Collision course: risk adverse bureaucrats close Nerang forest trails

Cyclists have launched a massive campaign to save bike trails at a Gold Coast national park. SUBSCRIBE TO HAVE YOUR SAY

WORK has stopped on removing mountain bike trails in the Gold Coast hinterland after cyclists launched a massive protest campaign.

The Save Our Nerang Mountain Bike Forest group started by avid rider Dan Kron, which has more than 1600 supporters, approached Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon and state ministers after bureaucrats approved a plan to remove gravity trails.

The Bulletin understands the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service removed several illegally constructed downhill trails within the Nerang National Park which were not part of an approved trail network or on the department’s website.

Gold Coast Mountain Bike Club president Dr Chris Thompson (right) and other Nerang State forest trial riders and users concern at what is happening to the tracks. Picture Glenn Hampson

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Bureaucrats maintained the illegal trails posed a significant safety risk to riders after the Queensland Ambulance Service rescued several cyclists who had suffered serious injuries.

They also cited environmental concerns including loss of vegetation and drainage.

Ms Scanlon, who has been at Parliament in Brisbane, contacted the mountain bike supporters group on their Facebook page and confirmed a meeting would be held with its committee.

“I’ve received advice that no further works will be occurring by QPWS at the Nerang National Park regarding the mountain bike trails,” Ms Scanlon said.

“I had a brief discussion over the phone on Wednesday evening with the president of the Gold Coast Mountain Bike Club (Chris Thompson) and confirmed that I will arrange a meeting to discuss the way forward.”

(L – R) Lachlan Glaser, Will Kelly, Hayley Oakes, Tobi Thompson and Dylan Edwards preparing for the National Mountain Bike Championships last year at Nerang on the Gold Coast. Photograph: Jason O'Brien

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Dr Thompson said Dirt Art – a trail design company – conducted an audit and submitted a report in 2018, stating some of the trails now being closed were “unsanctioned”.

“These trails were unsanctioned because they’ve been here for a long time and as recommended by Dirt Art, with work they would become legal again,” he said.

“Recent communications to us have sanctioned these trails from unsanctioned to illegal and these trails have been pulled into the same bracket as the man-made illegal trails created in the last year or so.

“These unsanctioned trails have been here for decades and are some of the most popular in the park.”

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Hinterland councillor Glenn Tozer said he hoped Ms Scanlon could deliver a solution.

“I’m disappointed that the destruction of much-loved tracks in Nerang State Forest and surrounds will put greater pressure on the delivery of new tracks in council reserves such as those in Reedy Creek and Gilston, areas which I represent,” he said.

“Mountain biking is a growing industry and this is probably a missed opportunity for the state.”

Mountain Bike Australia chief operating officer Denise Cox said she was happy the community had been heard but would be watching to see what was done next.

“The Nerang tracks play a really significant role in the community because it attracts a wide engagement. It’s very popular with riders,” she said.

Aussie cycling great Robbie McEwen takes out the 2001 Noosa Criterium. The multiple Tour de France stage winner says Nerang Forest can be used as a well managed tourist attraction. Supplied

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“There’s a lot of emotion connection to the area. Us mountain bikers are passionate about our tracks and how they’re looked after by land managers.”

Supporters including Gold Coast-based multiple Tour de France stage winner Robbie McEwen have welcomed the MP’s intervention and sought support to secure the network.

“The trails add immense value to the Gold Coast. We need to be forward thinking and use Nerang Forest as a well managed tourist attraction,” Mr McEwen said.

“People come from all over the world to ride this extensive trail network. This is a great opportunity to put the Nerang Forest on the map as a contributor to the Gold Coast economy and as an important venue to nurture the grassroots of an Olympic sport.”

Supporters on Facebook had feared a “risk averse bureaucracy” would win the battle.

“Closure of these trails will only lead to more illegal trail building, whether you like it or not,” a cyclist said.