Dust off your Akubras and lace up those hiking boots – the Aussie outback is gearing up for a wild transformation. Those old stock routes, once reserved for cattle hooves, could be morphed into vibrant trails of promise, injecting millions into rural communities and connecting us all to the beating heart of the land. But hold on, this isn’t just a local affair – this outback boom taps into a global phenomenon, a worldwide gold rush fuelled by recreational trails!
Picture This
Picture sun-kissed cyclists breezing past your bakery, pockets jingling with coins for a meat pie and a chat about drovers of old. Imagine hikers popping into your store for locally-made hats and sunscreen, eyes gleaming with the promise of ancient gorges and starry skies. See campers splashing their cash on First Nation guided cultural tours, sharing whispers of the land etched in sandstone and mulga groves. This isn’t a desert mirage; it’s a reality that paints a picture of prosperity.
Around the globe, people enjoying recreational trails have added a little boost to local economies by spending money during their visits and buying things that last, like equipment or souvenirs (Moore et al, 1994). A recent analysis in the Journal of Sustainable Ecotourism revealed that recreational trails have the potential to pump up to a staggering 5x as much value into regional economies for each dollar invested (Lukoseviciute et al, 2022).
Over Yonder
Across the pond, hiking trails like the Appalachian Trail draw in visitors, generating up to a whopping $125 million annually for nearby communities (Appalachian Trail Conservancy, n.d.). Some pilgrimage trails in Europe report an 18% increase in employment opportunities for the communities surrounding these trails, for every dollar spent (Interreg Europe, n.d.). And get this, right here in Australia, businesses along existing rail trails report a 10% to 70% increase in income and customers thanks to trail traffic (Rail Trails Australia, 2021)! That’s not just loose change; it’s a game-changer, bringing new cafes blooming in dusty streets, more jobs for your sons and daughters, and shiny new libraries for your kids to explore. Just imagine what our communities along the stock routes could do with that kind of boost!
But what about…?
Now, some might worry about trampled wallabies and grumpy graziers. Fear not! Stock route ecotourism, done right, strengthens the community, nourishes the land and restores stock routes to their former glory! Imagine communities working hand-in-hand with tourists and graziers to conserve these precious corridors, creating a win-win for nature, stock routes, and the people. These trails can be bridges, not bulldozers, forging connections between locals and visitors and fostering a shared appreciation for Australia’s magic. In simpler terms, carefully planning how we use stock routes for tourism can help keep the benefits of trails intact and handle the challenges of balancing fun activities, farming, and protecting the environment (Chen & Liaw, 2012). It’s not about compromising; it’s about finding a harmony that ensures the stock routes, communities, and land remain rich and vibrant for generations to come.
Communities Transformed
And let’s not forget the transformative power of tourism itself. Researh emphasises that tourism is a vital channel towards community socio-economic development, especially in rural contexts (Mnguni & Giampiccoli, 2017). It’s not just about visitors passing through; it’s about forging lasting bonds between communities and travellers, creating a sustainable path towards a brighter future.
Investing in trails is not just about economic prosperity; it’s a strategic move towards fostering a healthier and happier community. As we embark on this journey of diversifying stock routes into thriving recreational trails, let’s keep in mind the diverse benefits they bring. It’s not just about maintaining these traditional cultural pathways; it’s about building connections, enhancing lifestyles, and securing a prosperous future for our communities and the stock routes!