New Mt Wellington tracks

THREE new tracks have been approved for construction on the lower slopes of kunanyi/Mt Wellington and a fourth existing track will be upgraded.

The tracks will provide connections between existing trails within the mountain bike network.

Two of the new tracks will be shared use and dual direction for walkers and runners, but uphill only for mountain bikers.

The four tracks are part of the Mountain Bike Network plan, with consultation undertaken with mountain biking, running, walking and conservation groups.

Hobart City Council bushland manager John Fisher said 596 survey responses were received, 429 from mountain bike riders, more than 60 from runners and 104 from walkers, with the majority in favour of the proposal. He said of the responses from walkers, 51.5 per cent were happy with the proposal and 13.3 per cent were neutral, while 71.6 per cent of the runners were in favour. Councillors voted unanimously in support of the proposal.