In response to planned trail closures and a lack of progress on the development of trial infrastructure as outlined in the Strategic Directions Plans (2018) for Woowookarung Regional Park (WRP), we would like all closures of important community trails to be halted until work on the proposed trail infrastructure has been completed.

We believe that the community should not be made worse off during the implementation of the strategic plan and would like to encourage candidates in the upcoming Victorian State Election to commit to the following process as part of any election promises for the Eureka District.  

1. Stop any actions to close important community trails in WRP, specifically those identified by community organisations and members as being significant. These trails have been in the WRP prior to its inception and have been an integral part of a nature-based experience for many users. As we have experienced recently, having locally accessible nature-based experiences are vital for enhancing community health and wellbeing.

2. Develop a detailed trail master plan in the park in line with the Strategic Directions Plans (2018) for WRP and in consultation with the community. This should include full community consultation, development of trail maps/plans, proposed timelines, permits, funding sources, etc, which are underpinned by evidence-based decision making that recognize both the social and ecological values of WRP. This process should seriously consider keeping trails of community significance earmarked for closure if it can be demonstrated that it is possible to manage them sustainably. Currently the Strategic Directions Plans (2018) only provides a guide to what infrastructure is to be created and trail closure planning has not been undertaken with full community consultation or with any independent review.

3. Source funding and implement the plan as agreed. Make the trail network a reality before considering closing any trails to ensure the community is not worse off by any delays in realising the vision for WRP. 

4. Work with the community to develop a trail closure plan for the whole of WRP and then implement this. This would include listening and incorporating community feedback, agreeing to the timing and location of trail closures, and communicating with the community during any closures. Currently, only some sections of the WRP have been assessed for trail closures so it is not clear what is planned for the entire WRP.

We think this is fair, reasonable and in line with the intentions and aspirations of the Victorian State Government when they made a promise to our community regarding this land.

Please sign this petition to halt trial closures in WRP so that the Ballarat community and other Victorians can continue to enjoy important trail based nature experiences in WRP while the Strategic Directions Plan is being implemented!