Poll results: Cycling legend’s idea for Gold Coast to reap Nerang Forest bike trail benefits
Results for poll on Australian cycling legend radical idea for controversial Nerang Forest bike trail. READ THE COMPLETE POLL RESULTS
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SUPPORT has been thrown behind one of Australia’s greatest ever cyclist’s idea for a user-pays system at the contentious Nerang Forest bike trails, but not everyone agreed.
Tour de France sprint hero Robbie McEwen suggested the idea for the State Government to adopt the system where riders pay $30-$50 a year to use the national park, to end the raging debate about the contentious Nerang Forest bike trails.
The Bulletin poll that asked, “Would you pay to use upgraded bike trails on the Gold Coast?” received 69 per cent ‘yes’ votes, revealing strong support for McEwen’s idea.
The Bulletin asked Facebook group Save Our Nerang Forest Trails, which started when Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service removed several illegally constructed downhill trails last month.
The comments on the post started a heated debate with portions supporting the idea if “the money went into building and maintaining the trails directly” and if “they invested properly”.
Others weren’t eager on the idea, questioning why a fee should be paid on public land, “isn’t that what taxes are for?”
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The passion from the group, which has more than 2900 supporters, that was started by avid rider Dan Kron was obvious and McEwen even commented to clarify his stance.
“Don’t miss the point people. I suggested looking at options to extend sanctioned trails + professional & sanctioned trail care groups,” his comment said.
“If it came down to lack of funding then look at a trail permit system (like they have at Craters of the Moon park in NZ for example).
“Of course it’s a no brainer that a small investment by govt would provide 100x the economic benefit to Nerang & surrounds but it’s unfortunately not that simple dealing with politicians & people who want to block any progress or change.
“So don’t go getting your baggy’s in a twist & bash your keyboard too hard. My priority is for GC Council & State Govt support to create a network that provides awesome trails, economic benefits & environmental stability. Calm down & ride on.”
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Many commenters said the issue is not about finances with one person pointing out in their comment that thousands of volunteer hours have gone into the trail network at the Nerang Forest and a GoFundMe in 2016 for the Norco trail remediation raised $5,600 in 3 weeks.
They said: “This argument is not about money per se, it’s about working with the land managers to gain authority to rally the club trailcare to maintain the trails for MTB + Trail Running as well as Horse Riders and Hikers on the Fire Trails.”
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The poll was created after McEwen said the State Government should adopt models used elsewhere in the world where riders pay to use the national park.
Who should use the Gold Coast forest has been a hotbed issue and resurfaced when the State Government recently installed track closure signs.
However, Mr McEwen said: “What those in charge need to do is look at the reality of the situation and approve more trails,” he said.
“It could be a proper tourist attraction, like seen in parts of the world such as New Zealand, where there are paid permits. It provides an income stream for the forest itself to go towards trail maintenance and keeping everything balanced.
“Everyone who rides there would be happy to pay $30 to $50 a year, times that by the thousands of people who go out there. A little bit of investment will be repaid ten-fold.”
Mountain biking is growing in popularity with Mountain Bike Australia reporting that’s its membership in the five years to 2019 increased by 59.7 per cent.
It said trail destinations in Tasmania, such as Derby, were attracting more than 30,000 visitors and luring $30 million in revenue every year for the state.
Mr McEwen’s journey to 12 Tour de France races started from riding his bike around the Nerang Forest when he was nine.
The 48-year-old Gold Coaster said he had always told people how proud he was of the national park’s infrastructure, but recently his views have been questioned.
“Nerang Forest is a fantastic resource both environmentally and recreationally. It’s been used recreationally for 30 years.
“My view is there should be a lot more approved trails because the volume of people who use the forest is quite large.
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“It’s a resource that when you look at other states and towns in Australia who’ve developed their mountain bike trails and network, can be incredible for the Gold Coast tourism and economy.
“It’s governed by the state and run by Queensland Parks and Wildlife, who have a mission to keep it like it was 40,000 years ago but that’s just not reality.”
McEwen, the winner of three Tour de France green jerseys, said he understood the need to close some illegal tracks and restrict building of those tracks, but had a simple message to those in charge: “If you build it, they will come.”
The cyclist’s idea comes after the Palaszczuk Government announced plans to protect and develop the legal bike tracks in the Nerang Forest after a campaign by protesting cyclists.
Mountain bike clubs want a master plan for the area and joint investment by the State Government and council to help them to protect what they predict will be a huge tourism asset for the city given renewed interest in cycling since COVID-19 restrictions.
Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon revealed the Government would spend money to protect the trails.
“Since 2019 the Palaszczuk Government has more than doubled the number of mountain bike trails in Nerang National Park — adding an extra 14 kilometres of formalised track,” she said.
“As part of our economic recovery plan we are continuing to invest in the park and I’m pleased to announce $200,000 for a co-designed project that will formalise a number of mountain bike trails in Nerang National Park, and remove others that have been constructed illegally in ecologically sensitive areas.
“We must get the balance right between the recreational use and the protection of the Nerang National Park’s unique natural values.”
The Bulletin has obtained Government mapping showing the legal and illegal trails.
Gold Coast Mountain Bike Club president Dr Chris Thompson, who attended a meeting with Ms Scanlon and officers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, expected to receive a copy of a proposed draft trail plan by the end of this week.
“There will be two weeks to look at the plans and make comments,” Dr Thompson said.
His aim is to have the material available for members to provide input next week.
The group wants a master plan for the area that considers the needs of users and funding to help volunteers maintain legal tracks to a national and international standard attracting locals and tourists.
“We are still hoping the City of Gold Coast can come on board and invest more in mountain biking,” Dr Thompson said.
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Shadow Environment Minister David Crisafulli said the LNP would end the Palaszczuk Government’s practice of closing mountain bike trails throughout the Nerang National Park.
“Queenslanders should be able to enjoy their national parks and mountain biking is a great way to explore them,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“The LNP will strike the balance between protecting the environment and allowing locals and tourists to enjoy national parks.”
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