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Push to avoid downhill bike track delay - BM Gazette
Article from the Gazette to do with the funding at Knapsack. $12k is a good start to be sure.
Councillors have moved to avoid a nine month delay of the Knapsack Reserve downhill bike track project by withdrawing a requirement for an additional environmental impact report.
Fears a species impact statement (SIS) — requested by councillors in December — could set the project back for so long triggered the decision at last Tuesday’s council meeting.
The SIS will now be conducted only if an environmental assessment due back before the council in March deems it necessary. If no SIS is required, councillors are expected to make a final decision on the track network’s fate at that time.
Ward 1 councillor Eleanor Gibbs took issue with a separate item at the meeting relating to a $12,000 state government grant towards the tracks.
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres recently announced the contribution to the $24,500 project as part of the NSW government’s Community Buildings Partnership Program.
“I remain concerned about the process of applying for a grant for a project that is controversial and does not yet have final council approval,” said Clr Gibbs.
A spokeswoman for the council said the funding application was lodged based on the “reasonable likelihood” the project would proceed at the time.
“In addition, the Knapsack Reserve Plan of Management makes provision for the development of a downhill mountain bike track as a permissible activity,” said the spokeswoman.
“Council made the funding application prior to [councillors] requesting that further environmental assessments be undertaken.”
If the project proceeds, the spokeswoman said construction could take more than a year before the tracks are fit for use.
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BMCC need a pat on the back, good foresight to have applied for funding in anticipation of the positive outcomes set to be acheived at Knapsack Reserve.
Thank you to Stuart Ayers, the community grant will help us immensly myself and no doubt a few of my many fellow mountain bikers will certainly not forget your pro active assistance in this worth while family orientated community project.
The many hours of dedication by the supportive councillors and staff has been a real eye opener for our group we are attuned to the positive nature of the contributions and are very happy with how things are progressing.