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Oxford Falls - Morgan Road Tracks


MattPhotos's picture

By MattPhotos - Posted on 12 February 2012

Hi

I've been browsing the site and forums over the last few years and enjoy what a great local resource it can be!

I live in Narrabeen and walk around the bush in Oxford Falls frequently. No agenda, just nature photography etc. Obviously I notice a mixture of MTB and power bikes.
I've seen discussions/maps on the site regarding tracks that are not to be ridden ie Moon Rock/Little Moab/Chicken Run/Lookout. I haven't noticed signs on these tracks for a while and wondered if anyone knew what's up?
All of these track had fresh tracks again early this morning.. even after the deluge yesterday arvo.

I should say I'm not accusing anyone, just, this site is the only MTB site I read Smiling

I also wonder why the engravings @ "Moon Rock" aren't protected? People are still riding over them.. What is the current situation specifically with that track?

Thanks ,

Matt
(sent this as an email to @admin, and was referred here//registered to post)

Simon's picture

Hi Matt

We are meeting with MALC in the next month to discuss Moon Rock and other sites.

Officially the areas with the carvings are out of bounds and the fine for unintentional damage by an individual is I believe now up to $110,000 and up to 6 months jail.

Intentional damage is up to $550,000 and up to two years jail for an individual.

The other tracks you refer to have a history of being ridden over the last 30 years including sanctioned races. The tracks in part originated from heavy vehicle access routes. I understand that in some parts of the track, which has now reverted mostly to single track, tracked vehicle marks are still visible.

However since 2008 they have been out of bounds following a shift in Garigal Park boundaries (title searches) and the enforcement of the PoM following justifiable (in some track segments) concerns by green groups.

This change in access triggered local efforts in advocacy, to address the issues raised by green groups, by NobMob and founding members of TrailCare. This coincided with combined efforts by other groups across the State resulting in OEH/NPWS under going a few years of State wide consultation with green groups and riders.

Numerous and mainly supportive public submissions, which dwarfed the numbers received for State Health reform and Barangaroo, were received by the government. The result to date is the new OEH Mountain Bike Policy and Strategy in October 2011 and the formation of the Sydney North NPWS Mountain Bike Advisory Committee (TrailCare, IMBA, Councils, green groups, other user groups) to review new and upgraded mountain bike specific and shared access single track in NP's.

The new Policy and Strategy brings NSW in line with most other States and also internationally in terms of paperwork. As you can see we are still in the early stages of resolving issues on the ground.

The track closures have been widely respected, unfortunately a minority still ride there. Some have been fined. Prior to closure these tracks were close in popularity to Manly Dam.

Simon
President
TrailCare

MattPhotos's picture

Hi Simon,
Thanks for the reply.
I'm glad to hear that current action is being taken, and that a group named TrailCare is even in existence! It's also appealing to notice that you guys seem all over it, in terms of knowledge and information, and spreading it.
I guess we can only hope that an ample resolution eventuates and it's one we can all benefit from. I know I'll be keeping an eye on it from here on in. Thanks for the information.

As the forum is publicly viewable I've been able to read that a good percentage of riders that log on here have their heads screwed on right and use the area with the respect it deserves. It's a beautiful place where it's easy to view the surrounding area as if you were the only one around for miles.
Sometimes you are Smiling

Matt

Also thanks to everyone for maintaining a great resource that this website is.

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