Trail Access Articles

DH track with Ocean Views - Albany WA
Friday, April 23, 2010

In the middle of the town of Albany, surrounded by suburbs.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtUGpaMNtkY&feature=player_embedded
 
 

Successful completion of IMBA conference Margaret River
Monday, April 19, 2010

The South West Mountain Bike Club in conjunction with land managers and other clubs have just completed a two day workshop in Margaret River (Fri, Sat.) to work together for better management of trails to allow the whole community better access and develop tourism opportunities.
 
Hosted by International Trails Specialist Joey Klein (front left) on a national tour covering the hot spots for potential development he was joined by the newly appointed Australian National Director Nick Bowman (front right) of IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association).  
 
Mike Gadd is the spokesman for the Margaret River chapter of the South West Mountain Bike club.
John Wallace is the president of the South West Mountain Bike club (based in Bunbury)
Myles Happworth is the president of the Cape Mountain Bike riders based in Dunnsborough
John Carney is the president of the Western Australian Mountain Bike Association (WAMBA)
DEC representatives were in attendance including Brad Commins
Paul Neve Professional Trail Builder.
 
People in the photo are from Pemberton, Margaret River, Dunnsborough, Busselton, Bunbury, Collie, Perth and Mandurah.
 
Nick Bowman the National Director would be available today for comment on 0429 369 003
 
The SWMTBC just won a national award in Outer Edge Magazine as the best community based group. These volunteers have worked hard with DEC over the last couple of years to get legal sustainable MTB trails open in the Mt Lennard National Park in the Fergerson Valley area. I have photos of the magazine and the award if you would like.
 
Travis Deane
0404 132 609
 

Document Download:
SWMTBC-IMBA AU Conference.jpg (IMAGE/JPEG - 488 Kb)

Joey Klein in Australia for IMBA AU
Thursday, April 8, 2010

Follow Joey Klein and Nick Bowman as they road trip around Australia. Nick has a blog - read it here.

English leads the way for Urban MTB in Port Macquarie
Friday, February 19, 2010

Port Macquarie, home of 24hr World Champion Jason English and a generation of up and coming juniors following his lead, is expected to soon have its own urban mountain bike park.  A large hillside that had been quarried for fill under roadworks and playing fields is now a bare scar on the landscape.  The project will regenerate the area and develop a network of trails.
 
Until now, Port's mountain bikers have travelled to trails 20km out of town at Telegraph Point.  The project at Wayne Richards Park will establish a short course for the local club - Hastings Valley Mountain Bike Riders - to host short course races, provide weekday training sessions for juniors, introduce novices to the wonderful world of mountain biking and work with Port Macquarie Landcare to build sustainable trails and restore native habitat.
 
For more info, check out the Hastings Valley Mountain Bike Riders website: www.hvmtbr.com

TOWNSVILLE ROCKWHEELERS INVEST IN TRAILS
Wednesday, February 3, 2010

One of the Townsville Rockwheelers Mountain Bike Clubs long term plans has been to reinvest profits back into Townsville mtb.  The most obvious way to do that is to secure access and build a quality sustainable single track network.

Rockwheelers have just completed a $20,000 trail building program funded by profits accumulated over the last few years from the clubs 2 major annual events, the Paluma Push and the HotRock8.

Expert mtb trail builder Adrian Marriner who has a wealth of experience building quality XC trails at Forrest and Stromlo was contracted by the Rockwheelers to carve out approx 4km of new XC IMBA standard single track at Lake Ross and at the recently formed Douglas Mountain Bike Reserve.

Rockwheelers Trail Committee co-ordinator Lee Williams said that
“Stumbling across the rough ground with Adrian,  marking out the general route of the new trail with a clinometer. Then returning a few days later to ride the newly formed, beautifully crafted, sweet, flowing single track is simply a great process.
The days of busting a gut for many months and hand digging single track are behind us now.  What Adrian can do with his mini excavator is simply incredible.  We have been able to traverse across very rough terrain, with the result being single track that rides and feels as good as it looks.  Features have been built in to the trail that would never have been considered possible if we were building by hand.”

The Townsville area is generally rough, rocky, steep side sloped terrain and is not an easy location for building single track.  The costs per metre using the machine varies from between $5.00 to $8.00.  Paying for a contractor and machine compared to 1 man hour per metre to build by hand, and considering the excellent result , is a much better deal by far.

The frustrations of running events and the time commitment pale into insignificance when you see the result that the profits can achieve. Club members who give up riding time to volunteer at events are effectively building new single track without getting dirty.

Each year Rockwheelers plan to build new single track and continually develop Townsvilles mtb network at the 3 main locations Douglas, Lake Ross and MT Stuart.

For more information contact Peter McLean by email: mcleanpk@bigpond.net.au

NPWS and mountain bikers meet
Monday, November 2, 2009

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water

Media Release

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and a number of northern Sydney mountain bike groups met this week to work on ways to establish one of the finest urban mountain trail bike systems in Australia.

A key focus was addressing some of the immediate issues around impacts to parks following the explosion in the popularity of this type of outdoor recreation.

NPWS Regional Manager, Chris McIntosh said the meeting was held to discuss the impacts of mountain bike riding and to examine what opportunities exist for more sustainable and more enjoyable mountain bike tracks in Sydney’s northern bushland.

“It was a very positive and constructive meeting and it was obvious right from the start that the mountain bike groups were very serious about working with us to minimise rider impacts but also to encourage greater use, enjoyment and appreciation of some of the world’s best bushland areas,” said Mr McIntosh.

“After an eye opening field inspection we agreed to develop a joint agreement  that will outline some broad principles and some agreed strategies that we will all work on over the next five years.

“In developing a track network, careful consideration will be given to the interests of other user groups such as bushwalkers and horseriders, the high erosiveness of the soils, the cost of construction and maintenance, rehabilitation of damaged areas and the impacts on threatened species, rare vegetation types and significant Aboriginal sites”.

In order to provide a sustainable yet diverse and challenging experience for cyclists will also require a region-wide approach, with linkages across the various public lands and involvement of other state and local government land managers.   

“We agreed at the meeting to work together and to engage other land managers to develop a Mountain Trail Bike Strategy for northern Sydney, which will follow a process proposed by International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Australia, ensuring the continuing involvement of mountain bike riders while also utilising best practice in track design and construction to minimise environmental impacts.

“NPWS has successfully worked through similar issues with bike groups in the Royal National Park and Glenrock State Conservation Area and we are hoping we can do the same in northern Sydney” he said.

Mountain biking representatives from Dee Why, Manly, Warringah and Hornsby attended the workshop as well as peak bodies Mountain Bike Australia, IMBA and a number of NPWS staff.

Nicolas Bowman of IMBA Australia was pleased with the meeting and the mutually agreed outcomes.

“I thought the meeting was very beneficial and certainly a step in the right direction,” Mr Bowman said.

“The NPWS fully supports and encourages mountain biking undertaken legally and safely– it’s a great way to enjoy our national parks, in fact we have already started designing a new mountain bike Discovery tour,” Mr McIntosh said.

There are more than 100 kilometres of management trails within our national parks in northern Sydney that are currently available for use by mountain bike riders and we intend to take best advantage of these as part of the development of a region wide network of trails.

Media Contact:  Gabrielle Last

Sport and Recreation Tasmania (SRT) has released the Draft Tasmanian Mountain Bike Plan for public comment.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The Plan represents the final consultation stage of the project and was developed after extensive consultation with mountain bike riders and land managers. The public response to the project has been very positive with over 170 mountain bike riders and 40 land managers attending forums held in the three regions of Tasmania and over 560 individuals completing on-line surveys as part of the consultation process.
 
The Draft Tasmanian Mountain Bike Plan is composed of two documents: the main plan and attachments.  It is available of the Sport and Recreation Tasmania (SRT) website at <www.development.tas.gov.au/sportrec/mtbplan>. In addition, a summary extracted from the main plan is also available on the SRT website.
 
Individuals and organisations wishing to provide comment on the Draft Tasmanian Mountain Bike Plan should e-mail the consultants preparing the plan at info@inspiringplace.com or write to Tasmanian Mountain Bike Plan, Inspiring Place, 208 Collins St, Hobart 7000, by 11 October 2009.
 
Further information on the project can be found at the Sport and Recreation Tasmania website www.development.tas.gov.au/sportrec/mtbplan or by contacting the Project Manager, Keith Ryan on (03) 6336 2011.

NEW MOUNTAIN BIKE TRACKS IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
Monday, September 7, 2009

From the Office of Phil Costa Minister for Water  and Minister for Regional Development 

Bush walkers and mountain bike riders will now have access to new tracks in the Blue Mountains
in time for families to enjoy in Spring, NSW Minister for Water, Phil Costa announced today.
Minister Costa said trails in the restricted water catchment areas around Woodford Dam, which is
not currently being used as part of our water supply, will be opened up for recreational purposes.  

“The Blue Mountains is known for its rugged and beautiful landscape - a beacon for people
looking for adventure on their weekends and holidays.

“We’re opening up more bushland for the people of Western Sydney to enjoy coming into Spring.

“These new changes are now in effect and will allow bike riders and bushwalkers to access 9
kilometres of tracks around the pristine Woodford Lake.  

“The Woodford Dam has not been used for water supply for close to a decade and we’re able to
open up access to this area for the first time.

 “Signage is being put up this weekend to direct bushwalkers and bike riders around the tracks.   

“While our chief priority is protecting Sydney’s drinking water - these routes are already available
to bushwalkers and the Sydney Catchment Authority has considered providing access to
mountain bikes would pose a low risk to water quality.

“Access to the dam and lake itself will still be prohibited so swimming and fishing won’t be
permitted.”

Minister Costa said the decision was in response to a number of requests from the public during
the exhibition of the Sydney Water Catchment Management Regulation 2008.

“We know from feedback from the public that people want more access to bush land for
recreation use and we’ve identified two additional tracks in the Warragamba Special Area as
potential tracks that can be opened up for mountain bikes.  

 “A 62 kilometre track from Blackheath to Yerranderie and an 11 kilometre track from Wentworth
Falls to South Katoomba are currently under consideration for mountain bike riding access and
will be on display for public feedback.
 
“I encourage the community to have a look at the proposed routes once on exhibition and provide
their feedback.

“It is important to balance community demand for recreational use of the lands with
environmental and water quality considerations.”
 
 Media contact:  Claire March 0403 937 849  

Well done to all Huw Kingston and everyone else who has been involved in this small but important step.

Augusta to Host 2010 IMBA World Mountain Bike Summit
Wednesday, July 29, 2009

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) has announced that Augusta, Georgia, will host the 2010 IMBA World Summit (May 5-8). Mayor Deke Copenhaver proclaimed, “It is truly an honor to host the IMBA gathering in Augusta. Our city continues to grow in its reputation as a bicycling destination, and this event will showcase our region to a worldwide audience of trail enthusiasts.”

The event, expected to be the largest yet in IMBA's history of hosting international summits, is open to the public. Topics will include destination and urban trail networks, land conservation and sustainable trails, youth outreach and new programs designed to grow local capacity for the 700+ clubs and patrols in IMBA’s global network. In addition to informative seminars and networking, the gathering will feature great parties and plenty of riding -- including a catered tour of the Forks Area Trail System (FATS), an IMBA Epic.

“The Augusta summit will serve as an essential clearinghouse to advance information on everything to do with mountain biking and trail-based recreation,” states IMBA Executive Director Mike Van Abel. “We will bring leaders in trail design together with land managers, the bicycle industry and IMBA’s thriving grassroots clubs. These are the key influencers that shape the sport, and only an IMBA summit can connect them all in the same place, at the same time.” Attendees will receive copious educational materials, while connecting with mountain biking enthusiasts from around the globe.

2010 IMBA World Summit: "Great communities build great trails."

For additional information about the 2010 IMBA World Summit, please contact Events Manager Patti Bonnet.

Sponsorship inquires should be directed to Development Director Rich Cook.

Summit Partners:

American Trails
Bikes Belong
City of Augusta
Federal Highway Administration:Recreational Trails Program
Greater Augusta Sports Council
League of American Bicyclists
National Recreation and Park Association
National Trails Training Partnership
Professional Trailbuilders Association (PTBA)
Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association
SORBA - Central Savannah River Area Chapter
Trips for Kids
Wheel Impact

Have your say - Victorian Alpine Country
Thursday, July 16, 2009

wePlan Alpine: help guide the future of Victoria's parks

Parks Victoria is reviewing park management plans for the National Heritage Listed Alpine Country and eastern highlands. With many of the existing management plans in the area due for review, the Alpine Parks Management Plan will include the Alpine, Baw Baw, Mount Buffalo, Errinundra and Snowy River national parks as well as the Avon Wilderness Park, Walhalla and adjacent historic areas - an area totalling over 860,000 hectares.  

A project specific website called www.wePlan.parks.vic.gov.au has been running since December 2008.  The website has a blog, social networking, user contributed galleries and wiki functionality.  The blog will enable anyone who is interested in the parks to contribute their thoughts, ideas and opinions.  A wiki, a document which allows many people to collaborate on editing it, will be used to create the draft plan. Parks Victoria has completed a table of contents and some base information and the community can edit most of the plan. A series of Open Houses will be held in 2009 at key locations in the planning area. The Open House will provide people with an opportunity to ask planners and rangers questions about the planning process and to provide feedback on what they would like to see.

By having your say, you are adding to the environmental, social and economic wellbeing of Victorians.  It is time to take a fresh approach to park planning. Join us at www.wePlan.parks.vic.gov.au.

Community information sessions for draft Belair National Park trails upgrade
Thursday, July 16, 2009

The Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) will be holding a number of informal information sessions as another way for the public to have their say on the draft Belair National Park Trail Masterplan.
 
The consultation period has also been extended until 14 August, 2009. 
 
According to Chris Halstead, DEH’s Acting Manager of the Visitor Management Branch, the ‘open-door’ format will mean members of the public will be able to attend the session when it suited them.
 
“This is a great opportunity for everyone who is interested in the trail upgrades to provide DEH with their feedback either formally or informally,” he said. 
 
“People can drop in anytime during the sessions, have a cup of tea, view the maps and other resources available and have their questions answered one-on- one by DEH staff.
 
“As the draft plan seeks to improve the existing network of key walking, cycling and horse riding trails, we’re keen to receive as much feedback from the community as possible.”

The informal information sessions will be held in Belair National Park Office (Upper Sturt Road) on:
 
• Saturday 18 July (9am - 12pm)
• Tuesday 21 July (9am - 11am)
• Tuesday 21 July (3pm - 5pm)
 
In addition to the information sessions, the Belair National Park Trail Masterplan can be viewed online at www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/visitor/latest.html or as a hardcopy at Mitcham Library, Blackwood Library, DEH’s Southern Lofty District Office (Cleland Conservation Park) and Belair National Park Office (Upper
Sturt Road).

Comments can be sent via email to: gardner.kain@saugov.sa.gov.au or posted
to Kain Gardner, Visitor Management Branch, GPO Box 1047, Adelaide SA, 5001. 

MTBA appoints IMBA Australia National Director
Friday, July 10, 2009

MTBA is pleased to announce that the first National Director for IMBA Australia (IMBA AU) is Nick Bowman (SA).

Since 2002 Nick has been involved in sustainable MTB development in South Australia. Essentially, this has involved obtaining trail access, funding and seeking approvals for single track as well as involvement in the design and construction of SA's iconic trails, Fox Creek, Eagle Park and the City of Mitcham. He has also been lucky enough to have built some trails in Melrose (SA) where the local community have now embraced the "build it and they will come" doctrine. Now there is a funky bike store in the main street with mountain bikers in town every weekend.
 
Aside from the MTB trail development Nick have some experience in the Tourism Industry, having done a stint with Wayward Bus and then Cycle Tourism Australia (CTA). At CTA, He was insrumental in organising two national conferences on the topic as well as setting the ground work for the Cycle Tourism Tool Kit.
 
Nick says, "My experience with IMBA reps and events has been extremely inspiring. IMBA provides a model of trail development that works. That can be sustainable. It’s a blue print for working with land managers so they to can make outstanding trail networks in their part of Australia. It is an honour to be given this chance to work for IMBA Australia. I am passionate and driven to promote the IMBA philosophy and brand in Australia. "

He added that his aim for IMBA Australia will be “To set a standard in sustainable trail development and management that is world class, which enables mountain bike riding to be accepted on all levels of government, so that more Australians can participate in this activity to maintain health, well being and a connection with nature.”

MTBA welcomes Nick to the role and will work in partnership with him and IMBA AU to achieve his vision.

Nick formally starts in the role on October 1st 2009.

He can be contacted by email.

Have your say - Belair National Park Trail Plan (South Australia)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Belair NP Trail Plan is out for comment and there are forces (dark, selfish forces) in the community working against legal MTB access to single track in Belair.
 
For SA MTB riders this may well be the single most important MTB access issue for 2009. The considered arguments we can make for access to some single track in Belair may prove to be seminal in gaining access to other SA areas.
 
Please help to make this issue number one for MTB riders!

The link below will take you to the Parks website where you will find further information.
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/visitor/latest.html

Please provide feedback on the plan by Friday 31July 2009

National Park Association's stance on MTB and National Parks
Wednesday, July 1, 2009

The following is taken from the NPA's website (http://www.npansw.org.au/web/news/media_release.php?id=352)

For a more balanced view on the strong link between cycling recreation and the future of Australian National Parks read Gillian Duncan's document (next article) and then feel free to respond to the NPA in a nice way pointing out the errors of their policy.

MEDIA RELEASE
25th June 2009

REGIONAL PLANNING NEEDED TO KEEP MOUNTAIN BIKING OUT OF NATIONAL PARKS
NPA is seeking a new approach to planning to ensure national parks are not the target for mountain biking and other forms of damaging adventure sports.

A major source of controversy in national park management is the continuing provision within national parks of types of outdoor recreation which are intrinsically incompatible with the nature and purposes of national parks. These activities should be kept out of national parks.

One example is the campaign to allow increased mountain bike access to national parks.

Mike Baird, MP for Manly, made a Private Member's Statement in Parliament on 4th June pushing for Mountain Bikers to have access to tracks in National Parks.

“Mountain bikes are damaging to the shallow soils found within many of the sandstone parks of the Sydney basin”, said Andrew Cox, NPA Executive Officer.

“Furthermore, they conflict directly with the access of walkers on narrow single tracks, There is the risk of serious injury and the risk of litigation if mountain bikes continue to use such tracks.”

“However, many of these activities could be placed in lands of a different tenure, where the environmental and social impacts they cause are more acceptable. Providing for this should be one of the functions of good regional planning,” said Mr Cox.

“NPA calls for a survey of all NSW lands other than national parks (and nature reserves) to determine the full extent of their potential.”

“Lands likely to be suitable would be some state forests, some state conservation areas (those less suitable for ultimate conversion to national park), some regional parks, and private lands (freehold and leasehold). Owners and lessees may be expected to make a charge, which would assist rural economies.”

“NSW Department of Sport and Recreation, in consultation with National Parks and Wildlife Service, could carry out the survey. Alternatively, NPA, with the assistance of a grant, could undertake the task, which might take a year to accomplish.”

“NPA invites Mr Baird to join it in inspecting the damage done by mountain bikes within the fragile Sydney sandstone bushland and invites him to work with it in developing such a regional recreational plan,” concluded Mr Cox.

Contact details:
Andrew Cox on 02 9299 0000 or 0438 588 040

Recreation is connected to conservation
Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Extract from a submission to several Government agencies by Gillian Duncan.
"Continuous development leaves behind only small pockets of bush, which are disconnected, resulting in fragmented wildlife corridors. Land managers and bush carers struggle to conserve what’s left, worried about further loss of biodiversity.
 
Besides loss of bushland, urbanisation disrupts people’s connection with nature. With ongoing development, the community is surrounded by a built environment of roads, footpaths and buildings.
 
Older generations remember when children could play outside exploring the local creek and surrounding bush, experiencing a sense of freedom and adventure. Children these days don’t play in the same way. Outside activities are usually organised sport. Inside, they sit in front of a computer or television experiencing a virtual world.
 
Richard Louv, author of The Last Child in the Woods has suggested that this generation of children are suffering Nature Deficit Disorder from loss of connection with the natural world."
 
According to a recent survey bicycle riding in natural settings outstrips bush walking. Traditionally providing access to trails has meant walking trails. It's time to redress the balance and provide more access for cycling.
 
Read more - download the full document here.

Document Download:
Recreation and Conservation.pdf (PDF - 105 Kb)

On-line survey for Tasmanian MTB Plan now open
Monday, June 15, 2009

The on-line survey for the Tasmanian Mountain Bike Plan is now open and can be found at one of the two websites below.
 
All those who complete the survey can choose to go into the draw to win one of two National Parks Annual All Parks Passes.
 
Feel free to pass this e-mail on to anyone who may be interested, particularly those unable to attend the community forums next week.
 
Survey website (direct link):
 
http://survey.development.tas.gov.au/TasmanianMountainBikePlanSurvey/TasmanianMTBPlan.asp
 
Tasmanian mtb plan website:
 
www.development.tas.gov.au/sportrec/mtbplan
 
 

Community Forums for the Tasmanian Mountain Bike Plan
Friday, June 12, 2009

Sport and Recreation Tasmania has engaged consultants from Inspiring Place to develop a state mountain bike plan for Tasmania.
 
As part of the development of the Plan, the consultants are conducting a series of community forums around the state to provide an opportunity for riders and other interested stakeholders to have a direct input into the plan. The details of the forums are:
 
North West Community Forum
22 June (Monday)
7:00-9:00 pm
Ulverstone Surf Life Saving Club, Ulverstone

Northern Community Forum
23 June (Tuesday)
7:00-9:00 pm
West Tamar Council Chambers, Riverside

Southern Community Forum
24 June (Wednesday)
7:00-9:00 pm
Domain Athletics Centre, Hobart
 
Feel free to forward this information on to anyone who may be interested in the project and the forums.
 
For those unable to attend the forums there will be an on-line survey/feedback form available on the Tasmanian Mountain Bike website shortly (link below). This website also contains further background to the project.   

For further information please contact Keith Ryan:

Keith Ryan
Project Manager (Tasmanian Mountain Bike Plan)
Sport and Recreation Tasmania
PO Box 364
Prospect, TAS, 7250
Phone: 6336 2011
Mobile: 0417 306 028
E-mail: Keith.Ryan@development.tas.gov.au

IMBA Australia - National Director; call for NEW applications
Thursday, May 21, 2009

In September 2008 MTBA called for applications from persons who were interested in becoming the inaugural IMBA Australia National Director.

That process resulted in three high quality candidates being shortlisted. Dafydd Davis MBE (Wales), was appointed. However due to unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances Dafydd has recently informed MTBA that he has had to withdraw from this appointment.

MTBA has decided, that due to the time since the initial call for applications was made, to re-issue the position availability. Previous applicants need not apply.

For reference the original position advertisement is listed here again.

START
MTBA is proud to announce the formation of IMBA Australia and to call for applications for the role of founding National Director.

IMBA Australia will be formed under MTBA and will be governed by an MTBA sub-committee. As Director of IMBA AU you will report to this sub-committee.

You will establish IMBA AU as the pre-eminent MTB advocacy authority in Australia. Your mission is to create, enhance and protect great trail experiences for mountain bike riders. You will establish the membership base of IMBA AU and attract industry support. You will establish close links with IMBA US and other international IMBA affiliates.

You are a self starter and highly motivated. You have a proven ability to forward plan, work independently and attain goals. You will be based in a major Australian city and operate from a home-office.

You also need to have these skills:

Essential:
Extensive knowledge and experience is required in:
MTB trail network planning and trail design
Construction techniques, consistent with IMBA principles, in cross country, downhill, dirt jumps and timber structures
Preparing and delivering professional presentations
Teaching and conducting trail schools
Training trail care volunteers
Networking with MTB clubs and members, MTB advocates and potential business partners
Writing professional reports for clients on trail network development
Formulating responses regarding government policies on MTB

Preferable:
Financial management (to manage the financial aspects of IMBA Australia as a business)
Marketing and promotion (to attract individual and club membership)
Website design (to assist an IT professional to create an IMBA-AU website)
Applying for government grants and funding

Desirable
An academic qualification in the environmental sciences, marketing or business studies will be well regarded.

Applications for the job need to address these skills.

A three-year funding agreement with MTBA will be signed with the successful applicant which comprises of a salary and support package of over $80k each year for 2 years, reducing to $60k in the third year. The IMBA AU Director will be expected to develop and implement strategies to attain specified milestones, including adding to the revenue base and making the business of IMBA AU self-supporting after that time.

The IMBA AU National Director will be one of the most exciting advocacy jobs in Australia. The incumbent will have the opportunity of crafting IMBA AU to be at the fore-front of MTB advocacy in Australia, taking over from MTBA's work in this area over the last 8 years. More information about IMBA AU and the National Directorship role is available by contacting the MTBA Executive Officer through the MTBA website (www.mtba.asn.au).
END

Applications close June 4 2009 with an expected commencement date for the successful applicant of  July 2009.

Have your say - MTB in Mitcham (SA) - UPDATE
Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The Reserves along the Hills Face Zone  that are managed by the City of Mitcham have a long history of walking, bike riding and horse riding. The pressures of urban expansion and increases in recreational demand have led to a range of conflicts between trail users, land managers and residents. These issues a familiar across the globe. Thus the City of Mitcham has developed a MTB Strategy to set the path for sustainable trails, shared use and natural resource protection. Implementation of the Strategy is another new challenge, which Mitcham is working through with significant outcomes for riders in the Adelaide Region.
 
Zone 2 has been the first area of implementation in regard to the City of Mitcham MTB Strategy. Various facilities have been developed to cater for Free Ride, 4X, DH and XC, as well as bush walking, nature appreciation and community engagement. These facilities have been developed using a combination of techniques:
1) Training, encouraging and managing trail volunteers of all ages to be involved in repairing and rerouting trails to manage risk and improve sustainability
2) Fostering partnerships with youth programs to conduct trail construction, weed control, revegetation, trail closures and signage installation
3) Contracted trail development via a comprehensive and competitive Tender Process. World Trail won the first contract and have created a formidable foundation on which to build a world class trail network.
 
It’s a relatively small area, but a concerted effort has been made to provide a diverse range of trail experiences without compromising conservation objectives.
 
Maps and specific documentation about Zone 2 can be found here
 
The next stage of implementation is underway, with the release of the Draft Trail Plans for Zones 3 and 4 for public consultation. Both these areas are more suited to bush walking and XC, with some quality horse trail access also provided. Both areas abut Dept for Environment and Heritage Reserves, so the trail development approach has been a regional one that takes into account future trail developments and enhancements in Belair National Park, Sturt Gorge Recreation Park and Shepherds Hill Recreation Park.
 
In the next year or two, all of these areas will begin to link up, providing a trail network that incorporates up to 100km of sustainable trails and a host of possible trail experiences to cater for all trail users. The best thing about it is that it is only a short ride from the CBD to get to the trailheads, or a very convenient train ride to the top of the hill.
 
Please have a look at the Draft Trail plans for Zones 3 and 4, fill in the online survey, and let us know what you think.
 
To view the Zone 3 Trail Plan, Maps, Online Survey and printable Survey Forms follow this link

To view the Zone 4 Trail Plan, Maps, Online Survey and printable Survey Forms follow this link

Please note that these Trail Plans are in Draft form and that feedback is welcomed so as to ensure that the final trail network can ultimately achieve a balance between conservation and recreation objectives.
 
Please ensure that all feedback is submitted via the online survey. If you prefer you may submit your feedback as a hard copy of the Survey via the post. This will ensure efficient, objective assessment and incorporation of your feedback on the Trail Plans. Please feel free to fill in a survey form for both Zone 3 and Zone 4.
 
Check out some images of what has been achieved so far here.

For more information:

Nicolas Bowman  B.App.Sc.
Trails Officer
Community and Information Services
City of Mitcham
131 Belair Rd, Torrens Park, 5062
 
Email:  nbowman@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au
 
Phone:  08 8372 8125
Fax:  08 8372 8101
Mobile:  0411 861 003
 
Website:  www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Document Download:
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image2.jpg (IMAGE/JPEG - 248 Kb)
image3.jpg (IMAGE/JPEG - 190 Kb)

Have your say - MTB in Launceston
Tuesday, May 19, 2009

A project in Launceston which basically looks at track strategies for the two major areas for MTB there has now resulted in draft strategies which are open for public comment.

Have your say by going to the website: www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=12739

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