2022-10-18
Jo Clay MLA, ACT Greens spokesperson for Parks and Conservation and Active Travel, is calling for the ACT Government to deliver on commitments for mountain biking. She is also seeking further consultation at Stromlo and a single contact point for mountain biking within the ACT Government.
“Mountain biking is a rapidly growing sport,” said Ms Clay. “It’s good for mental and physical health, it’s great fun and it’s an wonderful way to appreciate the outdoors.
“Canberra could be Australia’s premier mountain biking destination. We have an excellent start with Stromlo but we are falling behind other mountain biking locations. We need more investment to realise our potential.
“The 2020 ACT election saw $1.9 million in commitments towards improving mountain biking at Stromlo Forest Park. This included the $1.2 million Stromlo to Cotter flow trail and $700,000 to deliver priority recommendations from the Canberra Mountain Biking Report, including investing in new and existing trails.
“Mountain bikers have told me it’s hard to talk to government about their sport because it falls under so many different ministers and portfolios. I’ve called for a single point of contact within the ACT for mountain biking to address this.
“We also need to see more consultation with mountain bikers and regular Stromlo Forest Park users on improvements to the park. The people using this space have great ideas for the future and it’s important we hear from them directly.
“On Thursday I will move that the Assembly progress these issues on behalf of the community,” said Ms Clay.
BACKGROUND
2020 ACT Greens election commitment: https://www.treasury.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/1644371/GRN030-Making-the-ACT-a-premier-mountain-biking-destination.pdf
2020 ACT Labor election commitment: https://www.treasury.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/1645831/LAB064-Nature-Tourism-Stromlo-to-Cotter-Mountain-Biking-Trail.pdf
Parliamentary and Governing Agreement - Mountain Biking (Appendix 4 6.2) https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/1654077/Parliamentary-Agreement-for-the-10th-Legislative-Assembly.pdf