IMBA Australia have been continuing work with NSW NPWS on the development of a multi use trail in Livingstone National Park. NSW NPWS have finalised a review of Environmental factors and the tender for the construction of the trail is currently out on https//tenders.nsw.gov.au/
The construction should commence sometime soon with construction to be finalised by March 2012. (Depending on the budget only part of the trail may be built)
We have been advised that NSW NPWS have now closed ALL user created single track since November 4th to deter motorbike riders from riding the newly constructed multi use trail. The fire trails will still be OK to ride (Not the same I know)
I assume cameras will be in place along these singletracks so please do the right thing and stay off the trails.
I know this was not quite the outcome we were looking for – as Nick Bowman of IMBA Aust. states “This initial stage represents just 10km of brand new trail” but more blue trails are possible once the 10km blue loop is in operation and all stakeholders are on board and we can work to expand the network.
“It should also be noted that IMBA Au has recommended that the existing trails are well outside the guidelines and should be rehabilitated; hence a full trail network design should be engaged when funds are available (reroutes and upgrades). This recommendation was made against the IMBA trail development guidelines and with the understanding that the new loop will be promoted and you may see a significant increase in trail users once the network is formalised.
I know 10km green loop sounds seems like a loss, but it needs to be seen as a stepping stone to a much more socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable trail network. It is but stage 1 of the “stacked loop network” concept. : )
You certainly have IMBA Au support in ensuring that the remaining trails are improved and retained and possibly replaced. I think a 30 to 40km network of high quality trails should be the ultimate goal. This is an ambitious goal and it may be a 5 year process and we still have some work to do with Parks NSW. It’s the precautionary principle in full swing.”
6Hour Enduro