Dear Friends of Trails Australia

As you are aware there was unanimous agreement amongst by the 200+ delegates at the 2008 Tracks and Trails Conference for the formation of a national trails alliance to be known as Trails Australia. The primary objective of this entity will be to drive the national agenda in sustainable recreational and tourism trail development, and to ensure a more strategic approach to trail investment.

This will be achieved by presenting: • a strategic approach to raising awareness of the importance of sustainable trail development to government, business and the community; • a national approach to advocating for appropriate funding that will support governments’ strategic targets; • a national approach to establishing consistency in national standards (e.g. for signage, construction, maintenance, etc); • a strategic approach to driving the national research agenda; and • a strategic approach to community development and empowerment.

In recent months work has been continuing behind the scenes toward the creation of Trails Australia as a legal entity, along with the design of a logo, domain name etc. Progress has also commenced for the 2010 Trails Australia Conference. As previously arranged QORF are providing the secretariat for Trails Australia.

Following the 2008 Conference, some $16,000 seeding funds has been received from various organizations, whilst other organizations have requested Tax Invoices prior to forwarding their supporting dollars. These can be issued upon your request if you have not received same.

Government Contributors included:
Sport and Recreation Tasmania Department of Environment and Conservation WA Department of Sport and Recreation WA Tourism Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment VIC Department of Infrastructure and Planning QLD Non – Government Organisations Contributors Included: Cycling Promotion Fund Mountain Bike Australia Railtrails Australia Bicycle SA

We take this opportunity to thank the contributors (so far) to the establishment of Trails Australia, and to encourage more of you to follow through on your pledge. The 2010 Trails Australia Conference will be held in New South Wales in September / October with the Blue Mountains looming as the preferred location – why not pencil those weeks in your calendar or diary now and stay tuned for more specific details.

Consequently it is time to start preparing for the Conference. Expressions of Interest are hereby called for from suitably positioned persons (by way of discipline and or geographic location), to form a conference organizing committee whose main function will be to develop the program and to steer the operations of the Conference organizing agency. The intent is to develop a Conference Committee which represents ALL the trail disciplines AND ALL the states of Australia. First Round Expressions of Interest will be received by the Tracy Barkham at the Trails Australia Secretariat at admin@qorf.org.au until January 14 2009. The Trails Australia Steering Committee reserves the right to select the members of the Conference Committee.

Tony Scott, Christian Haag, Ralph Gurr, Michael Oxer Trails Australia Steering Committee