Bikes ‘to trash park after cut’

Erin Pearson
ILLEGAL trail bike riding will continue damaging Otways National Park after State Government pulled funding for a committee tackling the problem, according to an environmentalist.
Joan Lindros, who is also president of Geelong Environment Council, said the committee could no longer install wire fencing and carry out other work to protect native plans and animals.
Ms Lindros said the committee would not have to disband.
“The Government set aside so many millions of dollars for five regions in Victoria with trail bike problems and when that was spent we were left out.
“We’re worried the trail bike committee’s end will send the message to riders that they can do what they like out there.”
“There is a culture out there where not all riders stick to rules and have made hundreds of eroded single line tracks. They ride through the bush and the soil erodes.
“In some places the ruts are five feet deep.”
A Department of Sustainability and Environment spokesperson said a “change of focus” meant the committee’s “outlook would change”.
“Many of the initial goals and objectives of the project have progressed and DSE is currently considering the next steps.
“In the meantime, DSE encourages trail bike riders to use state forest in a way that protects the environment and respects others.”
The department said the committee would continue meeting once a year for the next two years without funding.
Environment Minister Gavin Jennings did not respond to the Independent’s call for comment.