Campbelltown Council may install new bike track following standoff between kids and landcare group

BMX riders have allegedly cut down 30-year-old trees and used shovels, axes and picks to build an illegal track in a local reserve. And it has raised the ire of some locals.

The unofficial bike track in The Gums Reserve. Picture: Campbelltown Council.

A BMX track is on the cards for a Campbelltown reserve to quell a standoff between young riders and a local landcare group.

There have been calls to the police and Campbelltown Council about youngsters riding their bikes at The Gums Reserve on unapproved jumps, a report tabled with the council revealed.

It comes as The Gums Landcare Group has raised concerns with vandals, people sleeping rough, motorbike riders, illegal fireworks, plant and mulch theft and “offensive language” in the reserve.

The council became aware in March this year of a “homemade bike track” with dirt jumps at Third Creek, Tranmere, near Freeman Ave, the report stated.

The track is located within The Gums Reserve by Third Creek. Picture: Campbelltown Council.

However, landcare group spokesman Gerry Butler said jumps had been “progressively built” on the banks of Third Creek which had led to vegetation damage, from October last year.

“The boys used, shovels, axes, picks, chisels and knives and dug a pathway from the grassed area through an area planted with trees and shrubs down to the creek and back again,” Mr Butler said.

“They cut down several 30-40 year old trees and cut back other shrubs to create a circuit,” he alleged.

“The council said they could still ride as long as they didn’t create any more jumps, move soil or cut back vegetation.

“Not surprisingly they carried on as before.”

In his deputation at a council meeting on August 17, Mr Butler said the group was not opposed to cycling in the reserve, as it was a “thoroughfare from Firle to Magill” but the riders had crossed the line.

“The boys have got away with bad behaviour,” Mr Butler told the meeting.

He said the group was concerned with the council giving the riders permission to continue riding in the area.

“Regrettably ‘give an inch and take a mile’ has occurred,” he said.

“(We) remain opposed to the construction of jumps and a track for bikes in The Gums Reserve.

“Community are the eyes and ears for council and need to be heard.”

The riders have been told they can ride there until a better location is found but no new jumps or damage to trees and plants is to occur, the report revealed.

The location proposed for the new track in The Gums Reserve. Picture: Campbelltown Council.

Council staff have identified another potential site close to the existing location within the reserve, proposing to bring in dirt to form a new track with jumps.

“There is no perfect location for an activity of this kind,” the report stated.

“The riders are very open to moving to a different location particularly if it means they can ride without interfering with anyone or causing concerns.”

Council met with both groups but was unable to find a resolution.

Elected members will consider a plan to develop the site with a set of guidelines at the next council meeting on Tuesday.