During the public exhibition period, 236 submissions
were received (the majority in support of the direction of
the strategy). In particular there was strong support
from mountain bike users (211 comments) that responds
to the growing demand for this sport and their desire to
have appropriate facilities within the local area. This
included comment from downhill mountain bike riders
who wished to have the current facilities off Warrimoo
Oval formalised in the strategy and have supporting
environmental programs led by Council to ensure their
tracks do not cause significant environmental problems
That Council adopt the amended draft Unstructured
Recreation Strategy and proceed with the
implementation of the actions as part of its capital and
operational works programs.
In response to the consultation process and discussions between key staff and users of the facility,
the existing downhill mountain bike tracks from Warrimoo Oval have been added to the strategy.
In addition the amended strategy also proposes to work with key users of the site to develop
responsibilities for management (including maintenance of the track) and safety. Other actions in
relation to this site include:
The need to accurately map all tracks
Closing unnecessary tracks
Tracks shall be brought up to the desired safety standards as out lined by International
Mountain Biking Association (IMBA)
Adjustments to some jumps
Provision of safer routes around jumps to cater for riders of various abilities (a key risk
management strategy)
To support the builders of the tracks as part of Council’s environmental volunteering
program (as currently occurs with the Turramurra off road cyclists)
An uphill walking track is to be developed for return journey and spectators
Signage on safety issues will be erected
Council staff are also working with adjacent Councils and land managers (Hornsby, Warringah,
Pittwater and Manly Councils, and Garigal and Lane Cove National Parks) to co-ordinate programs
and facilities. The outcomes of these meetings reinforce the need for east west and north south off
routes to complement existing fire trails and proposed dedicated mountain bike tracks.
In addition to the above, the Department of Environment Climate Change and Water (DECCW)
released a discussion paper on mountain biking in National Parks (September 10, 2010). The
timing of the community meetings on this document complemented the consultation process for
Council’s draft Unstructured Recreation Strategy. Preliminary feedback from the DECCW
consultation supports the many submissions on Council’s draft strategy and the need for specific
facilities in the northern region of Sydney.
The draft Unstructured Recreation Strategy aims to address and provide opportunities for Council
to manage various recreational activities that occur on community land and particularly within
Council’s bushland reserves. In doing so it seeks to establish the locations, use and management
of various sites and activities such that they can occur sustainably.
In response to the consultation process of the draft strategy only minor changes to the strategy
occurred. Notable in this was the strong response from mountain bike users (211 responses) that
signifies the strong interest and demand for these facilities. The amended draft strategy has
incorporated the existing downhill mountain bike track at Warrimoo Oval. These tracks have been
in place for many years and by formally recognising them, Council will be better placed to work
with users to ensure the tracks are safe and maintained in a way that minimises the impact on the
bushland environment
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