2022-10-20
Jo Clay MLA, ACT Greens spokesperson for Parks and Conservation and Active Travel, today called on ACT Government to deliver on commitments for mountain biking.
“Mountain biking is so much fun. It makes so much sense for health, social connection and as a fun way to enjoy the outdoors. But I’ve heard frustration from some of Canberra's thousands of mountain bikers, particularly those at Stromlo, that there’s a real sense that we are falling behind other destinations, like Derby and Rotorua.”
“I’m delighted that today we secured ACT Government commitment to deliver the Stromlo to Cotter flow trail and to prioritise new trails and maintenance. We also got commitment for better consultation with mountain bikers, a broader consultation group and a single point of contact for the community, which will really help. If you want to find out about mountain biking in Canberra, you can now email stromloforestpark@act.gov.au.
“Minister Steel also announced development of a 5 year trails masterplan to guide infrastructure delivery. I'm really pleased he weighed in with new announcements today. It is great to see the Minister personally backing mountain biking.”
Mic Longhurst, owner and founder of Stromlo mountain biking business Dynamic Motivation, former racer and stalwart of the mountain biking community, also welcomed today’s announcements. “We love mountain biking and sharing it with friends and family. It is an amazing sport that can be enjoyed by such a diverse demographic. It provides great experiences for local riders and the many juniors that are gaining so much from the sport as well as bringing substantial tourism dollars into the ACT. It's awesome to see an increased focus from the ACT Government and I can’t wait to see more investment and clearer commitments at Stromlo and the community benefits it will bring.”
BACKGROUND
Previous coverage: https://canberraweekly.com.au/jo-clay-calls-for-commitment-to-mountain-biking-in-act/
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