Joint Statement:
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Phil Reeves
Monday, November 30, 2009
State and local government deliver first major trail bike facility for SEQ
The Premier has announced that 745 ha of State Government land at Wyaralong, near Beaudesert will be set aside for SEQ’s first dedicated trail bike facility.
Premier Anna Bligh and Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said the Council of Mayors (SEQ) had agreed to support and jointly fund the development of the new facility on the State-owned land.
The Government will provide $1 million in funding and 745 ha of land to the project which is expected to have an overall cost of between $3 million and $4 million.
Ms Bligh made the announcement at her 20th Community Cabinet as Premier at Forest Lake in Brisbane’s western suburbs.
“Off-road trail bike riding is a legitimate recreational pursuit that is becoming increasingly popular in Queensland,” said the Premier.
“But illegal trail bike riding is a major issue in our suburbs and this new facility will give people a place to ride their motorbikes legally.
“Trail biking is a fantastic and exciting sport but it requires careful management in appropriate environments.
“That’s why the Government is devoting land and $1 million in funding for this new trail bike facility planned for Wyaralong.
“We are responding to the needs of local residents and riders, while also ensuring they do not impact on the natural environment.”
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chairman, Cr Campbell Newman, said South East Queensland's 230,000 trail bike riders need more legal and safe riding options that won't disturb local neighbours.
"This is the best solution to trying to reduce illegal riding in unsuitable sites that adversely affect local residents and the environment," Cr Newman said.
"The Council of Mayors (SEQ) has been working in partnership with the State Government to identify a suitable major facility site over the past year.
"We welcome the State Government's commitment and are willing to keep working with them to identify a suitable operator to develop and manage the site effectively and safely.
"This is a very good outcome for both trail bike riders and SEQ residents."
Planning for Stage 1 of the park is expected to be completed mid next year when the Council of Mayors will take over responsibility for its construction.
Stage 1 is likely to involve a basic camping facility, about 30 km of trail, signage, a natural terrain motocross course, a parking area and toilets.
Stage 2 of the park will provide improved camping facilities (with power, showers), a constructed motocross track (including race tower, spectator area, starting gates), additional trails and signage, and a kiosk/café.
“This site at Wyaralong, near Beaudesert, was identified because its terrain is well suited for trail bike riding. The natural topography of the area also means that noise and dust will be largely contained in the park area,” said the Premier.
“The location is also one that can be easily accessed by trail bike riders from all over the South East and especially Ipswich, the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Toowoomba.”
Minister Reeves said the State Government has been working in partnership with the Council of Mayors (SEQ) to help identify suitable land in the south east for regional trail bike facilities.
“Queensland’s booming population has made it increasingly difficult for councils to deliver these types of facilities so the state government agreed to partner with the Council of Mayors (SEQ)” said the Minister.
“This is the first major regional facility, however councils will continue to identify other smaller facilities to complement the Wyaralong site.”
The development of the Wyaralong site is part of the Queensland Government’s commitment under Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland to protect 50 per cent more land for nature conversation and public recreation.
Scenic Rim Regional Council Mayor and Deputy Chair of the Council of Mayors (SEQ), John Brent, said he strongly backed the project and said it offered many benefits to his constituents and to all communities throughout the region.
"This will be a great facility for local residents and it will attract visitors from all over South East Queensland to our area," he said.
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