I just emailed this to the taskforce (see Tourism and NSW national parks) and will send hardcopy tomorrow. As they've moved the date there's plenty more time for writing and hope this will encourage others.

The Secretary
Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks
GPO Box 7050
Sydney 2001

July 8 2008

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to your invitation for submissions on the Ministerial Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks in NSW.

Some time ago I was a tourist visiting Sydney and was introduced to a number of National Parks at that time. I now live in Sydney and make much use of urban National Parks in the area, and given the impression left from early visits make it a priority to take any out of town or overseas visitor to any parks I can. In addition to this when planning short breaks I will often include a visit to National Parks further afield, once again becoming a tourist visitor to these places.

From experience described above there are a few points that I believe should help visitation as part of your plan. These points are summarised first, then explained more fully after, I hope this aids your reporting processes.

So, to summarise:

• Better general promotion both on-line and in popular tourist spots.
• Examples of activities/suggested itineraries to draw visitors into parks.
• No visitor centres in remote locations – only the bare essentials, probably staff free.
• Public transport infrastructure to urban National Parks.
• No motorised activities.
• Equality of walking and cycling access on all trails.
• Update the cycling policy and make it more consistent across all parks.
• Better planning of tracks & trails.
• Return single track alongside existing one way firetrails.

Anthony Seiver looks at why regulating mountain bike riding in national parks is necessary and ultimately in the best interests of the sport.

The regulation of mountain biking riding in national parks triggers condemnation from some riders and acceptance from others. Those who condemn the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) feel that there should be no or few controls on mountain biking in national parks because it is public space and they believe that it has no impacts. More reasonable riders accept that NPWS has to regulate mountain biking to find the balance between conservation, public safety and our right to enjoy our sport. The Royal National Park to the south of Sydney provides examples of good and bad regulation. I have closely observed mountain bike regulation in the Royal and my attitude has changed from condemning NPWS' heavy-handed imposition of mountain bike regulation in 2001 to an acceptance of its need. This article outlines the reasons for my shift in attitude by identifying why and how mountain bike riding in national parks should be regulated.

Some rather exciting news that could mean better access to NSW National Parks may be forthcoming in the future.

The NSW Government's State Plan seeks to increase visitation to our national parks, and reserves by 20 per cent by 2016. To meet this target it is vital that we provide high quality and diverse visitor experiences and promote these special places effectively, while ensuring the protection of their conservation values.

...

Submissions are invited from interested individuals and organisations on tourism and national parks. Written submissions are invited, and should be lodged by close of business Monday 29 August 2008.

Yes - I know - August 29 this year is not a Monday, they must mean the Friday that week.

The addresses for submission are on the page this was taken from here:

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/commercial/tourismtaskforce.htm

Any suggestions about what needs to be said in response? If you do write can you please post about it in the Action I've Taken forum.

activity , I don't want to see that either , all I want is to be able to ride in the bush without fear of a fine .
But what ! should we just throw our hands up give up and accept this with out at least chalenging this blanket ban on our sport?
Well Im not so here is my 00.2c worth at least its something.
You might think me naive but without a lobby and no voice of opposition NOTHING will happen.
Here is the letter I just sent to the Environment Minister Verity FirthDear Minister ,

Verity Firth re: NPWS TASKFORCE

Dear Minister

Here's an interesting article from SMH:

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/new-airport-fast-train/2008/06/10/12...

AN INTERNATIONAL airport should be built at Newcastle with a fast train link to Sydney, national parks should be opened for commercial tourism and Sydney should be rebranded as a global tourist destination, says a scathing report on the State Government's handling of tourism since the 2000 Olympics.

In response to a number of comments on here about riding single track in National Parks.

Yes, we all know NOW that riding single track in National Parks is illegal. Actually, I think this was first drawn to my attention a while back when Alchemist mentioned the riding at Bantry Bay. There didn't used to be signs at Bantry Bay (nor Oxford Falls for that matter) so I didn't even know this was National Park, let alone the rule about single track.

The Australian Horse Alliance are one group we need to talk to as they seem to have been fighting this good fight longer then us.

I searched the NPWS site last night using the "keyword" [Mountain Bike trails] and can you believe a "0" result to my search even though the Royal National Park has "Official" mountain bike trails.

For unknown technical reasons I didn't get this email from the rangers until today, the news below was sent to us on Friday from local NPWS rangers. Apologies for the delay.

What follows is the update quoted in full.

I was at the Dam today and went over the Bantry Bay. There is now a no bikes sign at the start of the singletrack. It also has a little comment about it being a Aboriginal site.

Is this new? It's been a fair few weeks since I been there.

Unfortunately I still saw plenty of bikes riding out of there who obviously ignored the signs.

I have been in contact with the Garigal NP rangers regarding stakes and logs and other entry prevention methods at Cascades. This was brought up in the none too tactful Cascades - NPWS Stupid, Dangerous and Ugly post.

Their explanation is below...