crank1979
Likes Bikes and Dirt
some replies
A standardised reply from the Office of The Hon Frank Sartor MP
A standardised reply from the Office of The Hon Frank Sartor MP
and a reply from Sally Barnes...Thank you for writing to the Hon Frank Sartor, MP, Minister for Climate Change andthe Environment and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer).Minister Sartor has asked that I acknowledge receipt of your correspondence.
The Minister appreciates the time youhave taken to put your concern in writing and advises that the issues you haveraised will be given due consideration.
______________________________________________
Officeof The Hon Frank Sartor MP
Minister forClimate Change and the Environment and Minister Assisting the Minister forHealth (Cancer)
( (02)9228 5811 7(02) 9228 5499 * Level 35 GMT, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney 2000 : office@sartor.minister.nsw.gov.au
Thankyou for your recent email regarding mountain biking in National Parks.
Formany years the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has welcomed visitorsand supported their recreational aspirations while protecting the conservationvalues of the parks and reserves. We recognise that bike riding and mountainbiking riding in particular is growing in popularity. Bike riding can begood for the environment and good for people’s health and thereforecommunity wellbeing. It is also another way of connecting people to nature andif managed carefully can link to the intent of the National Parks and WildlifeAct.
Wedo however need to be clearer about how and where mountain biking should occurand then how potential impacts should be considered and managed on a park bypark basis. I can confirm that the NPWS is finalising a discussion paperthat not only reviews our current Cycling Policy but also develops aSustainable Mountain Biking Strategy for NSW National Parks.
Thepaper is substantially informed by meetings with representatives from northern Sydney mountain bikinggroups and networksanda workshop held with a broader range of stakeholders including environmentgroups. My hope is that through a community consultation process we willbe able to establish an agreed direction on the provision of mountain biking innational parks and reserves. The paper will include recognition of the highdemand for riding on singletrack, while ensuring that protection of the naturaland cultural values of our national parks remains pre-eminent.
Onthe local front, Northern Sydney parks staffhave met with World Trails to planthreepossible singletrack mountain bike tracks in three different areas. I haveasked staff to continue talking with representatives from the mountain bikefraternity on these trails. I understand they have hosted a World Trailworkshop with representatives from a number of user groups including bikeriders and conservation groups. They have also conducted a workshop with landmanagers within the region to facilitate cross tenure mountain bike trails forall technical abilities.
TheNational Parks and Wildlife Act 1974requires that all activities in national parks are carried out in accordancewith the relevant plan of management. Most current plans of management,including those for parks in northern Sydney,do not permit the creation of singletrack mountain bike tracks. Consultationwith representatives from mountain bike groups and networks has suggested that Garigal National Park has strong potential forthe installation of environmentally sensitive singletrack. NPWS is investigating potentialroutes and design specifications for an appropriate section of singletrackwithin Garigal National Park. I expect that work willcommence shortly upon the environmental impact assessment and a possible planof management amendment processes - both of which are required for any suchchanges to activity within a national park. The proposed amendment to theplan of management will involve public exhibition and review by the RegionalAdvisory Committee and National Parks & Wildlife Advisory Council.
A proactive approach to mountain biking is further advancedat Glenrock State Conservation Area near Newcastle.I have attached a link that illustrates the partnership with the community. TheNational Parks & Wildlife Advisory Council recently visited the park andspecifically commented on the collaborative approach taken by our staff to workwith various groups to get the best recreation and conservation outcomes. http://www.twentysixinches.com/2010/glenrock-volunteer-trail-works
Itrust this reassures you of progress that the NPWS is making on this issue. Iencourage you to continue your involvement and input through the consultationprocesses.
Yourssincerely
Sally Barnes
Deputy Director General
Head - National Parks and Wildlife Service
Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water
