A volunteer group is hoping to transform council-owned land at Peppermint Hill in New Norfolk into a $600,000 multi-use trail network, while aiming to deliver it for less than $100,000 through volunteer labour, sponsorships and grants.
The Derwent Valley Trail Collective has lodged its revised Stage 1A proposal for the site, which it has named Peppermint Peak.
The proposal includes three mountain bike trails ranging from beginner to advanced, as well as a multi-use loop designed for walkers, runners and horse riders.
The collective formed earlier this year after members identified a lack of free, community-accessible trails in the Derwent Valley.
President Mitchell Verhulst said the aim was to create a community asset that could be enjoyed by a broad section of the community.
“We wanted something that everyone of every ability can ride, walk, run, ride horses, you name it, everything,” he told Pulse.
The group hopes to deliver the project through volunteer labour, sponsorships, grants and in-kind support from local businesses and industry professionals.
The proposal has received positive feedback from Derwent Valley Council, with the council now considering access and construction agreements for the use of council land.
Derwent Valley Council CEO Wes Young said officers were working through the requirements needed before access and construction agreements could be considered.
“The presentation was received positively and the Council provided feedback that they were prepared to consider the approval of access and construction agreements (for Council land) provided that appropriate safeguards were in place,” he told Pulse.
“Council is excited about the opportunities that this proposal could create for locals and visitors alike.”
Young said safeguards would include relevant insurances, maintenance responsibilities and contractor qualifications, with council officers hoping to bring a report back for a decision in August or September.
Verhulst said the group was also working with disability support organisations to involve disadvantaged young people and people with disabilities in both building and using the trails.
While the proposal includes mountain bike trails, the collective says it is designed as a broader recreation asset for the community.
Verhulst said Peppermint Hill currently had limited public access beyond the road, despite offering views across the Derwent Valley, with the group hoping to create a lookout area where visitors can experience sunrise and sunset from the site.
The collective’s longer-term vision is to one day connect trail networks through to Huonville, the rail trail and the Styx Valley, creating a broader network linking communities across southern Tasmania.
