The Queensland government is making good on its pledge to open up national parks to more users … including mountain bike riders and horse riders. National Parks, Recreation and Sport Minister Steve Dickson has officially opened a new mountain biking trail in rainforest south of Airlie Beach. He says the Whitsunday Great Walk track through the Conway National Park will now function as a 36-kilometre dual walking and biking track. And, he said, this was just the beginning.
“The Newman Government is committed to unlocking Queensland’s national parks for more residents and visitors to enjoy,” Mr Dickson said. “When mountain bike tracks are designed and built correctly they should have very minimal impact on the natural environment.”
But not everyone agrees. Former Parks and Wildlife Service ranger, Ross Buchanan, says the decision is a disgrace.
“Mountain bikes cause enormous erosion and have as much pressure per square inch on the ground as 4WDs do,” he told the Herald-Sun. “Horses and cattle are vectors for weeds.”
He said it also meant rangers would spend more time on administration, issuing permits and taking phone calls rather than managing park issues such as feral animals, weeds and fire hazards.
However, the Queensland government is unrepentant and is looking for other ways to open up national parks land for recreational use and eco-tourism opportunities.
“I am looking at a proposal to open fire trails and management roads in the majority of Queensland’s National Parks to mountain biking and horse-riding,” said Minister Dickson. “Eco-tourism is set to be a major part of our plan for growing the tourism pillar of Queensland’s economy, which is why we are working to increase certainty and opportunity for operators across our national park estate.”
Is this a good strategy? Should more national parks be opened up to a greater number of users? Email us here with your thoughts on this story.
