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Illegal BMX track at Cape Woolamai removed by Bass Coast Council due to community safety and environmental concerns

Bass Coast Council removed an illegal BMX track at Cape Woolamai due to community safety and environmental concerns. They'll reforest the area and plan suitable locations for new facilities.

By news@gippsland - 14th July 2023 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council has removed an illegal BMX track from foreshore vegetation at Cape Woolamai, amid concerns about community safety and environmental damage. Acting on several reports from the community about the destruction of native vegetation, council took immediate action to level the track at Cleeland Bight. Council will fence off the area and soon embark on an intensive revegetation program of indigenous plants to restore habitat at the stripped site.

Upon receiving reports of native vegetation destruction, the council promptly levelled the track and will revegetate the area

Combating vandalism

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan, said Cleeland Bight was one of several sites across the shire being investigated for vandalism to trees and vegetation in recent months. "Bass Coast Shire Council will not tolerate the illegal removal of vegetation and vandalism to trees in any form. We take all incidents very seriously."

"While we appreciate that riders want to enjoy time in nature partaking in a recreational activity they love, it should not come at a cost to the environment or public safety. The foreshore area at Cape Woolamai is Crown Land, of which council is the custodian. It is our duty to protect these fragile coastal environments for the benefit of the entire community, including our native fauna and flora species," Cr Whelan said.

Exploring suitable locations

Council's newly formed Mountain Bike/BMX/Pump Track Reference Group is exploring suitable locations for new facilities across the shire. This includes ensuring that the construction of jumps and skills tracks are built on suitable land that does not contravene planning or land management requirements, cause environmental impacts or compromise public safety.

For more information, please contact Bass Coast Shire Council's Communications team communications@basscoast.vic.gov.au

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com