Title Page

  • Trail Name

  • Trail Segment

  • Conducted on

  • Prepared by

  • Location
  • Assessment Number

  • Do you agree with the currently assigned category? (Recreation, Bushland)

  • What category should be assigned?

  • Do you agree with the currently assigned Quality Standard? (Q1, Q2, Q3)

  • What Quality Standard should be assigned?

Performance Assessment

  • Recreation Trail or Bushland Trail?

Trail Location

  • Trail Location Score

  • Easy access to the trail through multiple road connections. Close to but not directly on major arterial routes that may limit ease of access or create safety issues.

  • The trail is on (or close by to) public transport routes.

  • The trail consists of places of interest such as scenic lookouts, waterfalls and other natural features

  • The trail is continuous and does not have any missing sections.

  • The trail is free of “goat tracks” where it is evident users take shortcuts and create informal trails.

Inclusive Access

  • Inclusive Access Score

  • The trail can be accessed and utilised by people with limited mobility. E.g. wide paths, no barriers.

  • The trail contains tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) where appropriate.

  • Signage is compliant to allow all ability interpretation, including braille where appropriate.

  • Provision of disabled car parking for access.

  • The trail is free of steps and stairs. Ramps are provided where possible as an alternative.

  • Continuous path of trail available to supporting amenities such as seats, toilets etc. and adequate space to move off trail to access them without blocking other users.

Compliance

  • Compliance Score

  • Gradients and crossfalls are consistent with the Australian Standard AS 1428–2001.

  • The trail width is in line with the trail classification and levels of service. Q1: Minimum 3 metres wide, 3.5m desirable. Q2: Minimum 2.5 metres, 3m desirable. Q3: Minimum 2 metres, 2.5m desirable.

  • The trail surface is in line with the trail classification and levels of service. Q1: Sealed Q2: Sealed or unsealed Q3: Unsealed

Safety

  • Safety Score

  • The trail is well lit where appropriate. E.g. underpasses, road crossings, intersections, tight curves.

  • Appropriate sight lines are provided with large curves. Corners do not obscure views of oncoming pedestrians and cyclists. Minimum radius of corners should be at least 9m.

  • There is no thick vegetation close to the trail.

  • The trail is free of in-path obstacles. E.g. bollards, fences, gates, bins, seating, signs, overhanging branches. Obstacles should be placed beside the trail.

  • The trail is free of hazards.E.g. open drains, concrete culverts, depressions, steep embankments or drop-offs.

  • Obstacles placed beside the trail should be a minimum 0.5m off the trail (1m desirable) with the exception of bushes, trees and landscaping which can be 0.3m.

  • The minimum vertical clearance is at least 2.5 m above the surface. This applies to tree branches, underpasses, doorways, signstructures and any other overhead structure.

  • The trail contains access points for emergency vehicles.

  • The trail has limited points where the trail crosses a public road or interacts with traffic. E.g. across driveways and roads.

  • Where road crossings occur, safety mitigation measures are in place. E.g. zebra crossings, median islands, pedestrian signals, overpass, underpass.

  • Where intersections occur, the points are designed carefully with hazard signage, clear line of sight and line marking.

  • There is an adequate separation distance (minimum 2m) or a barrier (e.g. safety rail, trees, vegetation) provided between motorists and pedestrians

  • Combination of centrality (busy), visibility and placement contribute to high sense of safety values for users accessing the trail – particularly after dark

Signage

  • Signage Score

  • All trails should have a sign outlining the classification of the trail and a description of the experience and fitness level required to enjoy the trail safely, distance and estimated completion time for the trail (including whether it is one-way or return) and topographical and climatic conditions that should be considered prior to departure.

  • Tactile and visual cues at potential pedestrian / cycling and horse riding conflict points.

  • The signage on the trail meets the requirements of the trail classification and level of service.

  • Q1, Q2: The trail consists of wayfinding signage where appropriate, that complies with the Australian Standards AS 2156.1-2001 Walking tracks -Classification and signage.

  • Q1, Q2: The trail consists of a trail name sign at the trail head and trail nodes and a smaller trail name sign at any formal entrances to the trail.

  • Q1, Q2: There is a sign with a map of the overall route of the trail at the trail head and at trail nodes.

  • Q1, Q2: There are signs highlighting any dangerous places, obstacles and other elements along or adjoining the trail.

  • Q1, Q2: There is an information sign outlining the opening and closing times of the trail (if any), the trail code of practice (any rules and regulations) and availability of facilities such as toilets.

  • Q1, Q2: The trail contains education and interpretive information about culture, history, geography and environmental matters relevant to the trail, where appropriate.

  • Q1, Q2: The trail features relevant wayfinding signage to nearby amenities and community facilities. Eg. Toilets 200m left or Eltham Skate Park 400m east

  • Q3: The trail consists of wayfinding signage where appropriate, that complies with the Australian Standards AS 2156.1-2001 Walking tracks -Classification and signage.

  • Q3: The trail consists of a small trail name sign at the trail head and trail nodes.

  • Q3: There are signs highlighting any dangerous places, obstacles and other elements along or adjoining the trail.

Supporting Amenities

  • Supporting Amenities Score

  • Adequate capacity of carparking, conveniently located near trail entrance points. Ease of access and proximity to the trail from carparking areas. Entry point and route to the trail are obvious.

  • If a Q1 or Q2 trail, the trail contains centre lines, bicycle and pedestrian pavement symbols and shared path behavioural signage to indicate a shared path.

  • The number and location of amenities on the trail meets the minimum documented development levels of service.

  • The amenities provided on the trail are in good, functioning condition.

  • The trail has an appropriate amount of shade, particularly at resting areas.

Trail Location

  • Trail Location Score

  • Easy access to the trail through multiple road connections.

  • The trail consists of places of interest such as scenic lookouts, waterfalls and other natural features.

  • The trail is continuous and does not have any missing sections.

  • The trail is free of “goat tracks” where it is evident users take shortcuts and create informal trails.

Inclusive Access

  • Inclusive Access Score

  • The trail meets the requirements of its classification and levels of service in regard to inclusive access. Only a Q1 trail is suitable for mobility impaired and people with prams.

  • A ramp at 1:14 (7.14% slope or 4.1 degrees) is the maximum slope/gradient suitable

  • A broad, hard surfaced track suitable for wheelchair use and prams.

  • The trail is free of steps and stairs. Ramps are provided where possible as an alternative

Compliance

  • Compliance Score

  • The trail is consistent with the Australian Walking Track Grading System and meets the requirements of its relevant levels of service.

  • Q1: Total distance of track must not exceed 5km. A ramp at 1:14 (7.14% slope or 4.1 degrees) is the maximum slope/gradient suitable. Broad, hard surfaced track suitable for wheelchair use. The trail width is 1200mm or more

  • Q2: Total distance of track must not exceed 10km. The gradient is generally no steeper than 1:10 (or 10% or 5.7 degrees). The surface is generally a modified or hardened surface. The trail width is 900mm or more.

  • Q3: Total distance of track must not exceed 20km. The gradient may exceed 1:10 (or 10% or 5.7 degrees) for short sections but generally no steeper than 1:10. The surface a formed earthen track, few obstacles. Generally, a modified surface, sections may be hardened. The trail width is variable but less than 1200mm.

  • Q4: Total distance of track may exceed 20km. The gradient may have arduous climbs and steep sections. May include long steep sections exceeding 1:10. The surface is generally distinct without major modification to the ground. The trail width is variable.

  • Q5: Total distance of track may exceed 20km. The gradient may have very arduous climbs and steep sections. May include long steep sections exceeding 1:10. The surface has no modification of the natural environment. The trail width is variable.

Safety

  • Safety Score

  • Vegetation close to the trail is not overhanging onto the trail.

  • The trail is free of in-path obstacles. E.g. bollards, fences, gates, bins, seating, signs, overhanging branches. Obstacles should be placed beside the trail.

  • The trail is free of hazards E.g. rocks, tree roots, depressions, steep embankments or drop-offs.

  • There is adequate vertical clearance. E.g. no low tree branches.

  • The trail has limited points where the trail crosses a public road or interacts with traffic. E.g. across driveways and roads.

  • Where road crossings occur, safety mitigation measures are in place. E.g. zebra crossings, median islands, pedestrian signals, overpass, underpass.

  • Where intersections occur, the points are designed carefully with hazard signage, clear line of sight and line marking.

  • There is an adequate separation distance (minimum 1.5m) or a barrier (e.g. safety rail, trees, vegetation) provided between motorists and pedestrians.

Signage

  • Signage Score

  • The signage on the trail meets the requirements of the trail classification and level of service

  • The trail consists of wayfinding signage where appropriate, that complies with the Australian Standards AS 2156.1-2001 Walking tracks -Classification and signage.

  • All trails should have a sign outlining the classification of the trail and a description of the experience and fitness level required to enjoy the trail safely, distance and estimated completion time for the trail (including whether it is one-way or return) and topographical and climatic conditions that should be considered prior to departure.

  • Route markers: Q1, Q2 and Q3: Route markers at intersections and where track is indistinct. Q4: Limited route markers. Q5: No route markers

Supporting Amenities

  • Supporting Amenities Score

  • Adequate capacity of carparking, conveniently located near trail entrance points. Ease of access and proximity to the trail from carparking areas. Entry point and route to the trail are obvious.

  • The number and location of amenities on the trail meets the documented development levels of service.

  • The amenities provided on the trail are in good, functioning condition.

  • The trail has an appropriate amount of shade, particularly at resting areas.

Maintenance

  • Are there any maintenance issues relating to this trail segment?

  • Describe maintenance issue 1

  • Locate maintenance issue 1
  • Take photo/s of maintenance issue 1

  • Are there any other maintenance issues relating to this trail segment?

  • Describe maintenance issue 2

  • Locate maintenance issue 2
  • Take photo/s of maintenance issue 2

  • Are there any other maintenance issues relating to this trail segment?

  • Describe maintenance issue 3

  • Locate maintenance issue 3
  • Take photo/s of maintenance issue 3

  • Are there any other maintenance issues relating to this trail segment?

  • Describe maintenance issue 4

  • Locate maintenance issue 4
  • Take photo/s of maintenance issue 4

  • Are there any other maintenance issues relating to this trail segment?

  • Describe maintenance issue 5

  • Locate maintenance issue 5
  • Take photo/s of maintenance issue 5

Safety/Risk

  • In the event any safety/risk issues identified during the assessment require urgent address alert NSC project team as soon as practicable

  • Are there any safety/risk issues relating to this trail segment?

  • Describe safety/risk issue 1

  • Locate safety/risk issue 1
  • Take photo/s of safety/risk issue 1

  • Are there any other safety/risk issues relating to this trail segment?

  • Describe safety/risk issue 2

  • Locate safety/risk issue 2
  • Take photo/s of safety/risk issue 2

  • Are there any other safety/risk issues relating to this trail segment?

  • Describe safety/risk issue 3

  • Locate safety/risk issue 3
  • Take photo/s of safety/risk issue 3

  • Are there any other safety/risk issues relating to this trail segment?

  • Describe safety/risk issue 4

  • Locate safety/risk issue 4
  • Take photo/s of safety/risk issue 4

  • Are there any other safety/risk issues relating to this trail segment?

  • Describe safety/risk issue 5

  • Locate safety/risk issue 5
  • Take photo/s of safety/risk issue 5

Overall Experience

  • Rate the overall trail user experience: 0 (low quality) - 10 (high quality).

Capacity/Potential for Enhancement

  • Rate the capacity/potential to enhance the overall trail experience: 0 (low capacity/potential) - 10 (high capacity/potential).

Trail Description

  • Briefly describe the attributes of the trail overall including user experience, key amenities and features

  • Briefly describe any unique attributes, opportunities or challenges of this segment of the trail

  • Photos of key trail segment features

The templates available in our Public Library have been created by our customers and employees to help get you started using SafetyCulture's solutions. The templates are intended to be used as hypothetical examples only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. You should seek your own professional advice to determine if the use of a template is permissible in your workplace or jurisdiction. You should independently determine whether the template is suitable for your circumstances.