NSW National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS) and Wollongong City Council are creating a mountain bike track network and are calling for input from the community on supporting infrastructure for the Kembla Heights portion. Photo: Envato/realsportsphotos.
The chance to provide feedback and ideas on the Kembla Heights portion of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS) mountain bike track network project is coming to a close.
The proposal includes new infrastructure such as toilets, bins and parking to support a suitable mountain biking experience, built with consideration of the environmental and cultural value of the escarpment and the local community.
NPWS has been working with Wollongong City Council since 2015 to investigate the best way to provide a sustainable mountain bike network.
The council is moving to the next stage with two projects for mountain bike track supporting infrastructure. Community members have until Monday 8 May to provide feedback on the proposed supporting infrastructure in Kembla Heights.
Consultation for community feedback on the Balgownie project has closed, but the proposal remains for viewing.
The council hopes to gather feedback directly from residents on the location and types of facilities to be put in place to minimise impacts on the natural environment and those who live in the area.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said the proposed upgrades would complement NPWS’s design and build the tracks to “provide and improve riding opportunities for mountain bike riders”.
“We expect that the demands and impacts of mountain biking on the Illawarra escarpment will continue to increase,” he said.
“Council’s goal is to manage this interest by making sure the tracks are not only sustainable and safe for riders to use but also prioritise the cultural and natural values of the escarpment.
“At the end of the day, we all need to share this space so that our community can continue to enjoy the Illawarra escarpment for all its beauty and potential.”
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said the goal was to build a network of sustainable and safe mountain biking tracks while reducing impact on the natural environment and local community. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Feedback received during this consultation will be used to finalise the concept design, which council will share with the community for further input.
The proposal includes additional carparking and new footpaths on Harry Graham Drive, close to the Wollongong Motorcycle Club, kerb and intersection improvements and improvements to the existing unsealed gravel carpark near the Wollongong Motorcycle Club (including retaining walls).
It also includes new blade, wayfinding and cyclist crossing warning signage, future improvements to the trail entry and exit on Harry Graham Drive, safety fencing/barriers to the edge of the carpark near the bowling club and a new carpark near the bowling club with accessible parking.
Upon completion of the Kembla Heights supporting infrastructure design, the council will commence work in stages.
Detailed concept plans, FAQs and maps of the sites are available on the Our Wollongong website.
Community members have until Monday 8 May to provide feedback on the proposed supporting infrastructure in Kembla Heights via Our Wollongong.
Consultation for community feedback on the Balgownie project has closed, but the proposal remains for viewing on Our Wollongong. It includes new on-street parking bays, toilets and upgraded or new pedestrian/cyclist crossing facilities.
For more information about all the cycling options available in Wollongong, visit Bike City.
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