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Greater Shepparton City Council has released the findings of the Goulburn River Trail Exploratory Study Report outlining a preferred 46km shared-use trail route from Shepparton to Murchison, with a 12km connection to Tatura.

The proposed trail would connect key towns along the Goulburn River, improving access to natural areas and recreational opportunities for a range of users.

The study - developed in collaboration with a dedicated Project Board, including Parks Victoria, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Yorta Yorta Nation, and representatives from local communities along the proposed route - identifies opportunities and challenges including land ownership, cultural heritage, and environmental considerations.

Council will now consider next steps, including future funding to support detailed investigations, environmental assessments, and planning stages.

The report outlines a preferred trail alignment that follows the Goulburn River and connects multiple towns and communities, enhancing access to the region’s natural assets and recreational opportunities. The trail is designed to cater to a range of users, riding abilities, and community needs.

As part of their community planning process, each of the communities on the western side of the Goulburn River (Mooroopna, Tatura, Toolamba, Old Toolamba and Murchison) identified the need to develop walking and cycling paths and trails in and between each of the towns. This shared priority resulted in the formation of the Goulburn Valley Trails Group.

In 2020, Council provided grant funding to the group to be used to further investigate the possibility of establishing the Goulburn River Trail. This resulted in the completion of two reports, which both considered the trail to be feasible, however the cost and infrastructure requirements needed to be further assessed and developed.

Building on the vision and work of the Goulburn River Trail Group, Council commissioned an Exploratory Study Report be undertaken.

The report identifies a preferred alignment using existing tracks and trails where possible, helping to reduce construction costs and minimise environmental impact. However, the report also acknowledges that further work is needed to address key challenges, including land ownership, cultural heritage, and ecological impacts.

Council will now release the report publicly and update its website to provide access to the full document. Community members and stakeholders will be invited to stay informed on the project’s progress.

Mayor Shane Sali noted “by releasing the report, Council will now determine if we want to progress the Goulburn River Trail.

“In doing this, we will need to consider allocating funding in future Budgets to enable detailed route investigations, environmental assessments, concept planning, a business case, and negotiations with Parks Victoria regarding leasing arrangements.”

Access Goulburn River Trail Exploratory Report 

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