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| Win for Sustainable Mountain Biking and National Park Protection |
| Thursday, 24 September 2009 | ||||||
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The Northern Beaches has been chosen as a pilot area to improve sustainable mountain biking trails across the State, after Manly MP Mike Baird met with the NSW Environment Minister to discuss the issue last month. “This is a tremendous win not only for Northern Beaches mountain bikers, but also for local environmentalists who will now be able to take part in consultation that will guide the Government’s state-wide strategy,” Mr Baird said. “There are two sides to this debate and now both will be heard and both will have significant input into an agreed way forward. “When we met with the Environment Minister last month we asked for formal consultation to be undertaken with all stakeholders to resolve the stand-off in relation to mountain biking in national parks. “We’re delighted that consultation has been granted and will take place next month with the Northern Beaches as the focus. “The aim is to develop sustainable trails on the Northern Beaches and ensure that our national parks are protected.” Mr Baird said the Environment Minister had expressed concern about the current tensions in Garigal National Park. “Consultants have been brought on board to assist National Parks in facilitating the consultation next month and they will address the issues at Garigal as a priority. “We all want the environment protected and at the same time access should be provided in a sustainable way for mountain bikes. “In this we also want to commend National Parks who are going to play a key role in ensuring both these goals are achieved. “I encourage as many people as possible to engage in the consultation process so we get the best possible mutual outcome. The date and venue for the consultation will be advised in the near future,” Mr Baird said. “This is a victory for commonsense – designated and sustainable trails for mountain bikers will mean national parks will be protected, but also enjoyed.” MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880 
Alas, this photo was not taken on the Northern Beaches, it was taken in Melrose, South Australia
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mountain bike access Well done guys, there is a lot of discussion and plaudits on www.nobmob.com about this groundbreaking trial. It's something that NZ has had in place for quite sometime and does represent a new form of thinking within NPWS, which is very positive. Bring on the future I'm so ecstatic by the today's news. A big thank you to Mike and all those who were involved with making this outcome possible. For me, this date goes into the history books! National Parks and Other Sites Great news! This story makes my day. Finally, the wheel that seems to have been rusted and imovable is slowly turning. In addition to NP trails opening up. Let us also look at sites in the northern beaches that currently lie unused. Brownfield and greenfield sites such as belrose and red hill would make great mtn bike recreation zones mixed in with XC running and other outdoor pursuits. A real opportunity to provide Sydney with a new and exciting recreational piece. Just look how popular Stromlo in Canberra has been. Compare that to Sydney's population and its gateway to Australia status. Set up costs are likely to be This is a huge win! Thank you so much to Mike and his team for supporting Mountain Bikers and the cycling community! This is a fantastic effort!!! I am sure the Pilot will show just how sustainable cycling can be. MTB Access Very good news. But it looks like we have a long way to go yet. There is so much potential in many areas of Sydney. Lets try and set an example for other areas of Sydney. P.S. Where was the picture at the end of the article taken? Looks like a great spot. A Great Win.......... Another job well done Mike, fantastic news. Why aren`t you our State Premier. You get the job done when you say you will. Thank you. Cheers Debra. response to Matt Hi Matt, thanks for your comments. Alas the pic above is not on the Northern Beaches - it's in Melrose, South Australia. Check out the trails section on www.otesports.com.au - it is a beautiful spot! Cheers, Lisa from Mike's office response to Matt Great work Mike! Sustainable Mountain Biking I am 42 yrs old and taken up mountain biking on the northern beaches 2yrs ago. It is without double one of the best community activities I have done and my wife and both of my daughters are enjoying it as well. This is an important family activity for us. I know for a fact fact that a child out mountain biking is an active interested child who is less likely to be a pain to the community thought their teens. It's a vital part of our Northern Beaches culture. We can't lock people out of something that as a citizens is inherently theirs. There are enough responsible people around to ensure sustainability and enjoyable for old and young, Pros and ametures. P.S.. My best mate is 120kg. He has just taken up mountain biking to get his weight and life under control....this must lead to less pressure on the medial system I would think; and he spent $3500 on his bike in Manly which is good for our local economy. Mountain bike access I'd just like to congratulate Mike Baird for getting involved in this issue. Mountain biking is a fabulous activity and I would encourage anyone to go down to Canberra and look at the Mtb facilities they have put together there at Mt Stromolo, Sparrow Hill and Majura Pines. We have a lot of work to do to catch up. Well done! Mountain biking future Thanks Mike. I agree that we should also look at Brown field sites for other forms of Mountain biking (Downhill, 4X etc.) The Central Coast and Western Sydney Mountain Bike Clubs have the tracks to supprt their clubs. Where are the Manly Warringah facilities?? |
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