Wingecarribee Shire Council – Mountain Biking Community Survey

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The Survey has now concluded and further information will be provided after the next Council meeting on 21 June 2023

Mountain Bike (MTB) riding encompasses a broad spectrum of activities that can be performed anywhere from a backyard to a gravel track, however it is essentially about riding specialised bikes on off-road trails.

Wingecarribee Shire Council (WSC) recognises that MTB riding is rapidly growing in popularity across NSW, and the demand for suitable areas to ride across the Shire is increasing. We also recognise that many users of bushland reserves value connection with nature and prefer to see the conservation of biodiversity prioritised and for people to enjoy passive recreation activities only within these valued places.

While there are authorised MTB trails at Wingello State Forest, Welby (Mount Alexandra Reserve) and along designated fire trails, a number of unauthorised trails have also been constructed in our bushland reserves over many years. The construction of unauthorised MTB trails poses environmental, heritage and reputational risk to Council in terms of legislation, community expectations and the experience of other reserve users. Unauthorised MTB trails may also pose a risk to riders where construction is poor or where the level of difficulty is unknown to the rider, as well as other reserve visitors.

Council is undertaking this survey to gain a better understanding of the needs and demand for increased MTB facilities with in our Shire so we can develop a sustainable framework for the planning of any future trail projects while also protecting the ecological and heritage values within our bushland reserves.

The aim of the survey is to assist WSC in planning for recreation in the Shire's natural areas by:

  • Identifying the role that Council’s natural reserves may play in the provision of mountain biking experiences across the Wingecarribee Shire
  • Protecting bushland areas of high conservation and heritage value
  • Minimising the key drivers for the building of unauthorised trails
  • Maximising the safe use of Council reserves by all visitors

Council invite you to participate in a registered survey, the survey is now open below and submissions close by 4:30pm Thursday 8 June 2023

Mountain Bike (MTB) riding encompasses a broad spectrum of activities that can be performed anywhere from a backyard to a gravel track, however it is essentially about riding specialised bikes on off-road trails.

Wingecarribee Shire Council (WSC) recognises that MTB riding is rapidly growing in popularity across NSW, and the demand for suitable areas to ride across the Shire is increasing. We also recognise that many users of bushland reserves value connection with nature and prefer to see the conservation of biodiversity prioritised and for people to enjoy passive recreation activities only within these valued places.

While there are authorised MTB trails at Wingello State Forest, Welby (Mount Alexandra Reserve) and along designated fire trails, a number of unauthorised trails have also been constructed in our bushland reserves over many years. The construction of unauthorised MTB trails poses environmental, heritage and reputational risk to Council in terms of legislation, community expectations and the experience of other reserve users. Unauthorised MTB trails may also pose a risk to riders where construction is poor or where the level of difficulty is unknown to the rider, as well as other reserve visitors.

Council is undertaking this survey to gain a better understanding of the needs and demand for increased MTB facilities with in our Shire so we can develop a sustainable framework for the planning of any future trail projects while also protecting the ecological and heritage values within our bushland reserves.

The aim of the survey is to assist WSC in planning for recreation in the Shire's natural areas by:

  • Identifying the role that Council’s natural reserves may play in the provision of mountain biking experiences across the Wingecarribee Shire
  • Protecting bushland areas of high conservation and heritage value
  • Minimising the key drivers for the building of unauthorised trails
  • Maximising the safe use of Council reserves by all visitors

Council invite you to participate in a registered survey, the survey is now open below and submissions close by 4:30pm Thursday 8 June 2023

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Mountain Biking Community Survey

    Survey is open from Thursday 25 May 2023 until 4:30pm Thursday 8 June. 

    Page 1 of the survey is dedicated to Mountain Bike Riders of all levels. 

    Page 2 of the survey is related to the use of our Council managed bushland reserves across the Shire. Your opinion on the use of our Council managed bushland reserves in the Wingecarribee Shire is appreciated. 

    Ensuring your opinion and feedback are received is important to us, which is why we require you to register to undertake this survey.  

    If you have any issues with this process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au or on 02 4868 0888 so we can help you to submit your survey. 

    The Survey has now concluded and further information will be provided after the next Council meeting on 21 June 2023
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