For those interested I'm putting together a written submission. As per Sue2's suggestion, it's probably a good idea to spell out what mountain bikers might want and what the associated benefits are.
I've emailed SEQ Catchments and they've suggested that would be a good idea. The submission needs to be in by 16th of December. So if you have any ideas, comments or suggestions, post them here or email me.
@SEQ Catchments
Submissions need to be in by the 16th of December.
Submissions mad to date have been of varied composition, I wouldn’t worry too much about the formalities of it all. Just make sure the document states your ideas for the corridor, and any issues or comments etc. that you would like to make.
I will ensure it gets to the correct people upon submission.
For a start, I think what the Bushrangesrs are doing on the Sunshine Coast is along the lines of what I would like to see out of this corridor. Since there isn't a lot of time, I thought the stated Goals for that project would be pretty similar to what many would be happy with.
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Great Rides Project Goals
A human powered trail system connecting the Sunshine Coast from north to south, east to west through the melding of existing tracks & trails, easements, pathways for all non-motorized pursuits.
Primary objectives of this project;
- To ensure the wider community and visitor’s the opportunity to experience some “remoteness” the unique environments on our Coast, those special places that you would never be seen from a train, plane, bus or casino.
- To provide a vital “eco-tourism” project that provides attractors for a new type of active visitor. The world wide trend to active tourism is truly under developed in this region, as studies indicate.
- Ensure that the trail system is usable to a broad range of the community IE: multi –use were possible, handicapped and adaptive sport trail sections within the system, a trail grade of no more than 5% for 95% of the trail. Local connections (nodes) via a natural trail system utilizing some existing networks and easements/fire roads/reserves.
- Maintain an environmental and cultural ethos with research during the study phase and conservation maintenance of the environment during and after construction.
- The usage of the trail would not be restricted to single-use; it would be primarily non- motorized, with some exception for handicap access shuttles and maintenance services.
- Provide a safer alternative for off-road travel; International Mt. Bike Assoc. (I.M.B.A.) standard trails that are under the tree canopy for shade were possible, way-marked for ease of navigation.
- Ideally the trail project will provide business stimulus and local employment, contractors, staff training in a diverse range of areas from construction through to cultural interpretation...
- Ensure that trail heads of each section begin and finish within easy access of a village node (accommodation and hospitality).This could be a 5 day adventure for some, conversely day trips for others. A trail for every -body.
- Establish a management working group to manage and maintain the project during feasibility planning, construction, and into the future. Establish a Memorandum of Understanding MOU with stakeholders during this phase.
- Aim to be Eco-tourism certified within 6 months of the first trail phase opening /2012-13
- Build a “Social enterprise” from a single project.
