Primary work is being undertaken on a project between the City of Ballarat and the Emergency Services Telecommunication Authority (ESTA) that will see emergency markers installed along the Ballarat Skipton Rail Trail.

The first stage of the project involves collecting spatial data including GPS coordinates and determining the content of the signs.

City of Ballarat Councillor Des Hudson said the project would be the first of its kind to be implemented in the region.

“The markers are used as an aid for emergency services personnel when dispatched to remote locations. They make it easier for people not familiar with the area or too distressed to think clearly to give a clear and accurate indication of where they are”.

The Trail is one of the longest of its kind emanating from Ballarat. Similar projects have been undertaken in Melbourne parks including the You Yangs with proven success. 

Support for the project has been received from the Ballarat Bicycle User group, BalBUG who believe it will assist with the image of Ballarat as a cycling destination.

BalBUG member Rudy Novotny said the Ballarat to Skipton Rail Trail had become a great cycling asset for the region and was now one of the finest in Victoria following an upgrade to the 53km trail in 2008.

“With continued good management and maintenance it still has great potential to attract substantially more cycling tourism”.

“The proposed emergency markers will offer Rail Trail users considerable comfort in the knowledge that in a distress situation they will be able to give emergency services their precise location and therefore receive speedy and appropriate assistance”.

“BalBUG is fully supportive of the proposed initiative. It is understood this will be only the second Victorian Rail Trail to provide this important safety concept."

The Ballarat Skipton Rail Trail covers three municipalities. The City of Ballarat will lead the project on behalf of the Corangamite and Golden Plains shires.