By TRISTA HEATH

Work has officially commenced on the Mill Creek Trail upgrades, signalling the start of the final construction phase of the Jindabyne Shared Trail project.

Crews broke ground earlier last week on the major segment, which represents the last remaining trail on the project schedule.

As one of the central components of the regional network, the comprehensive upgrades to Mill Creek Trail are expected to take significant time to complete. According to Snowy Monaro Regional Council, work is progressing on the various packages (trail upgrades, carpark, underpass, dam wall works) and the overall completion target is March 2027, however, the bulk of the trails, along with the Rainbow Drive carpark, will be done in time for summer.

Funded by the NSW government, construction work began back in late 2024 with the refurbishment of the Hatchery Bay Trails, Copper Tom Trails, and construction of a dedicated footpath and road crossings between Banjo Patterson Park and the start of Copper Tom (at Cobbon Crescent).

Since then, following DA approvals, construction has begun on the Rainbow Drive carpark, the Tyrolean MTB Network (aka Mill Creek Trails) and the new trail link between Tyrolean, Kunama Estate, and East Jindabyne.

Council is working with Snowy Hydro and Transport NSW in an effort to carry out improvements to rider and pedestrian access across the Jindabyne dam wall.

The pedestrian/rider underpass at Kosciuszko Highway, adjacent the realignment of Hatchery Bay Road, is likely to be the final deliverable of the project.

To minimise disruption for outdoor enthusiasts, project managers have implemented a system of rolling closures rather than closing the entirety of the area.

Council said after completing the project in stages and reopening those completed sections to the public the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

“This project will benefit all trail users by providing a continuous trail link from Rushes Bay in East Jindabyne all the way through to Hatchery Bay and towards Gaden Trout Hatchery. From there trail users can utilise the Thredbo Valley Trail to access Thredbo Village,” a council spokesperson said.

“With the exception of sharing Gaden Road and Hatchery Bay Road with vehicles, this creates a long trail link, free from vehicles that both riders, walkers and trail runners can utilise year round.

“Around Tyrolean and East Jindabyne we’re not just building new trail but refurbishing all existing trails. This will make life easier for the Jindabyne Trail Stewards, who have been dutifully caring for the trails for many years now, while also providing world-class trails right here in Jindabyne.

“No longer will riders need to head to the coast or pay for a lift pass at Thredbo to access some of the country’s best trails.”

Local trail maintenance group Jindabyne Trail Stewardship (JTS) welcomed the latest progress, praising the strong working relationship established between the local council and project contractors since the initial tendering process.

“Once complete, the community will have an expanded network with a great diversity of trails for walkers and riders alike,” a JTS spokesperson said.

“For mountain-bikers, the trails will range from easy, first-timer green trails all the way up to steep and rocky trails for advanced riders, and everything in between. This is sure to appeal to locals as well as visitors to the town and the wider region.”

JTS volunteers have already heard the excitement from riders when carrying out maintenance days.

“People are really excited by what is being built, and the project is delivering something for everyone,” JTS spokesperson said.

“We hope everyone will get a chance to experience these awesome new trails. Be sure to respect the work that’s been done and the work that will be needed to maintain the network. We are going to need more resources to maintain our expanded network and ensure it is sustainable. Get out and enjoy the trails, but think about what’s needed to maintain them and consider becoming a trail steward. We hope to see lots of new faces at our trail days this summer.”

While significant headway has been achieved, substantial construction activity remains scheduled through the latter half of 2026.

Council’s spokesperson said staff are pleased to finally be nearing the completion of construction on the current East Jindabyne/Tyrolean phase of the project, and the project overall.

“Between the community consultation process, the archaeology and biodiversity compliance requirements, DA exhibition, and all other design and approval processes the community has been very patient on the delivery of this project,” a council spokesperson said.

“This has not gone unnoticed and we can’t wait to see you all out on the trails.”