A local resident has raised urgent concerns over a mountain bike track at the Woorarra Lookout Reserve in Elanora Heights that has allegedly been illegally built.
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The resident contacted the Northern Beaches Council to report that the track is causing permanent damage to the fragile ecosystem in the reserve, which is home to rare and endangered plant species.
The mountain bikers have reportedly cleared vegetation, dug into the soil, modified sandstone rocks, and created ramps and jumps along the track. This has led to habitat and species loss, as well as severe erosion in parts of the reserve.
Woorara Reserve borders the Deep Creek Reserve and contains sensitive bushland that supports threatened ecological communities. Community bushcare groups have worked for decades to regenerate the area after decades of degradation.
The construction of the illegal track directly opposes Council rules and regulations put in place to protect such endangered environments. It also excludes the wider community from enjoying the public green space.
This incident highlights an ongoing issue across Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where illegal mountain bike tracks are being built in public reserves and parks to the detriment of the natural habitat. Dangerous tracks have appeared in places like Warriewood, Mona Vale, Newport, Avalon, and Narrabeen.
Concerned groups claim the problem has resulted in injuries to children, anti-social behaviour, and threats against park users.
In a Facebook post, one resident expressed shock at the damage that has allegedly been done by local kids in Elanora Heights’ Woorarra Lookout Reserve.
The resident claimed that whilst sitting in the reserve in an area that was illegally cleared to build mountain bike jumps, they were subjected to appalling abuse.
The resident alleged that they were sworn at, spat at, verbally abused, had rocks thrown at them, and received threats from young boys from the local community. The resident condemned the antisocial and threatening behaviour they faced whilst visiting the reserve.
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The fate of the fragile Woorara Lookout Reserve now lies in the hands of the Council, who must decide how to balance recreational interests with conservation and community safety.
Published 1-November-2023