By Juliano Oliveira
The growing demand for off-road cycling in Brisbane has prompted the City Council to open a public consultation to find locations for new sports facilities in the suburbs.
Until February 28, 2021, residents have to give feedback that will be utilised as a parameter for safety options of recreational off-road cycling and protection for bushland reserves and habitat areas within parks.
“Currently Brisbane has more than 23 kilometres of specialised mountain bike tracks, and 31 kilometres of multi-use tracks at Mt Coot-tha Reserve and these tracks are extremely popular,” Environment, Parks and Sustainability Chair Fiona Cunningham said.
“There is a growing demand for off-road cycling in Brisbane, like mountain biking, but we must balance this need in a way that protects our city’s natural environment.”
In 2019, when the discussion towards off-road cycling opportunities arose, more than 1400 responses were registered through an online survey, alongside workshops and drop-in information sessions for key stakeholders.
“We have considered existing fire trails and shared use of other tracks, as well as establishing tracks in unvegetated areas,” Ms Fiona said.
“The protection of significant habitat and wildlife corridors is a very important component of this project – Council bushland reserves are protected primarily for nature conservation purposes.”
Outdoors Queensland Executive Officer Dom Courtney affirmed that he expects that Brisbane residents and visitors to the city will appreciate the changes that are proposed to be made.
“Outdoors Queensland believes that appropriate outdoor activities should be allowed to take place in appropriate places,” Mr Courtney said.
“In addition to Mt Coot-tha Reserve, Brisbane has some wonderful natural places that have been officially unavailable for cycling. Off-road cycling, including mountain biking, allows people to appreciate and value our natural areas.”