Trials Australia Forums

Nowhere left to ride!

As usual the Victorian Government is doing it again! The battle over planning laws is still a shadow hanging over many off road competitions held in this state (now being dubbed the “Nanny State”) but now it is public land that is the target. Many state forests have been almost totally swallowed by the swelling boundaries of National Parks and the trend continues. But to make things even worse in Victoria there seems to be a full on assault against anyone that wants more than to hug a tree!

The current target is the Otways south west of Geelong. Parks Vic and DSE are doing their best to close down ten of thousands of legal riding, driving and horse riding hectares.

Please see the link below to download the Draft Recreation and Tourism Access Plan. I have posted a proforma submission form for people to back the local efforts but feel free to add what ever you like and email it to the address on the bottom of the form. I am pleased to say the motorcycle industry is also starting to kick in with support. Peter Stevens Motorcycles will be distributing the submission form in their retail outlets across Melbourne and in Geelong whilst also providing info on the website. Otway Off Road motorcycle tours is also a keen supporter along with numerous KTM dealers that did a ride through the Otways recently.

This is no longer the thin edge of the wedge, please throw your leg over, kick the beast into life and help maintain a future for off road motorcycle riding by making a submission.

http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/3otwayfeed.cfm

BJ,
This is serious, not only for trials riders in general, but to all the Tour operators operating in the area. I thought the Gov. was trying to promote more business, not cut it out! I cant believe they want more for the Greenies.

Will print/post it today BJ. Sad to see how narrow the Gov's focus is on, utilizing the bush for tourism.

Over in the Strzelecki's we have lost access another way, where most of the forest on the ridge has been leased off to timber companies years ago (Kennet era) at $1/Hectare for 100 years. That allows them to burn whatever they like, replant it in Radiata Pine and Blue Gum's. They'll mess it up for the long term way more than any dirtbike. They also stop anyone riding or driving through any part of it, accept on main roads. Only 3 small parks in the range; Tarra Bulga, Morwell and Mt Worth.

Irritates the hell out of me , my inner anarchist comes out and I ride through it anyway. Haven't been caught yet, luckily. There's been a lot more signs going up to lately too, on the roads around Darlimurla trying to stop single track riding.

BJ, too bad thats the way its going over there, this can be dangerous for any future offroad activities, and before other states start to model on this **touching wood**.

I dont know if this helps, but I am posting a link to an association that has started in WA that has now some cred and clout. It was formed as a go between the Govt Depts and general public representation, and has affiliation with MWA now,so it represents a larger group.

It has now fought Shire Councils and won back the right to ride areas to be closed, challenged others for management or offroad areas and become alert to future intervention.
It has gained a lot of respect and support from the community at large now.
This affects all offroad activities from trail riders, MX, quads, enduro and trials for public areas accessible to be ridden from practice, learning, tuning and general fun.
I know trials is all run on private land over here, but the big picture is times are changing and we got to have a say in it before it gets decided by others for us.

You may want to touch base with Steve Pretzel the President and give him an overview and seek some advice, as this is right up his alley, - what you got nothing to lose but all to gain.

Recreational Trailbike Riders Association of WA
http://www.rtra.asn.au/
PS: have a look under the "News" section to see what has been achieved.

Cheers,
Roger

Thanks Sub

I'm hooking up with AMTRA, DSMRA, MRAA, OTR, Push for the Bush and anyone else that comes to hand. There is growing support for a protest ride to Spring St. (Parliament House Vic) but my rec reg won't let me take a trials bike into the big smoke. If I need to I think Peter Stevens Motorcycles will lend me a bike to take part. You are right, this is a national issue let us hope we get some support from the "Nah it won't happen" crowd that think they can operate under the radar. Radar is one thing, since Google Earth I think we all know everyone sees and knows if they bother to look.