The proposal to build a 100 kilometre network of mountain bike trails on Mt Canobolas has reached a new milestone with Orange City Council lodging the paperwork to seek State Government planning approval.
After 12 months of investigation by a team of environmental consultants, archaeologists and track design experts, Council has lodged the application with the Department of Industry Planning and Environment (DPIE) for the project to be considered as a State Significant Development (SSD).
TRAILS: Orange City Council is seeking State Government planning approval for a 100-kilometre network of mountain bike trails on Mount Canobolas
As part of the process DPIE will consider a report called a Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment (PEIA) compiled by the environmental consultants, The Environmental Factor.
The PEIA provides an overview of the project and considers the potential environmental impacts that may result from the proposed works. Additionally, the PEIA proposes potential mitigation measures or safeguards to avoid, minimise, mitigate or offset these potential impacts.
Orange Mayor Cr Jason Hamling welcomed the latest step in the project.
“The proposed mountain Bike Trail on Mt Canobolas is one of the Council’s generational projects that is going to make a huge difference to our local business economy by drawing enthusiasts from all over Australia,” Cr Jason Hamling said.
“We’re not pretending that a project of this scale is going to happen overnight, but it’s great to see another milestone that could bring us one step closer.
“I acknowledge we are dealing with a very special, environmentally sensitive area on the mountain and for that reason, it must measure up or it won’t go ahead. The lodging of this SSD application will start a thorough independent investigation by a state Government department.”
“Our expert consultants and track designers have done a brilliant job coming up with a network of tracks which we believe can be built around the mountain’s sensitive areas. The proposed routes can also now been seen on a new page on the Council website, which brings the many elements of the project together in the one place.”
