NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean today announced the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Draft Strategy Report is now available online.
The NSW Թվ Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Wollongong City Council prepared the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Draft Strategy in response to requests from the community and local MPs.
Mr Kean said 956 submissions were received during the consultation process and thanked the community for the high level of interest in the proposal.
“It’s important we work with the community to get the balance right, to protect the significant Aboriginal cultural heritage of the area while also recognising the growing popularity of mountain biking and ensuring this activity is safe and appropriate for the environment,” Mr Kean said.
The draft report summarises public feedback raised during the public exhibition period and outlines key recommendations from NPWS and Wollongong City Council to address community concerns.
Key recommendations identified in the report include the need for an Advisory Group to be established to find the most appropriate mountain bike trail network that protects the cultural significance of the site. Also recommended is a cultural heritage assessment as well as a comprehensive and detailed environmental assessment.
“We are focusing on improving the access, infrastructure and experience of our parks because we want more people visiting them and I’m thrilled to see how engaged the community has been through this process,” Mr Kean said.
The is available online.
