Tracks and Trails Strategy

We're now in the final stage of community engagement for our Tracks and Trails Strategy 2026–2046 and we want to hear from you.

Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. Your feedback from Rounds 1 and 2 helped shape the priorities and direction of the strategy.

What's in the draft strategy?

The draft Mansfield Shire Tracks and Trails Strategy 2026–2046 sets out a 20-year vision for a connected, accessible and high-quality tracks and trails network for locals and visitors alike.

The strategy focuses on providing safe, dedicated off-road tracks and trails for recreational walking, running, cycling and horse riding.

The strategy is guided by four key outcomes:

• Integrated Planning & Management — a coordinated, strategic approach to planning and investing in tracks and trails across the Shire.
• Quality, Safe and Sustainable Network — improving and expanding the network to deliver high-quality experiences for all users, from walkers and cyclists to mountain bikers and horse riders.
• Information and Marketing — making it easier for locals and visitors to find, use and enjoy the region's tracks and trails.
• Community, Tourism and Economic Development — using the network to strengthen community wellbeing, support local businesses and grow the visitor economy.

What about properties near proposed trails?

The strategy identifies potential future projects across the Shire. It is important to note that this strategy is a high-level planning document. Before any specific track or trail project moves forward, Council will engage directly with any affected property owners and broader community. No project will proceed without further consultation taking place first.

What we're asking

This is your last chance to shape the strategy before it is presented to Council for adoption. We're asking you to review the draft strategy and tell us how it could better reflect what matters to you or your community.

How to have your say

You can read the draft strategy in the documents section of this page and complete the survey here or through the survey tab.

Feedback for this consultation closes on 8 May 2026.

Thank you again for your ongoing involvement. Your input helps ensure this strategy truly reflects the needs and priorities of our community.

Round 2 of Tracks and Trails engagement

We are moving to the next exciting stage of our Tracks and Trails Strategy 2026-2046, and we need your help to set the priorities.

Following our initial consultation, we have identified a long list of potential projects and actions. Now, we need the community to tell us which ones matter most to you.

What we are asking

This second round of engagement focuses on ranking the high-priority projects. Your feedback will directly inform the strategy’s shortlist of major projects that Council will focus on delivering first.

We are asking you to rank projects within three categories:

• Feasibility Study & Concept Plan: Projects that need investigation and planning to see if they are viable.
• Design & Delivery: Projects that are ready to move towards construction.
• Advocate & Support: Projects led by other groups (like State Government Agencies, Alpine Resorts Victoria or community groups) that would benefit from Council’s backing to progress or deliver.

Why rank them?

We can't do everything at once. By ranking these actions, you can help us direct our resources to the projects that will deliver the biggest benefit to our community right now.

How to Have Your Say

Your feedback is valuable and will help us ensure the tracks and trails strategy reflects the reflects our community's needs and expectations.

You can view a map of High Priority Tracks and Trails in the documents section on this page and provide your feedback by completing our online survey.

Feedback for this consultation closes on 26 February.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the initial phase of community engagement for our Tracks and Trails Strategy. We’re pleased to share that we received over 180 contributions through survey responses and interactive map pin drops.

We are currently reviewing all of the valuable feedback provided. This input will help inform and shape the draft strategy document, ensuring it reflects the issues, ideas and priorities of the community.

There will be further opportunities to have your say once the draft strategy is prepared.

We look forward to sharing the draft strategy with the community via the project’s Engage page later this year.

Thank you again for your input and ongoing involvement. Subscribe to this page and stay tuned for updates on the next phase of the project.

We're developing a long-term strategy to guide how to invest in, upgrade, and maintain recreational tracks and trails across Mansfield Shire and the Alpine Resorts — Mt Buller and Mt Stirling.

What tracks and trails will the Strategy cover?

The Strategy will include all recreational tracks and trails whether they're used for walking, cycling, horse riding or other activities.

Our goal is to develop a strategy that will help to deliver a connected, accessible and high-quality network of tracks and trails that enriches recreation, supports healthy lifestyles and strengthens local economies through tourism.

Our approach

• Assess the current network
  We’re reviewing existing tracks and trails to understand how they’re used, how well they connect, and what condition they’re in.
• Identify issues and opportunities
  We’re looking at challenges and potential improvements to enhance user experience, accessibility, and safety.
• Evaluate economic benefits
  We’ll assess how an improved and expanded network can support local businesses and tourism across the region.
• Develop a clear vision, goals and actions
  We’ll define a long-term vision and set clear, actionable priorities to guide track and trail investment over the next 20 years.

Have your say

Your knowledge and ideas are vital. Help us develop a strategy that works for everyone by getting involved in one or more of the following ways:

• Take the Online Community Survey
  Share your experiences, preferences and ideas for improving tracks and trails. You can take the survey any time until 11 July.
• Explore the Interactive Map
  Drop a pin to highlight specific locations, issues, or opportunities and tell us what you'd like to see improved.
• Join a Community Drop-in Session
  Meet our team, ask questions, and share your thoughts face-to-face at one of our upcoming sessions.

Thank you for participating. Together, we can shape a track and trail network that benefits everyone — now and into the future.