LNP proposes trail bike parks | Politics

6th January 2009

A PROPOSAL to put trail bike parks in Queensland's state forests would harm wildlife and ruin the experience for other visitors, conservationists say.

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg on Tuesday announced a $3 million policy to buy dedicated bike parks around Queensland, possibly by reclaiming state forests.

The step would address the problem of the noisy sport disturbing residential areas, and the cost of insurance, which has forced private parks to close down, Mr Springborg said.

"It will mean that we can have safe, disciplined, coordinated environments and also places where we know that urban residents are going to have the peace and harmony that they deserve themselves," he told reporters in Ipswich, west of Brisbane.

Mr Springborg said the LNP was not opposed to resuming state forest land for the parks.

"What you can do in some areas is actually have a harmonious cooperation (between) the state forest land or vacant crown land and the needs of other recreational users," he said.

"That's actually provided for in legislation at the moment, and with a proper set of rules, a proper set or regulations, it is not inconsistent to be able to ride trail bikes through some of that land which is not as environmentally sensitive."

But Dr Martin Taylor, protected areas policy manager for conservation group WWF, said forest animals as well as human visitors also had a right to peace and quiet.

"Trail bikes and roadways in general are highly disruptive to native fauna," Dr Taylor said.

"They are very noisy, churn up soil, lead to significant land degradation and interfere with the recreational interests of the vast majority of the public who just want to picnic, walk around or quietly enjoy natural areas."

Queensland Greens candidate for Beaudesert, Andy Grodecki, said state forests existed for the purpose of conservation and the quiet enjoyment of the public.

"Making a blanket move to consider revoking these shows the colours of the LNP in terms of where they place protection of the environment over recreational use for some individuals," Mr Grodecki said.

"Finding locations in already cleared areas would be much more desirable."

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