The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is inviting the Illawarra and mountain biking community to have their say on the second stage of the planned Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network.
NPWS Director Kane Weeks said the draft Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the Balgownie network is now on public exhibition and open for comment.
“The NPWS supports cycling across the escarpment and agree that it is a fantastic way for people of all ages to enjoy the area,” said Mr Weeks.
“But we also have a responsibility to protect the unique environmental and cultural values of the area, now and for future generations.
“The draft REF outlines how we will strike the balance between recreation and conservation,” Mr Weeks said.
NPWS is also progressing plans for the closure and rehabilitation of all tracks on Mount Keira, respecting the cultural significance of the area.
Illegal tracks pose safety risks to riders and compromise the biodiversity values of the protected area through soil erosion.
The REF proposes to rebuild some informal tracks, to become part of the formal network; other illegal tracks will be closed and rehabilitated to avoid further environmental damage.
The proposed 25-kilometre Balgownie Mountain Bike Track Network is the second being planned for the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. Plans are also progressing for a 51-kilometre network at Mount Kembla.
