Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has endorsed a plan to return land owned by WSN Environmental Services (WSN) at Belrose for community activities, including mountain biking.
“Mountain bikers have been frustrated by a reduction in land deemed suitable for the sport, due to concerns over its impact on the environment, including soil erosion, “ Mr O’Dea said.
“Mountain biking is a healthy, outdoor sport, which can be enjoyed by individuals or as part of a group, or family activity. It should be encouraged.
“Yesterday afternoon, the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the WSN site at Belrose canvassed the option of opening up WSN land to Mountain Bikers. This is being considered for 2016, after the site is closed for landfill and rehabilitated.
“As the debate continues over the environmental impact of mountain biking on native bushland, the rehabilitated landfill site offers a welcome ‘win-win’ solution,” Mr O’Dea said.
“I have been working with the community, including mountain bikers for some time, to return the land to community use for passive recreation. Possible other activities include horse riding and informal recreation.
“WSN’s latest concept plan, which was tabled at the CAC Meeting, outlined options on how the site could look, utilising an estimated $3.49 million from the local Community Enhancement Fund to develop a recreational facility.” Mr O’Dea said.
“This proposal offers the opportunity for a fantastic facility for mountain bikers and a real solution to some of the tensions recently evident over local land use. Having lobbied hard with the local community to return the site to the community, I strongly support the proposal to provide a mountain biking facility at Belrose.
“In addition to the available funds, I will lobby for further Local, State and Federal Government grants to ensure a quality facility operates for many years to come.” Mr O’Dea concluded.
