Leave No Trace Australia (LNTA) have developed minimal impact education resources for
4Wheel Drive enthusiasts and Trail Bike riders in the Greater Sydney area as part of the Mid
Georges River Sustainability Initiative (MGRSI).
The MGRSI, funded by the NSW Environmental Trust, is a group that includes Bankstown and
Sutherland Councils, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Georges River Combined
Councils Committee.
LNTA’s Executive Director Cameron Crowe said motorised recreation was a popular pastime for
a growing number of people and it was important that environmental and social impacts were
minimised so that people were able to continue to recreate without degrading the environment
or impinging on other people’s enjoyment.
“A number of factors are critical issues for 4WD and Trail Bike enthusiasts to maintain access to
areas they currently enjoy” he said.
“Noise is the number one issue for trail bike riders in terms of social impacts, with biosecurity,
fire, erosion, and waste disposal being key environmental issues.”
“Campfire escapes have resulted in major wild-fire incidents in other parts of Australia, and
Phytophthora dieback spread via soil being transported in warm, wet conditions another major
issue.”
“The emergence of Myrtle Rust in 2010 in New South Wales has already impacted on access to
sites for recreation with Hornsby Council temporarily closing tracks to walkers and numerous
instances of spread being recorded from activity in the bush” he said.
The production of these materials will provide much needed education for people seeking to
access the region for motorised recreation.
With continued population growth and a range of land management challenges to accommodate
a variety of activities across the greater Sydney region, it is important that all groups and
individuals continue to improve their knowledge and minimal impact skills to ensure a healthy
environment available for all to use.
END
Contact: Cameron Crowe
Executive Director
Leave No Trace Australia
Download press-realise GEORGES RIVER SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE: LEAVE NO TRACE 4WD AND TRAIL BIKE RIDERS MATERIALS.