I got a response from pv today, which is more than I was expecting. Disappointing but expected attitude. "We hear your concerns, thank, but we're going to pursue our current agenda of making it impossible to expand your trail network"
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Thank you for your email of 23 January 2020 to the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Minister for Energy, Environment, and Climate Change, regarding mountain bike trails and facilities at Lysterfield Park. As this issue falls within Parks Victoria’s responsibilities, your correspondence has been forwarded to me to respond.
Thank you and the Lysterfield District Trail Riders for providing the comprehensive economic assessment report that will be duly considered by Parks Victoria staff when reviewing all the submissions received to the Lysterfield amendment.
Parks Victoria recognises that mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports in Victoria, and that Lysterfield Park is well established as a mountain biking destination, now and in the future.
As such Parks Victoria is not closing or disrupting existing trails, tracks and roads that already provide for existing mountain bike trails.
Parks Victoria has sought to amend the existing Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park Management Plan to reflect changes in visitation and types of use, and ensure contemporary management practices are applied to the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage and environmental values; collectively this will all be considered and form the basis for future decision making.
The planning process includes analysing where mountain biking may continue to grow in the appropriate areas of the park.
Parks Victoria also recognises the importance of investing in kids’ programs and getting kids into nature.
Thank you for your email and attached economic assessment, which will be considered in the finalisation of the amendment to the Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park Management Plan.
Should you require further advice on this matter, please contact Joshua Chikuse, Manager Park Planning on 8427 3711. Yours sincerely
Stuart Hughes
Director Park Planning and Policy Parks Victoria
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