Have Your Say Downhill Bike Track Knapsack Reserve

Reps will be emailing to bring to BMORC members the need to act with a formal submission to support the Knapsack proposals.

Key aspects from the Public Consultation raised by staff that you may want to add to your submission

i) Phytophthora: in a recent study conducted by NPWS, Phytophthora infestans within the BMCC LGA (or the non heritage listed areas of the Blue Mountains), was considered to be wide spread and beyond to control of land managers. Study also suspects that Phytophthora has likely pentrated well into the surrounding national parks. Although important for riders to implement code of conduct pertaining to riding in wet conditions, whilst also implementing trail design practices such as rock armouring of water crossings and other water dispersement and trail hardening techniques, This wide spread presences of Phytophthora can not be mitigated by stopping MTB access to areas such as Knapsack Reserve.

ii) As the existing Plan of Management allows for MTB access, erosion is already evident and unsustainable, as shown by the river that formed during the down pour that occurred on our walk, as part of the public consultation. Without approved access, volunteer labour to convert the trails to a more sustainable footing will not be available, and staff resources are already well stretched. Rejecting the MTB plan will therefore lead to continuing and accelerating environmental impact.

iii) Although the Road rider from Bowaga Avenue challenged that Off Road access had more impact on the environment it is important to note that the IMBA guidelines for trail building is accepted as appropriate by both NPWS, BMCC Staff, and the Sydney Catchment Authority as part of approved Lithgow MTB trails.

Further it was recognised by the majority of participants at the public consultation day that clearing of roads and subsequent tarring has a far large impact then conversion of existing unsustainably built off road trails to sustainably designed and constructed trails using the above approved IMBA guidelines.

(Although I was unsure if he was convinced of this logic and body of facts)

iv) Independent Environmental consultants appointed by BMCC as part of REF did not find any significant obstacles to stop the proposed MTB plan, and highlighted the net positive environmental benefits associated with trail rationalisation and formalisation of the trail network.

v) Knapsack reserve was the only alternative location identified as part of Staff research to satisfy both Council, resident and the sports requirements. Council has agreed that Mountain biking is a sport they wish to support and that a facility will be provided subject to appropriate environmental assessment. The REF has now been completed without significant environmental impacts identified.

vi) Without legitimate Trail facilities and locations, BMORC reps will be unable to successfully demonstrate that working with council and doing the right thing leads to positive engagement and provision of appropriate facilities regardless of the wealth of logic supported by subject matter experts such as NPWS, BMCC Staff, IMBA Australia, and Independent Environmental Consultants. If BMORC can not succeed based on this extensive body of facts, then riders will likely revert back to informal structures, reduce organised volunteer efforts to implement track rehab, trail maintenance, trail conversion to sustainable trail building principals, loose self policing benefits, reduce impact of codes of conduct, remove educational and communication benefits (eg Myrtle Rust, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage days, Bush care works) etc etc.

vii) If BMORC fails, who will take responsibility for converting unsustainable trails that those opposed to the plan support. The Knapsack Reserve Bushcare group has been disbanded for several years. This highlights that BMORC and its members are willing to become the next generation of bushcare and conservationists, focusing on Trail care, trail rehabilitation and rationalisation to form legitimate and sustainable trail networks.

Supporting the draft MTB plan and formalising the MTB plan allows for a model of sustainability not previously seen, at a stage when the sport is on the verge of expansion. rejecting the proposals due to administrative requirements and other stalling tactics will lead to a status quo, in that environmental impacts will continue, and riders will continue to ride unsustainable trails.

Supporting the proposal is a Win / Win for both the Bushland environment we as riders enjoy, and for riders to continuing access on more sustainable and enjoyable trails. Rejecting the proposal does nothing but lose 2.5 years of positive Council and Rider Engagement.

Due date for submissions is for the 29 August 2011 ... it is now up to riders to show their numbers and support the proposal.

This is the last weekend before submissions close, I'm hoping all you regulars have checked your emails and completed the formal submission forms and emailed or posted this to council.

I'd be very disappointed if this didn't get through due to lack of numbers

Life cycles is goneki.

Thanks to those that took time and put in their submission.

I received my confirmation from council today.