Plan for Lismore mountain bike trail network builds speed

THE plan for a network of mountain bike trails planned for construction in Lismore is cycling along, with community consultation being held yesterday afternoon.

THE plan for a network of mountain bike trails planned for construction in Lismore is cycling along, with a community consultation session held yesterday afternoon.

A drop-in session for the community was held, giving locals the chance to ask questions about the bike trail planned for the area near the Wilsons Walking Track in Lismore.

The project, Lismore City Council's Sport and Recreation officer James Voght said, will involve the restoration of the existing Wilsons Walking Track and a new, 7km cross-country mountain biking loop.

While there is no funding for the project, the council is hoping to make the plans shovel-ready in order to apply for grants, Mr Voght said.

The proposed new Wilsons Walking Track is to be built as a shared-use trail, 2-3m wide, linking Robinson's Lookout to Amaroo Place - a total distance of about 1.6km.

The proposed Lismore Mountain Bike Trail network.

Mr Voght said things were progressing nicely for the plan, with a lot of community support for the project being shown to the council.

A meeting with the Lismore Workers Golf Club, to which the trail will pass quite closely too, proved positive, he said, with the club supporting the council's plans.

The only concerns that have been raised have been about the logistics, one of the three entry and exit ways - that of Robinson's lookout.

But Mr Voght said the council will be promoting the Keen Street entry and exit as the main one for the trail, and would encourage as many people to use that entry and exit as possible.