Professional TrailBuilders
Association | Australia
Photo: TrailScapes Pty Ltd
Supporting the trail industry in Australia
The Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA) brings together professional trail companies and industry partners to strengthen the trail industry through professional practices, workforce development, knowledge sharing, and connection.
Building on the 2025 PTBA Conference | Oceania Edition in Derby, PTBA members in Australia are working together to strengthen and support the professional trail industry — with opportunities to expand this work across Oceania over time.
About PTBA
The Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA) is the international trade association for the trail industry, representing private-sector companies that plan, design, and build trails worldwide.
Our mission is to advance the trail industry by promoting quality and professionalism, strengthening the workforce, supporting industry best practices, and building a strong professional network.
Expanding PTBA’s international impact is a strategic priority, with our work in Australia an important part of that effort.
PTBA’s vision is a thriving trail industry that:
Establishes industry best practices
Builds a robust and skilled workforce
Fosters a strong and supportive professional network
Is recognised as an integral part of the outdoor recreation economy
Continues to evolve and grow
Our Work in Australia
Following the 2025 PTBA Conference | Oceania Edition in Derby, PTBA members in Australia have continued working together to identify opportunities to strengthen and support the professional trail industry.
Our work is focused on:
Professional Best Practices: Developing and sharing resources that support quality trail planning, design, construction, contracting, and project delivery.
Workforce Development: Supporting trail career pathways, skills development, training, and professional recognition of the trail workforce.
Industry Connection: Creating opportunities for trail professionals to connect, share knowledge, and learn from one another.
Industry Opportunities: Expanding access to project opportunities and other services that support professional trail companies
Derby Conference Photos: Jasper De Seymour
PTBA Members in Australia
PTBA is growing a community of professional trail companies across Australia.
PTBA is member-driven, and our Australian members are helping shape our work in the region — identifying industry priorities, sharing expertise, and developing resources and opportunities for Australia’s professional trail industry.
Membership also creates opportunities to connect with peers, share knowledge, and contribute to the collective work of strengthening the industry.
What Does PTBA Membership Mean?
PTBA member companies are professional trail companies committed to quality, professionalism, and the continued advancement of the trail industry.
Members:
Specialise in trails, with the majority of their work focused on the trail industry.
Demonstrate quality and professionalism through a rigorous peer-review process that includes project experience, references, sponsorship by an existing PTBA member, and review by their professional peers.
Bring specialised trail expertise developed through years of professional trail planning, design, construction, and related work.
Commit to professional standards, including PTBA’s Member Code of Conduct and expectations around integrity, safety, workforce development, and industry best practices.
Contribute to the profession, sharing knowledge and working alongside other member companies to strengthen and advance the trail industry.
Photo: CreativeLines
Explore PTBA Resources
PTBA has developed a growing collection of resources to support trail planning, construction, workforce development, and industry growth.
For now, we’re linking to existing resources developed for the U.S. trail industry that are also relevant in Australia. Australian-specific content and adaptations are in development and will be added here as they become available.
Plan & Deliver Trail Projects
Explore resources for developing successful trail projects, from early planning through design and construction.
Trail Contracting & Procurement - Coming soon
Build Trail Skills & Careers
Explore the skills, knowledge, and career pathways that support the professional trail workforce.
Going Pro as a Trail Company
Resources for companies building a professional trail business and those interested in joining PTBA.
Photos: Destination Trails; CreativeLines
Bringing the Industry Together Again
The 2025 PTBA Conference | Oceania Edition in Derby brought together more than 150 trail professionals to learn, share knowledge, and strengthen connections across the industry.
We’re building on that momentum and beginning to explore the next PTBA conference in Australia. Stay tuned for more!
Connect with PTBA in Australia
Interested in PTBA's work in Australia, contributing to regional initiatives, or learning more about membership? We'd love to hear from you.