experiences linked to the Goldfields Track

§     recommendations for additional 'Goldfields Track' experiences to be developed

§     a budget detailing project implementation costs and

      potential revenue streams.

2. A brochure and website promoting the 'Goldfields Track' and offering a range of bookable experiences.

3. Submission of funding applications to applicable regional, state or federal grant programs or funding bodies.

4. A signed Service Agreement between the Great Dividing Trail Assocation, Parks Victoria and Conservation Volunteers Australia detailing Goldfields Track maintenance and management activities.

 

 DRAFT Roles and Responsibilities

While the details are subject to negotiation and agreement with all stakeholders including GDTA Members and Committee, the following are the anticipated roles and responsibilities of each of the parties involved in the Goldfields Track Project. The 0.3FTE Goldfields Tourism Project Manager, Elissa O'Connor (see* below) and the 0.2 Parks Victoria Project Officer Maurice Hawkins (see # below) , briefed the GDTA Committee on their anticipated respective roles at the GDTA July 2008 Committee meeting.

These details are shared for discussion by GDTA members and stakeholders.

1.  Advisory Group/Working Party

·       The advisory group/project working party will meet monthly and will comprise members of the Goldfields Campaign Committee, Parks Victoria, People and Parks Foundation, GDTA and the project manager.  A chair will be provided by Goldfields Tourism.  Secretarial services will be provided by the project manager.

·       The working party will be responsible for development and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between partner organisations.

·       This working party will be replaced by a formalised Advisory Board within 5 years of the project commencement date. 

·       Structure and composition of this board will be developed following successful completion of Stage One.

2.  Goldfields Tourism Inc.

·       Goldfields Tourism is responsible for the overall management of the project including formation of a project working party and employment of a project manager (0.3 FTE)*.

·       Goldfields Tourism will manage the marketing and promotion of the Goldfields Track.

·       Goldfields Tourism will liaise with key state, regional and local tourism organisations and businesses to promote the Goldfields Track development project in order to obtain support (in-kind and/or financial) and generate enthusiasm and cooperation for the project.

·       Goldfields Tourism will chair the project working party and nominate other members to join.

·       Goldfields Tourism will report on outcomes via the project manager and other nominated representatives.

3.  People and Parks Foundation (PPF)

·       The People and Parks Foundation will pursue opportunities to raise the profile of and funds for the Goldfields Track through corporate sponsorship and community events or activities.

·       In conjunction with Goldfields Tourism and Parks Victoria, PPF will also seek funding through grant programs and other philanthropic opportunities.

·       The PPF will provide financial governance services for the GDTA.

·       The PPF will manage the service agreement linking Parks Victoria, GDTA and CVA for Goldfields Track maintenance and management.

·       The PPF will report on outcomes to the working party via an appointed representative.

4.  Great Dividing Trail Association (GDTA)

·       The GDTA will assist Parks Victoria and CVA in the development of a service agreement for track maintenance and management.

·       The GDTA in conjunction with Goldfields Tourism will produce trail maps of the Goldfields Track.

·       The GDTA will manage the GDT website which will be linked to a dedicated Goldfields Track site upon completion of Stage One.

·       The GDTA will attract members to the organisation and provide membership benefits such as guided walks.

·       The GDTA will assist Goldfields Tourism in the marketing and promotion of the Goldfields Track.

·       The GDTA will report on outcomes to the working party via an appointed representative.

5.  Parks Victoria (PV)

·       As principle land manager, Parks Victoria will manage to infrastructure assessment and development needs of the Goldfields Track.

·       Parks Victoria will provide a project officer (0.2 FTE) #.

·       Parks Victoria will liaise with the other numerous land managers of the Goldfields Track in order to obtain support (in-kind and/or financial) and generate enthusiasm and cooperation for the project.

·       Parks Victoria in consultation with PPF will coordinate the development and signing of a service agreement between Parks Victoria, GDTA and CVA.

·       Parks Victoria will report on outcomes to the working party via an appointed representative.

6 . Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA)

·       CVA will participate with Parks Victoria and the GDTA in the development of a service agreement for track maintenance and management.

·       CVA will provide volunteers for corporate and community projects supporting the development of the Goldfields Track.

·       The CVA will report on outcomes to the working party via an appointed PPF or CVA representative.

 

New Members for GDTA

Committee

The GDTA Committee always needs new members. Are you

one of the people we're looking for? Many of the present members have made valuable contributions over several years and, like all healthy organisations, the GDTA wants to see some fresh faces to participate in the decision-making. If you were at the AGM you'd have heard Barry Golding give notice that he wants step down from the President's role this year.   We're also looking for people who'd be willing to take on other support roles. There are several possibilities to ease your way into this key role. You might be interested in becoming Vice-President for 6 or 12 months, or act in a support role for a time to get a feel for it. It doesn't matter if you haven't had GDTA Committee experience because the current Committee members will provide a strong support network for you. Please contact Barry Golding or Alison Lanigan to discuss it further: Barry barry@cbl.com.au or 5345 6343 Alison alanigan@netconnect.com.au or 5345 2958

 

 

 

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