The plan aims to make sure that the trail can achieve its full potential.

It intends to improve the way the rail trail is:

• governed
• managed
• maintained
• promoted
• funded
• activated
• and evaluated

The the draft plan will help create clarity with the City and the O’Keefe Rail Trail’s key stakeholders. The plan also reaffirms the City’s commitment to working with the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail group.

Having a plan will ensure that we take a a clear, proactive and planned approach is to the ongoing development and management of the O’Keefe Rail Trail. This will help promote increased usage by local residents and visitors to the region.

Significant community engagement was first undertaken in 2020. The draft Plan was developed in 2021. The plan was refined and finalised in partnership with the Friends of the Bendigo Kilmore Rail Trail (FBKRT) in 2023.

Engagement included:

• 7 written submissions from individual community members or groups
• 290 completed community surveys
• 4 surveys from tourism operators located near the rail trail

22 participants involved in key stakeholder meetings (FBKRT; City of Greater Bendigo staff; Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA); Parks Victoria; Sport and Recreation Victoria; Department of Transport and Planning and Coliban Water).

The plan was formed based on the feedback received. Main themes of the feedback:

• Positive aspects of the rail trail, e.g. safe off-road cycling and walking experience away from cars; bush environment; relatively flat surface; and opportunities for short loops
• Suggested infrastructure upgrades, e.g. toilets and drinking water
• Mapping and signage
• Promotion, marketing and development of packages / experiences
• Potential safety issues, e.g. Bobs Street and McIvor Road crossings
• Potential realignments and extensions to the trail
• Usage data
• Potential governance, management and maintenance improvements.