SHANE Rattenbury is asking for community views on the proposed upgrade of the mountain bike trail network at Isaacs Ridge pines.

“Isaacs Ridge pines in Canberra’s south is a popular venue for downhill mountain biking, equestrian activities, trail running, orienteering and other recreational pursuits,” Shane said.

“The area includes approximately 23 hectares of ACT Government commercial pine plantation and over time numerous unofficial downhill mountain bike trails have been established.

“The ACT Parks and Conservation Service is seeking to work with the community and all the recreation users of the area to formalise the existing trails and make them safe and sustainable for everyone.

“While mountain bike riding is permitted on most formed trails within nature reserves, there is a shortage of purpose built downhill mountain bike trails in the ACT. Community feedback suggests a strong need for more designated places to manage this use.

“Providing designated mountain bike trails in the Isaacs Ridge pine plantation will help stop the proliferation and use of illegal trails in more sensitive ecological areas of the nature reserve.

“To ensure the best possible outcome for Isaacs Ridge, I’m inviting feedback from the community to ensure the upgraded trail network meets the needs of all recreation users of the area, while providing purpose built formal mountain bike trails which are easy to access.

“These works align with the recently released discussion paper on mountain biking, which will help to guide growth of mountain biking in the ACT, both in terms of participation and tourism opportunities, and responsible use of the environment.

“The Isaacs Ridge pines trail network project will also seek to establish a working group who will help maintain the integrity of the Isaacs Ridge recreational area through volunteer activities – similar to the role played by ACT Park Care groups.”

A drop-in information session about the project will be held from 6 pm to 8. 30 pm on Tuesday 18 August at the Hellenic Club Woden. There will be a short presentation at 6.45 pm. Alternatively, you can complete an online survey available at timetotalk.act.gov.au or pick up a hardcopy survey from the Woden and Erindale public libraries. Consultation closes 5 pm Wednesday 2 September 2015.

“This is a great opportunity for members of the community to become directly involved in the future of Isaacs Ridge. I strongly encourage anyone interested to get involved and contribute their ideas and feedback,”Mr Rattenbury concluded.

For more information or to get involved with the consultation visit timetotalk.gov.au