In a move aimed at revitalising local tourism and catering to outdoor enthusiasts, the Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) has approved the much-anticipated development application (DA) for upgrades to the Tyrolean shared trails.
PHOTO: Two riders take in the view of Lake Jindabyne. CREDIT: Jindabyne Trail Stewardship (JTS).
The decision came during an ordinary meeting today, Thursday, February 20, following a detailed discussion of the region’s mountain biking infrastructure and its potential impact on the local economy and environment.
The project seeks to breathe new life into the Tyrolean and Mill Creek trail network surrounding Lake Jindabyne, building on an existing 29 km of trails. Upgrades include the refurbishment of trails and the creation of 7.64 km of new paths featuring downhill flow tracks, popular among contemporary riders.
PHOTO: The upgrades will focus on trails for a range of ability levels.
Paul Gardner, a prominent figure in the region’s biking community and director at Rolling Ground Jindabyne, addressed the council in a motion prior to the vote, highlighting the once-flourishing biking tourism between 2010 and 2018.
“We were the country’s number one destination for mountain biking,” he recalled, citing a subsequent dip in developments, as contributing to a 60% decrease in tourist numbers. Gardner emphasised the need to revisit development plans and consult with world-class local trail experts to rejuvenate tourism and community spirit.
Gardner further stressed the importance of the Tyrolean upgrades but cautioned against expecting them to replicate larger projects like Derby or Thredbo, noting, “It’s never going to be a Derby or a Narooma, but it’s part of the puzzle.”
The council’s decision was not without its controversies. Councillor Williamson, the only vote against the DA, voiced apprehensions regarding the potential presence of critically endangered species. “All I’m asking is where we’re putting the trail – is there critically endangered species?” he queried.
The matter was passed to Peter Smith, Acting Manager of the Built and Natural Environment, who clarified that the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Science had reviewed the project’s biodiversity calculations and had not flagged any impediments to proceeding. “If it was deemed critically endangered, we would be informed that we can no longer proceed,” Mr Smith said.
Councillor Rose supported the development, stating, “Today, let’s try and get the money spent appropriately, rather than just let the time go by.” Councillor Rose acknowledged bureaucratic hurdles during debate as having previously stalled progress, stressing the minimal environmental impact given the project’s scale.
“I don’t care how many endangered species we knock down, it’s only 3.8 hectares so let’s get rid of them, and get the bike paths up,” Councillor Rose said.
Councillor Summers, while sharing environmental concerns, remarked on the current unregulated use of the trails. “Once this DA gets up and is in place, we’ll have a regulated environment where we can work with the stewards to ensure we look after the environment,” Summers said, labelling the development a “win-win”.
PHOTO: Jindabyne Trail Stewardship.
Though facing a myriad of challenges, the approval marks a significant step toward revitalising mountain biking in the Snowy Mountains. Councillor Davis underscored the importance of progressing to the next phase.
“We could extend it for another month but it’s not going to make a difference to the outcome of the DA, we need to approve it and we need to get on with the job, and get this project out to tender ASAP,” she said.
With the regional mountain biking scene having stagnated in recent years, the trail expansion and upgrades represent a tangible commitment to promoting tourism, while maintaining environmental stewardship.