Greens target mountain bike use in parks

AN environmental battle has erupted in the Gold Coast hinterland with the Greens demanding national parks not become “the plaything” of mountain bike users.

Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon – after a protest campaign by cycling groups on Tuesday – announced $200,000 in funding for a co-designed project which will formalise several mountain bike trails and remove illegal ones in the Nerang National Park.

Opposition environment spokesman David Crisafulli then announced the LNP would end the State Government’s practice of closing bike trails throughout the national park and build a sustainable network in a boost for tourism.

The major political parties stepped up on promises after signage was posted on the weekend on one track which closed off several popular trails.

Wildlife Queensland Gold Coast and Hinterland branch spokesperson Sally Spain has entered the row.

“Queensland has the smallest amount of them in Australia. These few storehouses for fauna and flora unique in the world cannot become exclusive playthings of a sport or tourist hide for the affluent,” she said. “After shocking, never-before-seen fire losses in NSW, these Queensland shelters for Australian plants, birds and other terrestrial animals, all diminished, threatened and even extinguished outside sheltered areas, are more important than ever.

“Nerang National Park cannot become a high-impact bike zone imperilling others’ rights. Bike riders have already been given, questionably, a million dollars worth of Commonwealth Games tracks inside National Park.”

Ms Spain, the state Greens candidate in the seat of Gaven, believes the rights of the “wider public” who hike and observe nature must be considered.

“But there appears to be a small percentage who want more, even though there are tracks for them at Hinze Dam paid for by the public purse.”

Ms Scanlon, and the LNP, which has endorsed Kirsten Jackson as the party’s candidate, say they will try to strike a balance between the groups.

Ms Scanlon earlier said: “We must get the balance right between recreational use and protection of the Nerang National Park’s unique values.”

Mr Crisafulli in an election promise said: “The LNP will strike the balance between protecting the environment and allowing locals and tourists to enjoy national parks. We will listen to the community, keep the tracks open and … get to work on improving the network of trails through Nerang National Park.

“The popularity of mountain biking is surging and we would capture the opportunity.”