Stalled Plans for Mountain Bike Tracks Construction in NSW Central West
Efforts to transform an extinct volcano in New South Wales into a network of mountain bike trails have hit a roadblock. The proposal to establish nearly 100 kilometers of mountain bike tracks at Mount Canobolas-Gaanha Bula, near Orange in the Central West, has been put on hold indefinitely.
Orange City Council has confirmed that there is currently no additional funding earmarked for the project. This means that in order for the initiative to move forward, additional financial resources will need to be secured, and a fresh application will have to be submitted.
The concept, which has been under review by the NSW Department of Planning for an extended period, was envisioned as a response to the increasing demand for mountain biking opportunities in the area. However, the proposal has raised concerns among environmental organizations and Indigenous community leaders.
According to NSW Greens MLC Sue Higginson, the project has been criticized as disrespectful and potentially harmful to the natural environment and cultural heritage of the region.
NSW Greens MLC Sue Higginson (centre) aligns with the worries of Aboriginal elders Neil Ingram and Alice Williams regarding the development of mountain bike tracks.
‘Unintended Consequences’ of Mountain Bike Tracks Construction
Orange City Council, the entity overseeing the mountain bike tracks construction project, has disclosed that the application has expired due to insufficient funds allocated in its budget for additional environmental assessments.
“Should the council opt to prioritize funding for the project in the future, a reapplication would be submitted,” a spokesperson confirmed.
The Gaanha-Bula Action Group, under the leadership of Uncle Neil Ingram, has chosen not to provide any comments at this time.
Ms. Higginson, who has been actively involved with the group, expressed her lack of surprise regarding the project’s current standstill.
“I sincerely hope that if the project is revisited in the future, a thorough process will be established. We are aware that the previous engagement with the First Nations community resulted in some unexpected outcomes, which were acknowledged,” she emphasized.
Aboriginal elders and environmental organizations express concerns that the construction of mountain bike tracks could potentially harm Indigenous sites as well as the local flora and fauna, as reported by ABC Central West’s Joanna Woodburn.
