Riesling Trail Management Committee Business Plan 2013-2017
Table of Contents Introduction 3 Vision Statement 4 Mission Statements 4 Stakeholders 5 Objectives 6 Committee Details 7 SWOT Summary 8 Future Directions 10 Commissioned Studies 11 Membership Information 12 Membership Trends 13 Sub-Committee Terms of Reference 14 Sub-Committee Procedures 15 Action Plan 16 Appendix A Appendix B (Financial Plan) (Constitution)
Introduction The Clare Valley s Riesling Trail Management Committee (RTMC) is preparing for the future with this Business Plan. The Riesling Trail has become an important part of the Clare Valley and integral to the region s appeal, with anecdotal evidence suggesting tourists now visit the area specifically to utilise the Trail. A great deal of work has been undertaken by founding members of the RTMC to get the project to its current state. The success of their work is evidenced by the large number of tourists, and locals alike, that now use the Riesling Trail on a daily basis. There is, however, potential for further development of the Riesling Trail. There are both long-term and short-term goals of the current RTMC, which are documented in this Plan. Financial sustainability will be a key component to the success of the Riesling Trail in the future. The Business Plan outlines the requirements of the RTMC to best serve the Riesling Trail. It includes Objectives, Vision and Mission Statements, Committee details, membership information and Future Directions. It also looks at Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of the Riesling Trail. Sub-committees will be responsible for Actions, which are based on the Objectives and are also linked to the SWOT Summary. This Business Plan therefore brings together factors which need to be considered for RTMC Objectives to be achieved, and for the Riesling Trail to progress. Actions and the Financial Plan (Appendix A) are working documents, changing progressively and regularly updated, to accurately represent the current situation.
Vision Statement The Vision for The Riesling Trail is: To provide the best possible recreational experience to all users, and to in turn provide significant social and economic benefits to the Clare Valley, South Australia and Australia. Mission Statement To achieve the Vision, the following Mission Statement has been derived: To provide all stakeholders the opportunity to be a part of a high quality, world-renowned recreational trail. Best practice and financial sustainability are integral components of the management strategy.
The Stakeholders The stakeholders for The Riesling Trail are numerous. The primary stakeholders are summarised as: Business Partners Business Friends Friends of the Riesling Trail The Riesling Trail Management Committee (RTMC) Office for Recreation and Sport (ORS) Transport SA Crown Lands SA Tourism Commission (SATC) Clare Valley Winemakers Inc. Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council Clare Valley Business and Tourism Association Inc. Regional Development Australia - Yorke and Mid North The RTMC, and consequently the stakeholders, seek to derive economic benefit for the region through the Trail, through increased visitation and subsequent economic flow-on. Additionally, the trail provides improved quality of life through the provision of a facility encouraging healthy living for visitors and residents alike. Sustainability will increase grant funding opportunities.
Objectives The major Objective of the Business Plan is to provide a guide for all Committee activities, to ensure continual development and improvement of The Riesling Trail. Specific objectives have been nominated as part of the Plan and are referred to in the Action Plan. These objectives have been prioritised, and while some Priority B and C objectives may not be met within the time-line of this Business Plan (2013 2017) it is important that they remain part of the overall vision. Some new actions may also be raised. Specific objectives are listed below, in no particular order: Derive an ongoing income and be financially sustainable. Increase marketing and awareness Increase membership - Friends of the Riesling Trail Develop sponsorship opportunities Install additional interpretive signage Explore grant funding opportunities Update minor amenities Maintain minor flood-proofing Develop major flood-proofing Manage ongoing maintenance/safety issues Enhance the Trail experiences through public art installations Develop Lennon Street Trail-head Develop Barinia Road terminus Investigate Trail sealing Extend and increase Loop Trails Integrate new and existing council amenities Undertake major capital projects Liaise with and promote adjacent trails
Committee Details Name: Clare Valley Riesling Trail Management Committee Postal Address: P.O. Box 637 Clare SA 5453 Establishment Date: July, 2000 Current Chairperson: Allan Mayfield Phone Number: 0418818569 Email: allan@asmayfield.com.au Current Secretary: Helene Bourne Phone Number: 88430196 Email: bourne@rbe.net.au Current Treasurer: Peter Wood Phone Number: 0411662384 Email: retepdoow@gmail.com Business Plan Contact: Mark Hill Phone Number: 0409 678 022 Email: mlpjhill2@bigpond.com ABN: 82 473 408 036 Incorporation Number: A36390 Period Covered by Plan: 2013 2017
SWOT Summary Strengths It has been identified that key strengths of The Riesling Trail are: Located in the picturesque Clare Valley providing links to popular tourist areas A quality surface providing ease of use and accessibility No cost to use Established Management Committee Links to other forms of tourism eg: food & wine industry, accommodation Basic infrastructure already in place Loop trails Broad appeal and promoting active lifestyle Link to Mawson and Rattler Trails Community Support Well suited for community events Weaknesses It has been identified that the key weaknesses of The Riesling Trail are: Reliance on Government funding Lack of development of financial sustainability Safety and legal issues associated with the Trail Drainage Points Road Crossings Minimal facilities and signage along the Trail Requires ongoing maintenance Reliance on volunteers Infrastructure is at mercy of elements
Opportunities It has been identified that the key opportunities for The Riesling Trail are: Increased membership (Friends of Riesling Trail) Sponsorship/ advertising dollars Further development of loops Links to the main Trail eg. From Clare Country Club, town centre, Caravan Park Enhancement of Trail facilities and infrastructure Sustainable maintenance plan Further promotion through website, brochures and other publicity Links to existing facilities, tourism and infrastructure Links to wineries and other commercial outlets Increased Community support and awareness Further development of Artwork along Trail Activate links with Stakeholders Promote additional events Threats It has been identified that the key threats for The Riesling Trail are: Lack of secure funding Lack of Volunteers in the management of the trail Inappropriate use of Trail Local apathy Loss of integrity of the Trail Loss of volunteers with past experience Weather and flood damage Withdrawal of Council and/or Government support Governance issues for volunteer committee to deal with
Future Directions Future plans include: Bio-diversity where the aim is to map, manage and promote bio-diversity to both enhance the existing landscape and reinforce its varied and diverse character. Signage - Proposals are made in respect of entry/gateway (trailhead) signs, information (interpretive) signs, directional signs and regulatory signs. Public art the incorporation of which is seen to be a vital and creative part of the development. Facilities Where the key priorities are noted as shelters, rainwater tanks, benches, bicycle racks. Trail mapping Eight aerial photographs provided detailed mapping of the Trail between Clare and Auburn. Identified are the specific locations for landscaping, facilities, public art and signage. Implementation priority developments are identified and amenity planting recommendations are made.
Commissioned Studies Further development and maintenance of the Riesling Trail has been guided by a number of ORS/RTMC commissioned studies. These include the following: 1. Stage 5 Road Safety Audit Riesling Trail Clare to Auburn (Mace Engineering April 2003) 2. Bridge & Culvert Inspections Riesling Trail Clare to Auburn (Mace Engineering April 2003) 3. Riesling Trail Extension Feasibility Study (Transplan Pty. Ltd./Mike Halliburton Associates December 2005) 4. Condition Assessment Riesling Trail Clare to Auburn (Mace Engineering May 2007) 5. Condition Assessment Review Riesling Trail Clare to Auburn (Mace Engineering November 2007) 6. Riesling Trail Signage Report (Northern & Western Region, Transport Services Division, DTEI 2008) 7. Native Vegetation Conservation and Management Issues along the Riesling Trail Extension:- Lennon Street to Hubbe Road Clare (Northern & Yorke Region, DEH September 2008)
Membership Information as at 2012 Number of Committee members 11 (including 2 proxies) List of Friends of Riesling Trail Categories: Individual, Business, Honorary Number of Individual Friends. 56 Number of Business Friends. 27 Number of Honorary Friends. 5 Official events/functions Clare Valley Half Marathon, Bike SA, School Walk-a-thons, Geo-caching, Million Paws Walk.
Membership Trends Historical Category 2012 2011 2010 Individual 56 54 47 Business 27 27 27 Honorary 5 5 4 Sponsors 0 0 0 Total 88 86 78 Future Projection Category 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Friends- Individual 70 80 Lifelong 30 35 Honorary 5 5 Business 5 10 Partners * Business Friends* 10 15 Total 120 145 *Subject to implementation
Sub-Committee Terms of Reference Scope These terms of reference and procedures apply to Sub-Committees of the Riesling Trail Management Committee. The following five sub-committees will be named: Marketing Maintenance Amenities and Signage Art Loop Trails Purpose Sub-committees will provide the RTMC with specific groups of like-minded and motivated people willing to undertake dedicated project work, based on objectives as listed in the Action Plan component of the Business Plan. With approval of the RTMC, sub-committees may in some cases, derive and achieve additional objectives, which will be integrated into the Action Plan. Composition Sub-Committees will consist of a Chair, who will be selected from the RTMC of the day, as well as interested members of the Community, preferably a Friend of the Riesling Trail. Nomination of a Sub-Committee Sub-Committees will be formed at each Annual General Meeting of the RTMC, although members of the sub-committee may join or stand-down at any time as required.
Sub-Committee Procedures Frequency of meetings One or more sub-committee meetings may be held alternately with a RTMC committee meeting. Agenda Items for discussion should be communicated to the sub-committee Chairman prior to the meeting. Minutes Minute taking may be shared by members of the sub-committee, but in any case must be taken and as soon as possible circulated to the RTMC for approval. The Chair of the Sub-committee present at the RTMC should if appropriate, acknowledge that the minutes presented are a true and accurate record. Review A yearly review of each Sub-Committee will take place by the RTMC to assess progress and suggest changes if necessary. Common Purpose There may be occasions where more than one sub-committee wishes to deal with a common issue. In these cases the RTMC will decide which committee is given the responsibility for such tasks. Media Any issues arising at Sub-Committee level relating to media must be approved by the RTMC.
Action Plans Although prioritised, these Actions are in no particular order. They may be undertaken at varying times at the discretion of the Committee, although Priority A objectives must take priority over B and C. Five sub-committees will be formed and take ownership of the objective for which they have responsibility. Terms of Reference will guide sub-committee protocol.
Objective Project Tasks Action Sub- Timeframe Resources Priority (What are we going (What are the main tasks (How are we going to achieve Committee (When will ($) (A,B,C) to do) involved) this) this be done) Increase marketing Newspaper Editorials. Appoint a Publicity Officer and Marketing ASAP A and awareness Along the Riesling Trail Sub-Committee to initiate and newsletter. manage the Project Tasks. Activate links with major Engage social media such as stakeholders and tap into Facebook and Twitter. existing publications. Maintain the current website. Develop a motto and logo. Increase Friends of Increase availability of Strategic placement and targeting Marketing ASAP $600 A the Riesling Trail Application Forms and user groups (eg. Clare Walking ongoing. awareness of Friends of the Group, Valleys Lifestyle Centre, Riesling Trail. trail users) through brochure holders and portable sandwich board. Develop Design sponsorship guidelines. Brainstorm ideas. Marketing ASAP A sponsorship Develop advertising packages. Form a specific sponsorship work- opportunities Approach potential sponsors/ group to undertake Project Tasks. advertisers. Install additional Identify required signage. Brainstorm at sub-committee level Amenities Discretion of Commissio A interpretive signage. Obtain designs/quotes. the additional signage required. and Signage sub- ned Study Installation of signage. Work in conjunction with sign committee. No. 6
Objective (What are we going to do) Project Tasks (What are the main tasks involved) Action (How are we going to achieve this) writer. Explore grant Apply for grants. Identify a person conversant with funding Obtain grant funding. applying for grants. opportunities. Work with relevant stakeholders, internet and other sources for grant funding. Update minor Identify required works. Considering available funding, amenities. Consult wider community and utilise volunteer groups and obtain feedback. working bees. Maintain minor Conduct flood damage audit. Manual inspection, particularly flood-proofing. Engage local contractors and after heavy rain to identify volunteers to undertake potential problem areas. earthworks etc. Manage ongoing Develop a maintenance plan. Discuss at Committee level. maintenance/safety Hold working-bees as required. Co-ordinate Friends of Riesling issues. Trail volunteer base. Register with Volunteer Resource Centre at Library. Develop Lennon Seek quotes. Obtain funding. Work with local council. Appoint Street Trailhead. Consider in-kind or volunteer RTMC project manager. labour. Engage contractors. Sub- Timeframe Resources Priority Committee (When will ($) (A,B,C) this be done) All subcommittees ASAP Internet, A local relative to council specific objectives Maintenance Discretion of Commissio B sub- ned Study committee No. 2 Maintenance Immediately Commissio A after heavy ned Study rain. No. 4 Maintenance ASAP Commissio B ned Study No. 5 & Commissio ned Study No. 7 Amenities & ASAP A signage Enhance Trail Sheep project Identify person responsible for Art Current A
Objective Project Tasks Action Sub- Timeframe Resources Priority (What are we going (What are the main tasks (How are we going to achieve Committee (When will ($) (A,B,C) to do) involved) this) this be done) experiences through Work with and progress driving specific projects. Continue public art Auburn vision. to obtain funding. installations. Develop major Undertake an extensive flood- Co-ordinate project tasks at Maintenance Before next unknown B flood-proofing. proofing audit of the whole trail committee level. major to identify problem areas. Consider consulting Engineers. flooding! Obtain adequate funding to undertake required works. Engage local contractors. Investigate Trail Seal the trail surface, possibly Consult engineers/ contractors/ Amenities & Long-term $400,000? C sealing in two stages council etc. Obtain necessary signage funding. Engage contractors. Extend and increase Explore new loop trails, Collaborate with other groups Loops Commissio B loop trails. particularly in Clare township such as Clare Valley Alliance/ ned Study and incorporating wineries and Brand Strategy and SATC No. 3 food outlets. Consider degrees of difficulty for each trail. Integrate new and Improve access and signage to Explore funding opportunities. Loops Discretion of Commissio B existing council incorporate existing council Conduct audit of trail to identify Committee ned Study amenities. amenities, such as access these areas. Eg. Visitor centre, depending on No. 1 routes, toilets and popular caravan park, Country Club, funding. destinations. Melrose Park. Refer to installing
Objective Project Tasks Action Sub- Timeframe Resources Priority (What are we going (What are the main tasks (How are we going to achieve Committee (When will ($) (A,B,C) to do) involved) this) this be done) additional interpretive signage. Undertake major Toilets Obtain funding for specific Amenities & Long-term or Unknown C capital projects. Shelters projects as identified by signage as desired, Picnic areas committee on priority basis. depending on Rainwater tanks funding. Liaise with and Act in a consultancy function. Contact Rattler Trail and Shamus Loop On demand C promote adjacent Liptrot Trail management. and as trails. required. Develop Barinia Further develop Barinia Road Plan at committee level depending Amenities & Long-term Unknown C Road terminus shelter/ picnic/ carpark area. on demand and other priorities Signage depending on extent
Objective Project Tasks Action Sub- Timeframe Resources Priority (What are we going (What are the main tasks (How are we going to achieve Committee (When will ($) (A,B,C) to do) involved) this) this be done)