Sustainable Trails Guidelines
South Australia has more than 6000 kilometres of recreational trails traversing a wide variety of landscapes. The environmental, economic and social benefits of recreational trails are well documented. They provide an important resource to address growing levels of obesity and falling levels of fitness among the community. They also provide a valuable opportunity for people to 'escape' from increasingly urban environments where allotment sizes are decreasing and where parks and reserves are few and far between. As a result, the demand for trails is growing, with increasing numbers of people seeking unstructured recreational experiences associated with walking, cycling and horse riding. While the many benefits of trails are generally agreed upon, a number of them are environmentally unsustainable.
The PIA-award winning Sustainable Recreational Trails Guidelines establishes a framework within which new trails can be developed in harmony with the local environment, while also satisfying the requirements of federal, state and local legislation. The guidelines are a one-stop resource which can steer the development of a new trail from the initial concept stage right through to its construction and ongoing management.
The guidelines have been well received at the state government agency level, with the SA Tourism Commission stating that the document is, 'a first for South Australia and nationally it has been recognised as a valuable tool for trail managers, landowners and community groups wishing to develop sustainable trails'.