SHANE Rattenbury has released the Majura Pines Recreation Concept Master Plan (complete with whizzy word clouds) which will guide the future planning, development and management of Majura Pines.

“The Majura Pines are a fantastic feature of Canberra’s outdoor recreational scene and they’ve been enjoyed by many Canberrans and visitors over the years for walking, running, mountain biking, orienteering, horse riding and simply enjoying the great outdoors we are so lucky to have in the Bush Capital,” Shane said.

“With the new Majura Parkway cutting through the Pines it’s important that we find a way to protect this facility for future use. This is also an opportunity to revamp and improve the Majura Pines for the future.

“In this context TAMS consulted with the community to develop a Majura Pines Master Plan. TAMS received feedback from over 680 people, which is an indicator of how popular the area is and how enthusiastic people are to see it transformed into a great recreation site.

“New trails with various levels of difficulty were identified as the highest priority by 82 per cent of respondents. The public also requested directional and interpretive signage, drinking water points, informal seating, toilets and car parking.

“Works to begin before the end of this year will include the construction of a trunk loop trail linking different areas of the park, several downhill mountain bike trails, drinking water points, signage, informal rest areas and cavalettis for horse riders.

“The work will leverage the construction underway on the Majura Parkway with the gravel car park accessed from the former Majura Road to be regraded and resurfaced as part of the Majura Parkway construction works.