Standards Australia have invited public comments on this draft Standard until June 30th after which the committee will consider all the responses. Part 2 of the Standard will be devoted to engineering aspects of tracks and associated infrastructure.

The draft implicitly adopts the term " track " rather than "trail" for access ways designed for walking. This does not affect established titles such as the Heysen Trail or the Birdsville Track, which might seem to be contradictory to the generic terms. The Classification system has six " GRADES" but does not use any descriptors such as Pathway, Formed Track, Footpad or Route, since the " Managing Authority " of our walking tracks , sometimes more than one in each state or Territory , each use differing definitions. Grade 1 is a walking track also suitable for use by " those with reduced mobility " in wheelchairs, and Grade 6 is an unmarked route for" highly experienced walkers to explore potentially hazardous natural areas without the reliance on managed tracks " . Track length and width are not prescribed , but obviously cost factors will, for example, limit the length of Grade 1 and require the justification of very large numbers of users.

The " Functional " criteria for each Grade are: Track Condition, Gradient, Signage and Facilities.

" Experiential Elements " are Visitor Expectation and User Experience

The four Management Elements are Level of Intervention , Risk Management, Track Information and Usage and Group Size.

Signage covers " Track Markers" and five types of " Information Signs " Advisory, Descriptive and Warning signs which " may " include listed information and Interpretive and Regulatory signs which are the " perogative of the Managing Authority."