Have your say on draft strategic plan for Hume and Hovell Track

A draft strategic plan to bolster the Hume and Hovell Track has been released with interested community members and stakeholders invited to provide feedback up until 20 October.

The release of the draft plan follows consultations and workshops with tourism groups, community members, local councils, Aboriginal organisations, and agencies including the National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Forestry Corporation.

The NSW Government is investing $337,000 to develop the strategic plan funded by the Department of Regional NSW through its Business Case and Strategy Development Fund.

The plan is being developed by Snowy Valleys Council with consultant SMA Tourism, in partnership with Crown Lands and Destination Riverina Murray.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the draft plan has identified potential opportunities to make the track better for bushwalkers, campers, families and tourists, while supporting regional communities along its route.

“The Hume and Hovell Track is one of NSW’s most significant walks covering 426km from Yass to Albury and crossing through a range of diverse and beautiful areas including forests, alpine landscapes, wetlands and farmlands,” Mr Kamper said. 

“I encourage all interested stakeholders and community members to read the draft plan and provide their feedback to help us make the track one of the best multi-day walks in Australia.”

Among the ideas in the draft plan are:

• Developing a range of short, medium and longer distance walks to capture the pioneering spirit of Hume and Hovell’s historic expedition, recognise Aboriginal stories and provide opportunities for Aboriginal tourism operators to share histories and culture through interpretive tours.
• Improving key campsites with better facilities such as tent platforms, toilets, water and camp kitchens.
• Better supporting walkers with services such as guided tours, transfers between towns and track sections, quality food and wine hamper deliveries, and higher quality accommodation options.
• Exploring development of one or two parallel mountain bike paths alongside the track in key sections.
• Reforming marketing of the track to focus on experiences and improved storytelling along its routes.
• Improving the track’s supporting road network to make it more accessible and increasing track interpretation and wayfinding signage.

The draft plan is on the Hume and Hovell website for comment at humeandhovelltrack.com.au/strategicplan.