Last week some of Australia’s leading trail experts, came together to share, listen, and learn about all things trails at the Sustainable Trails Conference in Alice Springs.
Industry, government, Traditional Owners, trail planners, designers and builders talked about what it takes to make great trail experiences, the benefits and challenges and why trails matter. We heard how trails have the power to transform communities, generate jobs, and connect people with country. We learnt about the importance of sustainability and trail quality and connecting products and services for trail users. We shared stories about walking tracks, MTB trails, wine trails, pump tracks, urban tracks, aquatic trails and we learnt about funding models, ambassador programs and maintenance regimes. We were taken to Scotland, UK, Africa, New Zealand, St Helens, Derby, Creswick, Dwellingup and many more trail destinations. We got out on country with the Yeperenye Traditional Owners and experienced their hand-crafted trails linking Emily and Jessie Gaps. We hit the MTB trails in Alice and got the red earth of the Larapinta under our feet. We learnt about plans for the Red Centre Adventure Ride and how the Traditional Owners are involved.
Thanks to all the delegates and presenters – you made it happen!
We are very excited to announce the Sustainable Trails Conference is returning in 2022 and will be held in Tasmania!
Here is what some of this year’s delegates had to say:
“By far the most informative conference on trails, jam packed with quality content, presenters, and subject experts! You will not find better value for money. The contacts you make will be invaluable for planning and delivery of all your trail projects. (Hats of to ALL of the TRC team for a seamless transition into some virtual delivery presentations due to last minute Covid restrictions, preventing a number of presentations in person).”
“The Sustainable Trails Conference was a fantastic event. The opportunity to engage and learn from other passionate people was incredibly valuable. Well done TRC team!”
“This was a really well organised and enjoyable conference with valuable content and great networking opportunities. Will definitely return for the next one.”
“Great informative sessions, covering a diverse range of topics. To be able discuss similar issues, to create a greater network of similar thinking people can only help gaining sustainable trail experiences across the country.” – Grant Gable
“The Sustainable Trails Conference is a great opportunity to learn from your colleagues working toward enhancing community wellbeing through recreation and tourism. Remember; “we never cross the same river twice because the river and our people are always changing”.”
See you at next year’s conference in Tassie!
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country, the Central Arrernte people. We pay our respects to all Elders, past, present and emerging, as well as elders from other communities who attended and participated in this conference. They hold the memories, traditions, culture and hope of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people around Australia.
For more images from the Sustainable Trails Conference 2021 click here.
