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Show of Support Critical for Hornsby Mountain Bike Track


hawkeye's picture

By hawkeye - Posted on 13 May 2012

Residents are opposing key sections of the mountain bike trail in Old Man's Valley.

This is a reprise of last month's meeting that was cancelled due to the staff report not being completed in time. If you could please show your support by turning up and applauding loudly when the pro-trail speakers address Councillors it will be enormously helpful. Please click to show you are attending.

Details here: http://nobmob.com/node/35799/

Last month, some residents complained that the trail was "too close" to their backyards and complained about lack of privacy. Interestingly, a google maps search shows that many of the complainants in Dural St have "extended" their back yard areas by encroaching 10-20 metres into Council and road reserves. http://hornsby-advocate.whereilive.com.au/news/s...

This time around, residents are raising the technical difficulty of the section near their homes as a reason for not doing it:
http://hornsby-advocate.whereilive.com.au/news/s...

“That part of the track is not anywhere near Old Mans Valley and it’s actually in a conservation area designated by council itself. “It also runs between big rocks - there are big drops there and people are going to get injured.”

Hornsby Council Chambers
296 Pacific Highway Hornsby

There is some uncertainty about whether the meeting is to commence at 6:30pm (as reported by the Advocate) or 7:00 as advised by Council. If you could be there by 6:30pm just in case it would be appreciated. I'm advised it should be over by 7:45pm.

Winco's picture

I have written a short - sharp letter complimenting the council for this initiative, indicating my age (52) and my partners age (it would be too ungentlemanly of me to mention here) and why we will appreciate riding the proposed mountain bike trail in Old Man's Valley, Hornsby i.e. away from road traffic, fresh air, flora and fauna, health benefits and adding to the value of the local community. I also indicated we would be up for volunteering to assist council rangers maintain the trail if they required it. I kept it short, to the point and ensured it was the council that received the recognition for this proposed initiative.

I now ask all you boys and girls out there to write one paragraph, only one is needed, and email to this list below (copy and paste addresses into a single email) and CC to HSMBA Info so these guys know how much support is coming through. Please take 5 mins. No more is needed.

Key points to base your short email on:

• Congratulate the council & local MP on the initiative
• How you feel this is going to add value to the local community amenities and enhance Hornsby's reputation
• Make mention of your age and how many in your family ride e.g do you have young kids that ride, granddad/ma now riding, etc
• Your love, appreciation and care for the local bush/environment/flora/fauna/fresh air/health benefits, etc
• Your willingness to volunteer for trail maintenance if requested by council
• Another final congratulations to end the email
• Make no mention of potential objections. Stay positive.

[email protected]
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[email protected]

5 mins. That's all. Smiling Thanks - Winco

Winco's picture

Myself, along with my partner, Sue, will be attending this Weds council session in Hornsby. Sue is intending to speak. She's a newbie rider, a professional senior executive, a very good public speaker and is passionate about more trails like this being built to ride locally. You are welcome to speak too but just to turn up, cheer and support those wanting the trail built will make a HUGE difference on the night. It will be over by 7:30pm latest.

To speak, please call council on 02 9847 6999 to book your spot.
The meeting starts at 6:30PM Wed 16/5. This item should be on at about 6:50PM. If you want to talk then you should turn up at 6:30PM. If you talk, please email HSMBA Info so that they have an idea on how many they have.

If not to speak, please just turn up. EVEN IF YOU DO NOT LIVE LOCALLY TO HORNSBY. Your investment in time will reap dividends later when you are riding the trail with a big grin on your face!
Hornsby council chambers is located close to the railway station - 296 Pacific Highway Hornsby. Google maps URL http://g.co/maps/28n2y

Don't leave it to others. We may not get this through without the visual support on many attending on Weds night.

DudeistPriest's picture

Done

Hans's picture

Just a thought....

I noticed from other (successful) petitions that people from a diverse background (mothers, seniors, kids, business people ...) showed up wearing their bike helmet at council meetings. Easy to identify, shows sensibility and probably less 'racy' and more socially acceptable than tight lycra or funky MTB jerseys with logos etc....

Easy to spot who is in support....even if you just see the head. Eye-wink

Example:

AdrianG's picture

Great work Hawkeye, in following this up and rallying the troops. I'm sorry I didn't see notice of the event until after; would've been proud to have made a contribution.

Great job you also Nimco, for getting the email trail happening.

A stream of positive feedback from our community won't simply encourage the Hornsby Council and make them feel good about this decision. Our collective good conduct surely won't go unnoticed and will no doubt help inspire and guide other councils who face similar decisions in future.

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