New mountain bike tracks in the Blue Mountains - Minister Phillip Costa MP - 5 September 2009
Bush walkers and mountain bike riders will now have access to new tracks in the Blue Mountains with more than 1000 hectares of bushland opened up to the public, NSW Minister for Water, Phil Costa announced today.
Minister Costa said trails in the restricted water catchment areas around Woodford Dam, which is not currently being used as part of our water supply, will be opened up for recreational purposes.
“The Blue Mountains is known for its rugged and beautiful landscape - a beacon for people looking for adventure on their weekends and holidays.
“We’re opening up more than 1000 hectares of bushland for the people of Sydney to enjoy coming into Spring.
“These new changes are now in effect and will allow bike riders and bushwalkers to access nine kilometres of tracks around the pristine Woodford Lake.
“The Woodford Dam has not been used for water supply for close to a decade and we’re able to open up access to this area for the first time.
“Signage has been put in place to direct bushwalkers and bike riders around the tracks.
“Access to the dam and lake itself will still be prohibited so swimming and fishing won’t be permitted.”
Minister Costa said the decision was in response to a number of requests from the public during the exhibition of the Sydney Water Catchment Management Regulation 2008.
“We know from feedback from the public that people want more access to bush land for recreation use and we’ve identified two additional tracks in the Warragamba Special Area as potential tracks that can be opened up for mountain bikes.
“A 62 kilometre track from Blackheath to Yerranderie and an 11 kilometre track from Wentworth Falls to South Katoomba are currently under consideration for mountain bike riding access and will be on display for public feedback.
“While our chief priority is protecting Sydney’s drinking water - these routes are already available to bushwalkers and the Sydney Catchment Authority has considered providing access to mountain bikes would pose a low risk to water quality.
“I encourage the community to have a look at the proposed routes once on exhibition and provide their feedback.
“It is important to balance community demand for recreational use of the lands with environmental and water quality considerations.”
